Agri-Tech and Aqua-Tech Acceleration Programme

As part of the UNDP initiative “Leveraging Agri-Tech and AI for Sustainable Agricultural and Export Development in South Africa,” this Acceleration Programme is designed to empower 50 South African Agri-Tech and Aqua-Tech SMEs with a commitment to at least 50% women-led participation. The programme provides technical support, market access, mentorship, growth enablement, and financial investment to pioneering entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Programme Objectives:

• Equip entrepreneurs with the skills to optimize operations for efficiency and scalability
• Provide business operations, marketing, HR, digital transformation, and financial management support
• Help SMEs master business financial mechanics for profitability
• Offer mentorship, market readiness, technical assistance, and investment to drive innovation and sustainable agriculture/aquaculture development

Eligibility Criteria:
SMEs must:

• Operate in Agri-Tech or Aqua-Tech (e.g., smart farming, aquaculture systems, agri-processing tech)
• Own deployable or developing technology supporting farmers or improving productivity
• Be based in/actively operating in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northwest, or Western Cape
• Be South African owned, with a focus on women and youth-led businesses

Support Provided:

• Technical assistance tailored to Agri-Tech and Aqua-Tech needs
• Access to mentorship and networks via 22 On Sloane (Africa’s largest startup campus)
• Growth enablement for commercialisation and market access
• Financial support and investment

Expected Outputs and Outcomes:

• Enhanced operational efficiency and scalable SME models
• Increased market readiness, profitability, and export potential
• Broader inclusion and empowerment of women and youth in the sector
• Demonstrable gains in sustainable agriculture and aquaculture innovation across supported regions

Closing Date:
17 November 2025

Contact Details:

• Application & Info: www.22onsloane.co/south-africa-agri-tech-aqua-tech/
• Programme Lead: Kutlwano (22 On Sloane)
• Email: kutlwano@22onsloane.co
• UNDP South Africa: www.za.undp.org

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