African agribusinesses with a passion for food production now have the opportunity to apply for grant support under the Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP).
The AADP, jointly managed by Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Foreign Affairs, provides matched grant funding to support feasibility studies and full-scale commercial agri-food projects across eligible African countries.
Grant Categories
1. Feasibility Study Grants
Open to both Irish private sector organisations and companies registered in eligible African countries, this grant supports projects exploring commercial concepts and market opportunities. The goal is to contribute to the sustainable transformation of Africa’s agri-food sector.
2. Full Commercial Project Grants
This funding supports partnership-based applications between Irish and African private sector organisations. Projects must be innovative, scalable, and revenue-generating, with a strong emphasis on mutual trade, knowledge sharing, and sustainable development of Africa’s agri-food system.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
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Be a registered business in Ireland or one of the 19 eligible African countries for at least 24 months prior to application.
Eligible African countries include: Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Namibia, Nigeria, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. -
Eligible entities include micro-enterprises, SMEs, and larger companies.
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Proposals must:
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Be commercial in nature.
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Be implemented in one or more of the 19 eligible countries.
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Clearly justify the need for public funding.
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Demonstrate the applicant’s capacity—experience, skills, and governance—to deliver the project.
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Show sound financial management and anti-fraud systems.
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Explain how the project will share or develop expertise between Ireland and Africa.
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Outline how it will help strengthen trade links between the two regions.
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Ineligible Activities
AADP funding cannot be used for:
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Weapons, tobacco, alcohol, or gambling-related activities.
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Production of fossil fuels.
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Projects involving deforestation.
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Entities that violate international standards on ethics, labour, or sustainability.
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Activities involving permanent indoor housing or low-welfare animal practices.
How to Apply
Visit the official website here to download application forms for both grant categories.
Deadline
August 15, 2025
The Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP), administered by Ireland's Department of Agriculture and the Department of Foreign Affairs, offers matched grant funding for African agribusinesses focused on food production. There are two grant categories: Feasibility Study Grants for exploring commercial concepts and market opportunities, and Full Commercial Project Grants for innovative, scalable, and revenue-generating projects.
Eligibility requirements include being a registered business in Ireland or one of 19 eligible African countries for at least two years. Proposals must be commercial in nature, justify the need for funding, and demonstrate capacity for project delivery, sound financial management, and plans to enhance trade and share expertise between Ireland and Africa.
Ineligible activities for funding include those related to weapons, tobacco, alcohol, gambling, fossil fuel production, deforestation, and entities violating international standards. Applications can be submitted via the official website, with a deadline of August 15, 2025.
