Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility Now Accepting Startups Advancing Economic Mobility and Climate Resilience (Deadline: Ongoing)

Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility Opens Applications for High-Impact Startups in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania

The Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF) is now accepting applications from early-stage, high-impact startups focused on economic mobility and climate resilience in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. With a total pool of USD 4 million, the Facility seeks to invest in context-specific innovations that address systemic challenges and promote sustainable growth across these three countries.

Managed by Village Capital and supported by FMO (the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank) and RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency), the AECF is designed to bridge funding gaps for locally-led startups with scalable solutions. Ennovate Ventures, a regional partner with deep local insight, will support the evaluation and identification process as Venture Partner.

 Purpose of the Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility

The AECF was launched to invest in African startups that:

• Improve access to economic opportunities
• Enhance community resilience to the impacts of climate change
• Introduce sustainable, innovative models within the local ecosystem
• Align capital structure with startup growth strategies using innovative finance (e.g., debt-like instruments)

By supporting early-stage businesses solving local challenges, AECF aims to catalyze long-term socioeconomic development while addressing urgent climate and economic inequalities.

 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility, startups must meet all of the following requirements:

• Locally-led (founded or operated by individuals from the country of implementation)
•  Have raised less than USD 2 million in total to date
•  Show healthy unit economics with a clear path to financial sustainability
•  Be post-MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and already generating early revenue
•  Currently seeking to raise between USD 75,000 and USD 500,000
•  Offer context-specific solutions that enhance:
  • Economic mobility, and/or
  • Climate resilience
•  Be driving innovation through:
  • Process improvements
  • Business model innovation
  • Disruptive products or services

Startups that meet these criteria are encouraged to submit their screening forms for consideration.

 Investment Process and Timeline

The AECF follows a four-stage review and selection process, set to conclude by November 2025:

1. Shortlisting – Initial review of submissions based on eligibility and potential impact
2. Evaluation – Deeper analysis of market fit, business model, team, and traction
3. Due Diligence – Comprehensive assessment of operations, financials, and risks
4. Investment Committee – Final decisions made for investment by the committee

The Facility is committed to aligning its investment structures with each startup’s growth trajectory and capital needs using innovative financing tools.

 What Sets the AECF Apart

• Local Focus: Exclusively supports Ghanaian, Nigerian, and Tanzanian ventures
• Inclusive Innovation: Invests in startups addressing climate challenges and mobility gaps
• Smart Capital: Offers flexible capital structures, including debt-like instruments
• Strategic Partnerships: Operates with the backing of globally respected institutions (FMO, RVO)
• Expert Evaluation: Screened and supported by Ennovate Ventures, a team with in-depth regional knowledge

 How to Apply

Eligible startups are invited to complete the screening form and respond to open questions with answers no longer than 250 words per response.

For any queries regarding the screening process or eligibility, interested startups can reach out directly to:

Jasmine Abdallah – jasmine@ennovateventures.co
Husein Merchant – husein.merchant@vilcap.com

 About the Partners

• Village Capital: A global leader in entrepreneur support and impact investing, managing the facility’s strategic and operational execution.
• FMO: The Dutch development bank committed to empowering entrepreneurs in emerging markets to build a better world.
• RVO: The Netherlands Enterprise Agency works to strengthen sustainable development and international cooperation.
• Ennovate Ventures: A local venture-building and investment firm focused on supporting early-stage tech startups in East and West Africa.

If you’re building a high-impact, locally relevant solution that enhances economic mobility or climate resilience in Ghana, Nigeria, or Tanzania, this is your opportunity to scale with purpose.

Investment decisions will be finalized in November 2025.
Apply now and be part of the change.

Apply through Entrepreneur Support Organizations:

• Reach for Change (Ghana): July 21st, 2025
• Africa Fintech Foundry
• Fate Foundation (Nigeria): August 4th, 2025
• Anza Entrepreneurs
• Ennovate Ventures (Tanzania)

For More Information: