Nature-First Innovation Lab (NFIL) Accelerator Programme 2026

The Nature-First Innovation Lab (NFIL) is a 12-month accelerator programme designed to support African enterprises whose business models generate revenue directly from positive biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable natural resource management outcomes.

The programme aims to help nature-first businesses become investment-ready by providing catalytic capital, transaction advisory support, and structured engagement with investors.

Unlike many nature finance initiatives, NFIL focuses on enterprises generating revenue from nature-positive products, services, and supply chains rather than carbon credit projects.

The first cohort will support 6–8 African enterprises operating regenerative supply chains across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.

Programme Focus

The inaugural NFIL cohort is specifically targeting enterprises working within regenerative supply chains that:

• Improve biodiversity
• Restore ecosystems
• Enhance soil health
• Improve water quality and availability
• Promote sustainable natural resource use
• Deliver commercially viable business outcomes

Priority sectors include:

• Regenerative agriculture
• Agroforestry
• Sustainable wild harvesting
• Nature-positive food systems
• Sustainable fibre value chains
• Blue economy enterprises
• Freshwater ecosystem enterprises
• Marine ecosystem enterprises

Support Available

Selected enterprises will receive support through three key pillars:

Capital Support

• Flexible returnable grants
• Non-returnable grants
• Catalytic funding to support scaling and growth

Transaction Support

Specialised assistance including:

• Financial structuring
• Investment readiness
• Governance strengthening
• Impact measurement systems
• Business model refinement
• Due diligence preparation
• Capital raising support

Investor Engagement

• Direct engagement with investors
• Investor matchmaking opportunities
• Capacity building for investment readiness
• Increased visibility to nature-focused investors

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must be:

Based in Africa

The enterprise must be:

• Headquartered in Africa; or
• Primarily operating within Africa

Nature-First Enterprise

The core business model must depend on:

• Protecting ecosystems
• Restoring ecosystems
• Sustainable management of biodiversity
• Sustainable management of natural resources

Importantly, revenue generation must be directly linked to these nature-positive activities.

Regenerative Supply Chain Business

Operating within sectors such as:

• Agroforestry
• Regenerative agriculture
• Sustainable wild harvest
• Nature-positive food production
• Sustainable fibre production
• Blue economy enterprises
• Freshwater-based enterprises
• Marine-based enterprises

Post-Feasibility Stage

The business should have:

• Demonstrated proof of concept
• Existing revenue generation
• Commercial operations underway
• Plans to raise external investment

Legal Status

Applicants must be:

• Registered legal private entities

Geographic Eligibility

Eligible Countries

The programme is open to enterprises across Africa.

Eligible applicants may be headquartered or operating in any African country, including:

• South Africa
• Kenya
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Rwanda
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Nigeria
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Namibia
• Botswana
• Mozambique
• Malawi
• Senegal
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Cameroon
• Democratic Republic of Congo

and other African countries.

Where Must Projects Take Place?

Projects and enterprises must be:

• Based in Africa; or
• Primarily operating in Africa

The programme specifically seeks businesses creating positive environmental and economic impact within African ecosystems and supply chains.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is particularly relevant for:

• Agritech companies
• Regenerative agriculture enterprises
• Agroforestry businesses
• Sustainable food producers
• Sustainable fisheries
• Aquaculture ventures
• Biodiversity enterprises
• Nature-tech startups
• Sustainable forestry enterprises
• Circular bioeconomy businesses
• Conservation-linked enterprises
• Blue economy ventures

Who Is NOT Suitable?

Businesses whose primary revenue model is based on:

• Carbon credits
• Carbon offset projects

should instead consider NFIL's sister programme:

Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE).

Application deadline: 8 July

Click HERE to visit the official website.