€250,000 in Matched Grant Funding for African-Irish Agri-Food Partnerships – Apply Now for AADP 2025: (Deadline 15 August, 2025)

Introduction

The Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) 2025 is now open for applications! Funded by the Government of Ireland, the AADP supports innovative partnerships between Irish and African agri-food businesses. With up to €250,000 in matched grant funding available, the programme empowers commercially driven solutions that enhance food systems, drive sustainability, and foster inclusive trade between Africa and Ireland.

About the AADP

The AADP is a key initiative of Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). It aims to stimulate partnerships that deliver commercial benefits while achieving sustainable development outcomes across the agri-food value chain. The programme particularly supports projects that:

• Build equitable, long-term business relationships

• Enhance climate-smart and circular agricultural practices

• Improve food security and rural livelihoods

• Foster innovation through joint ventures, cooperatives, SMEs, and agritechs

What’s on Offer?

The AADP offers two types of grant funding:

• Feasibility Studies: Up to €100,000 in matched funding

• Full Commercial Projects: Up to €250,000 in matched funding

Applicants must demonstrate at least 50% co-funding from their own or partner resources.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, projects must meet the following conditions:

• Be a joint commercial venture between a registered Irish company and a partner business in one of 19 eligible African countries

• Focus on agri-food or agri-tech innovations with a strong commercial and developmental impact

• Show clear potential for scalability and sustainability

• Be able to provide matching funds (AADP will cover up to 50% of total project costs)

Eligible African Countries Include:

Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others (check official list for updates).

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 15 August 2025

• Selection & Notification: Later in 2025

• Project Implementation Start: 2026

Who Should Apply?

The programme is ideal for:

• Agribusinesses

• Cooperatives

• Agri-tech startups

• Social enterprises

• Farmer networks

• Export-focused SMEs

• Sustainability-driven commercial partnerships

How to Apply

Applicants must complete and submit a detailed proposal outlining:

• The project concept

• Business and development objectives

• Budget and matching funds

• Risk and sustainability assessments

• Roles of both the Irish and African partners

For official guidelines, eligibility details, and application forms, visit the AADP website.

Need Proposal Support?

If you’re developing an AADP proposal and require strategic guidance, partnership sourcing, or professional proposal writing support send a direct message via LinkedIn to Dr. Gozie Edeh MD who will assist. As a fundraising strategist, he assists organisations in crafting strong, competitive applications aligned with donor priorities.

Conclusion

The AADP 2025 is more than a grant — it’s a platform to scale impact, strengthen partnerships, and drive inclusive, climate-smart agri-food transformation across Africa. If you’re ready to take your agri-food innovation to the next level, this is your chance.