Call for Proposals: Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO)
AgriTech4Rwanda Innovation Challenge 2025
Call for Proposals: Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO)
Accelerating Climate-Smart Agri-Tech Solutions for Rwanda’s Agricultural Sector
About AgriTech4Rwanda Innovation Challenge
The AgriTech4Rwanda Innovation Challenge 2025 is a pioneering initiative powered by the Rwanda Green Fund through Ireme Invest, facilitated by the CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF) and CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP), with support from the Gates Foundation. This challenge aims to catalyze climate adaptation solutions in Rwanda’s agriculture sector by supporting cutting-edge Agri-Tech innovations that enhance resilience against climate change.
Why This Matters
Agriculture is at the heart of Rwanda’s economy, contributing 25% of GDP and employing 65% of the population. However, climate change remains a critical challenge, impacting smallholder farmers who face erratic rainfall, soil degradation, and limited financial access. This initiative will bridge these gaps by providing support to scalable, science-driven Agri-Tech solutions that address climate risks, enhance resilience, and align with Rwanda’s Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture (PSTA IV).
We Are Seeking an Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO)
The AgriTech4Rwanda Innovation Challenge invites applications from experienced Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) to lead the implementation of this innovation challenge. The selected ESO will manage the program, facilitate training, coordinate acceleration activities, and support investment readiness.
Key Responsibilities:
- Program Coordination & Facilitation – Oversee the challenge’s operations, including refining the challenge call, outreach, and application management.
- Bootcamp Design & Execution – Organize an intensive bootcamp for selected Agri-Tech innovators.
- Acceleration Program Delivery – Provide coaching, workshops, and investment-readiness support for 15 selected businesses.
- Demo Day & Investor Engagement – Facilitate a high-profile event to showcase innovations to investors and stakeholders.
- Financial Due Diligence & Repayment Structuring – Conduct assessments of financial viability and develop tailored repayment plans for recoverable grants for the selected venture for funding.
- Climate-Smart Financing Solutions Structuring – Support the operational execution of innovative financing models (recoverable grants, bank loans, integrated insurance).
- Reporting & Impact Assessment – Track progress, compile key outcomes, and develop knowledge-sharing materials.
Priority Areas
The AgriTech4Rwanda Innovation Challenge focuses on six core areas:
- Irrigation Solutions – Affordable and scalable water management technologies.
- Resilient Livestock Practices – Strengthening feed systems and veterinary services.
- Precision Farming – Data-driven techniques for soil health and crop optimization.
- Climate & Weather Services – Real-time climate data for adaptive farming.
- Climate-Resilient Inputs – Enhancing access to climate-smart inputs.
- Post-Harvest Management – Innovations to reduce food loss and enhance value chains.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for an experienced ESO with:
- Proven expertise in agricultural innovation acceleration programs, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Strong networks in Rwanda’s AgriTech ecosystem (government, investors, startups, and farmers).
- Demonstrated experience in financial analysis, blended finance models, and climate resilience strategies.
- Capacity to deliver mentorship, business coaching, and investor-readiness training.
- Experience in managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder programs.
Application Process
Interested organizations should submit the following documents:
- Technical Proposal – Detailing approach, methodology, and work plan.
- Organizational Profile – Highlighting relevant experience in climate-smart agriculture.
- CVs of Key Team Members – Showcasing expertise in Agri-Tech acceleration.
- Financial Proposal – Including a detailed budget breakdown.
Deadline for Submission: 10th March 2025 | 17:00 CAT
📧 For submissions and inquiries, contact: info@greenfund.rw
🔗 Full Terms of Reference (TOR) available in the attached document.
Join us in shaping the future of climate-smart Agri-Tech solutions in Rwanda!