Agrinnovators Forum - Recent Topics

Finding funding is not only about identifying an opportunity, it is also about choosing the right one for your business.

Ahoefa Soklou — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:36:11 +0000

For agrifood entrepreneurs and SMEs, different financing options exist: internal financing, debt, equity, grants and more. But each source comes with its own requirements, eligibility criteria, documentation, repayment conditions and expectations.

The right option will depend on your business stage, structure, track record and, above all, the feasibility and potential of your project.

In this short video, we highlight a few key points to keep in mind before approaching funders from understanding their profile to preparing the right documents and building a strong engagement plan.

To go further, COLEAD’s free webinar on Sources of Funding is available on YouTube, with practical guidance and useful online resources to help you explore funding opportunities with more confidence.

🎥 Watch the video and join the conversation:

What is the main challenge you face when looking for funding for your agrifood business?

Access to finance for agrifood SMEs: what really makes the difference?

Ahoefa Soklou — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:50:02 +0000

Two key insights shared by Jovia Kisaakye during Session 26 of the PAFO–COLEAD Innovations Series highlight an important reality:

👉 Funding is not just about applying it’s about building.
👉 And it often starts long before meeting investors.

For many agrifood SMEs, the journey to finance is shaped by:

how well you understand your customers
how clearly you demonstrate impact
and how consistently you build and show your progress

📌 In your experience:

What has helped you move closer to funding?
What challenges are you still facing in accessing finance?

💡 Let’s open the discussion share your insights, questions or advice. Your experience can support others in the community.

🎥 Want to dive deeper into these insights?

Watch the full session here in English or in French

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Webinaire : pourquoi votre entreprise agroalimentaire a besoin d’un plan d’affaires ?

Ahoefa Soklou — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:07:45 +0000

Vous travaillez sur le développement de votre entreprise agroalimentaire ?
Un plan d’affaires bien construit peut vous aider à mieux structurer votre projet, orienter vos décisions et préparer vos démarches de financement.

Le COLEAD, à travers son programme Fit For Market Plus (FFM+), organise un webinaire en français consacré aux fondamentaux du business plan dans le secteur agroalimentaire.

Cette session vous permettra de mieux comprendre :

pourquoi le plan d’affaires est un outil essentiel ;
quelles sont les rubriques clés à y inclure ;
comment le rendre plus clair, plus solide et plus convaincant ;
et de poser vos questions en direct aux experts.

📅 28 avril 2026
🕛 12:00 – 12:45 (UTC)
🌍 En français

👉 Inscrivez-vous ici : https://tinyurl.com/3psx6485

Launch tonight of the Paris Club of the African Agribusiness Investment Opportunity Bank

herson — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:10:40 +0000

African agribusiness is no longer just a sector — it’s the continent’s next giant leap. Investing in it isn’t an option anymore. It’s obvious.

Every year, African diasporas send billions of euros from Europe. Benin, Cameroon, Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast… same pattern: the money arrives, it gets spent, rarely invested. A massive force — but an untapped lever.

👉 What if we stopped just sending — and started growing?

Public aid is shrinking. African countries want to take back control of their future. One question says it all:

How do we turn solidarity money into a real engine of sustainable wealth?

The answer: the BOPA Paris Club.
A clear, safe, transparent framework to finally:
✅ let diasporas invest in real, tangible projects
✅ let committed European partners scale their impact
✅ turn African agribusiness — sovereignty, jobs, pride — into an impact machine

Tonight, no theory. We launch.
✅ The vision and engine of the BOPA Paris Club
✅ Members on the ground share their real experience
✅ An unfiltered Q&A — ask your real questions

📍 Monday, April 20 • 9:00 PM (Paris) / 8:00 PM (Benin). In French

📺 YouTube Live: https://lnkd.in/eTd_2XnQ

World Food Forum Transformative Research Challenge

Nina Desanlis-Perrin — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:36:47 +0000

The World Food Forum has launched the World Food Forum Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) 2026, a global competition designed to empower young researchers and innovators to turn applied research into practical solutions for agrifood systems.

The TRC supports early-stage, science-based innovations that have moved beyond theory and are ready for validation and real-world application. Through this initiative, young researchers are given the opportunity to refine their work, gain international visibility, and contribute to advancing sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems.

2026 Prize Categories:

🌳Youth-led Research for Forest Restoration Prize
(Co-hosted with the FAO Forestry Division – NFO)

🌲Forest Monitoring Innovation Prize
(Co-hosted with the FAO Forestry Division – NFO)

🌿Unlocking Native Crops for Innovation in Protein Diversification
(Co-hosted with the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at the NC State University & the Good Food Institute)

📱Leveraging Public Data to Fight Hunger Prize
(Co-hosted with Tilburg University’s Zero Hunger Lab)

👨🌾Innovations for One Health–Driven Rural Transformation

(Co-hosted by Nanjing Agricultural University and FAO Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) - One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH-CJW))

What participants gain:

· Research funding opportunities, including awards for top teams

· Global visibility through the World Food Forum

· Mentorship and technical guidance from FAO experts

· Access to a global network of partners and leaders

How to Apply:

Eligible applicants can submit their applications through the official TRC application platform.

Application deadline: 9 May 2026

Why Is the Plant-Based Food Market Growing Rapidly Worldwide Today?

rishangib — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:40:44 +0000

The plant-based food market is experiencing strong growth as consumers increasingly adopt healthier and more sustainable eating habits. Rising concerns about environmental impact, animal welfare, and personal health are encouraging a shift toward plant-based alternatives such as vegan meat, dairy-free beverages, and protein-rich foods made from soy, peas, and oats. Food companies are investing heavily in innovation to enhance taste, texture, and nutritional value, making these products more appealing to mainstream consumers. In addition, expanding retail presence and the growth of e-commerce platforms have made plant-based options more accessible than ever. Government initiatives supporting sustainable food systems are also contributing to market expansion. For those looking to understand the market in greater depth, detailed insights can be found here: removed link which highlights key trends, consumer behavior, and industry developments shaping the future of plant-based foods.

Introduce yourself

Olawumi — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 01:02:12 +0000

Full Name and Job Title- Olawumi Benedict/Executive Director
Your Gender and Country- Female/ Ghana
Your Sector of Activity- Organic Agriculture, Sustainable management, climate change, adaptation and mitigation
The Name of Your Company (if applicable)- GROW West Africa
Your Main Interests and Topics you're curious about- Climate finance, Soil health, Gender

Expert and Admin Assistant

Mathew@karteh — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:05:40 +0000

My name is Mathew Karteh, and I am a male from Sierra Leone. I work within the agriculture and environmental sustainability sector, where I am actively engaged through Jula Consultancy Limited, a consultancy firm focused on supporting farmers through capacity building, Certification, farmer organization, governance, agribusinesses, and value chain actors.
In my role, I am involved in providing advisory services, capacity building, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

My work also touches on environmental sustainability, including areas such as climate-smart agriculture and environmental footprinting. I have a strong interest in topics related to agricultural development, value chain improvement, environmental impact assessment, and sustainable resource management. I am particularly curious about innovative approaches that can enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact.

Introducing Agri-Markets Focus Ltd

AMF — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:28:27 +0000

Good day everyone,

my name is Alain Peyre (he), director of Agri-Markets Focus Ltd based in Papua New Guinea. AMF is a service provider aiming at supporting the sustainable transition of agri-food systems, and developing climate action projects. AMF mostly intervenes in the coffee, cocoa, coconut and spices sectors.

My main interest are environmental protection through agro

ecology, community involvement in environment protection and climate-resilient practices, and developing carbon capture projects a community level.

Dr Chido E. F Matewa

1962 — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:28:35 +0000

Dr. Chido E. F. Matewa

Director

Female

Zimbabwe

Production

Fachs Private Limited

Processing and Packaging