Microsoft ,Pangea Trust Launch Agri-food Accelerator Program for Nigerian Startups

In partnership with Pangea Trust and with the support of Seed Builders, Microsoft have announced a new startup accelerator program designed to foster a culture of innovation among African startups.

Set to be launched in the coming weeks, the program aims to scout and support 20 promising startups with disruptive innovation and technologies driven businesses at growth stage to solve problems in the food and agriculture sector in Nigeria.

The program will enable and empower Agri-food tech Entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to build successful and thriving agri-food tech businesses across Nigeria.

The acceleration program is targeted at Nigerian agribusiness entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses, expand their market reach and attract potential investors and strategic partners by providing access to industry experts/mentors, business fundamentals/technical workshops, introductions to investors/potential customers and attractive incentives.

During this program, there will be use of various innovative modules to diagnose the gaps faced by the Startups, and then deploy appropriate support mechanisms such as training, business planning, mentorships, peer learning, and technical support to help the participating Agritech Startups stay afloat. All of this will be aimed at developing Nigeria’s sustainable economy ecosystem as a vehicle for economic development and growth through job creation and poverty reduction.

The Acceleration program will run for a period of 7 weeks.

During the session players will have interactive workshops, consulting sessions, business support services, one-on-one and group mentoring sessions with a team of seasoned sector industry members and advisors.

The Accelerator Program shall be designed and delivered to cover topics like Go To Market, Product Design & Development, Sales & Marketing, and Investment Readiness with the aim to provide the Cohort of startups the knowledge and tools to engage with customers and investors. The businesses will also have access to Microsoft platforms like the Founders hub and the 10 best startups stand a chance to join the Global Social Entrepreneurship Program.

Some of the eligible criteria for the application include:

• Nigerian Women and youth-owned post-revenue companies in agriculture and related industries.
• The business needs to have an existing working product and generating revenue,

• The founder must be between the ages of 18-35 years.
• All applicants should also have their businesses based in Nigeria addressing food value-chain opportunities.
• They should also be operating a registered agribusiness venture at the growth stage, currently in operation and generating income. Additionally, at least one co-founder must be on the project on a full-time basis.