Apply for the Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator 2027 (HGSA-A) - a COMESA regional programme funded by the Government of New Zealand (MFAT) and implemented by AUDA-NEPAD (with E4Impact) for African-owned / African-led growth-stage agribusinesses.
HGSA-A helps scale innovative agribusinesses tackling food insecurity, climate challenges, and trade barriers - with advisory support, AfCFTA trade facilitation, investment readiness, partner matching, and post-acceleration follow-up.
Deadline: 18 November 2026. Preference for women-owned/led enterprises (70%) and youth-owned/led ages 18 - 35 (30%). This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official AUDA-NEPAD / E4Impact materials. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - HGSA-A 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator (HGSA-A) 2027 |
| Host Landmark | Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) / Nairobi, Kenya 🇰🇪 |
| Implementers | AUDA-NEPAD · E4Impact · COMESA regional initiative |
| Funder | Government of New Zealand - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
| Who | African-owned/led growth-stage agribusinesses in COMESA member states |
| Turnover guide | ≈ USD 100,000 annual turnover (varies by country) |
| Preference | Women-owned/led (~70%) · Youth-owned/led 18 - 35 (~30%) |
| Deadline | 18 November 2026 |
| Apply | auda-nepad.e4impactkenya.org |
Programme Benefits
- Context-specific advisory tailored to your market and sector
- AfCFTA cross-border regulatory & trade facilitation
- Investment readiness & fundraising support - potential access to HGSA-A investment funding
- Matching to regional buyers, investors, mentors, and strategic partners
- Post-acceleration support after the core programme
Eligible Value Chains
Inclusive, high-potential agribusiness segments such as (excluding primary production):
- Input supply, agro-processing, value addition, commercialisation, import substitution
- Aggregation, logistics, distribution, market-access services
- Digital agriculture and climate-smart inputs
Eligibility
- Legally registered and operational in a COMESA member state
- African-owned or African-led growth-stage company
- Proven, innovative business model with ~USD 100,000 annual turnover (country-dependent)
- Clear regional/international market access and scalability potential
- Audited financial accounts for at least the last 3 years + basic compliance
- Inclusive participation (youth, women, persons with disabilities, refugees) and food-security contribution
- Commitment to green growth / climate-smart, resource-efficient practices (OECD Green Growth aligned)
Selection Process
- Technical eligibility - registration and financial documentation review
- Thematic innovation alignment - interviews on priorities, scalability, socio-economic impact
- Due diligence - business model, leadership, growth potential, sustainability, inclusivity, readiness
How to Apply
- Review criteria on the official HGSA-A portal.
- Prepare registration documents, 3 years of audited accounts, and a clear growth / market-access narrative.
- Submit online via auda-nepad.e4impactkenya.org by 18 November 2026.
Questions: Project Coordinator Leonard Ekea - leonard.ekea@e4impact.org.
Official Links
Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator - Official portal
Contact: leonard.ekea@e4impact.org
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Halcyon Africa Innovation in Agriculture and Food Security Accelerator 2027
- AGRA - SMEDAN Youth Agri-Innovation Contest 2026
- Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio 2027
- Browse all Fellowships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the application deadline?
18 November 2026.
Who can apply?
African-owned/led growth-stage agribusinesses legally registered in a COMESA member state, with ~USD 100k turnover and 3 years of audited accounts.
Is primary farming eligible?
Primary production is excluded. Focus is on value-chain activities such as processing, logistics, inputs, digital ag, and market access.
What support do selected companies get?
Advisory services, AfCFTA trade facilitation, investment readiness / fundraising support, partner matching, and post-acceleration follow-up.
