The Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF) is a new initiative aiming to accelerate early-stage investment across key African markets. With a total pool of USD 4 million, the program is designed to support startups in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania that are driving innovation in economic mobility and climate resilience. Managed by Village Capital, the facility employs a unique, locally-driven investment model that partners with regionally embedded Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs).
Program Overview
- Facility Name: Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF)
- Total Investment Pool: USD 4 million
- Target Regions: Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania
- Program Manager: Village Capital
- Strategic Backers:
- FMO (Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank)
- Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
AECF adopts a locally-led model to ensure that early-stage capital is directed where it can generate the most context-relevant impact. By working closely with ESOs, AECF ensures that local expertise guides the sourcing, evaluation, and funding of startups.
Eligibility Criteria
Startups interested in being considered for funding through the Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility must meet the following criteria:
- Locally led operations
- Have raised less than $2 million in capital to date
- Possesses healthy unit economics with a clear path to financial sustainability
- Be post-Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with early-stage revenue
- Currently seeking to raise between $75,000 and $500,000
- Develop context-specific solutions that address economic mobility or climate resilience
- Exhibit innovation via:
- Process enhancements
- Business model innovations
- Disruptive products
Application Deadline: August 18, 2025
Applicants are encouraged to review additional country-specific eligibility and application details directly on the websites of the associated ESOs.
Partner Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs)
To facilitate localized sourcing and evaluation, the AECF partners with five regionally embedded ESOs, each with a proven track record of empowering entrepreneurs:
- Anza Entrepreneurs
- Africa Fintech Foundry
- Ennovate Ventures
- FATE Foundation
- Reach for Change Foundation
These ESOs will play a critical role in identifying promising startups and participating in due diligence and investment decisions.
The Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility represents a significant step toward unlocking early-stage capital for high-potential startups in Africa. By leveraging the insights and networks of local Entrepreneur Support Organizations, the initiative seeks to ensure that investment reaches ventures with both local relevance and scalable impact. Startups and stakeholders interested in learning more are encouraged to explore the ESOs’ platforms for further guidance.