CLIC Agrifood Investment Connector 2026: Funding and Investor Access for Climate-Smart Agri-SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa @Smart Agri-SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa

Impact-driven agribusinesses in sub-Saharan Africa now have a powerful opportunity to access technical support, investor networks, and potential capital through the CLIC Agrifood Investment Connector 2026. Organized through a partnership between ClimateShot Investor Coalition (CLIC) and FINCA International, the program is designed to support innovative agricultural SMEs that are scaling climate- and nature-positive solutions.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to accelerate sustainable agriculture and food systems across Africa by helping businesses demonstrate measurable impact and connect with investors looking for high-impact opportunities.

What Is the CLIC Agrifood Investment Connector?

The CLIC Agrifood Investment Connector is a free support program that helps agrifood SMEs prepare for investment by strengthening their ability to communicate climate, nature, and biodiversity impact to potential investors.

Through this program, selected companies receive expert technical assistance and gain exposure to global investors who are actively seeking climate-focused investment opportunities in emerging markets.

This program also connects with the FINCA Ventures Prize Competition, allowing applicants to pursue multiple opportunities through a single application process.

Key Benefits for Selected Companies

Selected agrifood SMEs will gain access to several high-value opportunities, including:

• Technical Assistance from Industry Experts
  Work directly with specialists from the Connector program to refine your investment narrative and demonstrate climate and biodiversity impact.

• Investor Exposure and Capital Raising Support
  Receive guidance on how to position your business to attract commercial capital from impact investors.

• Pitch Opportunity at the AFSF 2026 Deal Room
  Selected participants may pitch their companies to investors at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2026.

• Eligibility for the FINCA Prize
  Companies applying under eligible categories may also compete for the FINCA Ventures Prize.

Program Focus Areas

The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems category targets companies offering solutions that strengthen agrifood value chains while improving outcomes for farmers and the environment.

Examples of solutions include:

• Access to sustainable agricultural inputs

• Financing for smallholder farmers

• Agricultural knowledge and extension services

• Irrigation and mechanization technologies

• Climate and weather information services

• Insurance products for farmers

• Digital agricultural tools

• Post-harvest management systems

• Market access platforms

• Offtake and supply chain solutions

Innovative solutions addressing these areas are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Entrepreneurs must create an account on the application portal and complete the online form. Applicants can download sample applications to prepare their responses before submission.

Applications do not need to be completed in a single session. Candidates can save progress and return to finalize their submission before the deadline.

Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 (Midnight GMT-4)

APPLY HERE. 

For more information about this apportunity, click here. 

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Information Session and Q&A

Applicants interested in learning more about the program can attend a live information session hosted by the program organizers.

Date: March 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM GMT
Platform: Zoom.

REGISTER HERE. 

During this session, the organizers will walk through the application process and answer questions from prospective applicants.

Support and Contact Information

Applicants who need additional support can reach out to the program teams directly.

For questions about the CLIC Connector Program, contact: clic@cpiglobal.org

For questions about the FINCA Ventures Prize, contact: melissa.tickle@finca.org

Entrepreneurs working to build climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems across Africa are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to connect with investors and scale their impact.