The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) has committed to invest more than
US$ 300 million (KES 30 billion) in the next three years to support businesses in the renewable energy and agribusiness sectors across Africa that directly work with rural people in Africa.
The investment, announced during the inaugural AECF conference under the theme “Taking the lead”, is part of the organization’s three-year strategic plan with an objective of impacting 25 million lives in rural Africa, in the next three years. Aligned to the strategy, AECF will expand its work on gender by integrating a gender analysis in its investments that will allow female entrepreneurs and gender inclusive businesses, working for and with women, equal access to finance. From these learnings AECF will share insights and learnings with stakeholders in its ecosystem.
In Africa, small and growing businesses (SGBs) play a critical role in creating jobs and accelerating growth. They create around 80% of the region’s employment, establishing a new middle class and fueling demand for new goods and services. Access to finance, however, remains a constraint for SGBs in their quest to support governments achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). AECF board Chair Lord Paul Boateng, stated that rural economy holds the key to sustainable economic growth thus the need to empower women who are its movers.
“AECF believes that these companies offer potential for growth, employment and income generation that directly impact the rural poor. However, most of these companies – the missing middle – fall outside the risk appetite of institutional and impact investors. We target this ‘missing middle’ by providing soft capital that enables businesses develop products and services that reach the underserved population,” said Lord Paul Boateng.
On his part Daniel Ohonde, the CEO AECF, said that they will continue to spur economic growth in new frontiers specifically in post-conflict and fragile states.
“In 2017, AECF impacted 16 million people in rural Africa by providing financial and technical assistance to businesses operating in 24 countries in Africa. While agribusiness and renewable energy including climate smart technologies, will continue to be our sectors of focus through 2020, we will expand our work to new frontiers, where few dare to go. AECF plans to spur economic development and growth in post-conflict and fragile states in Africa by investing in new ideas that address humanitarian needs,” said Lord Paul Boateng, AECF Board Chair.
CS Professor Margaret Kobia stated that the Government recognizes the need for setting policies and programs that promote gender equality and women empowerment to ensure their full participants in every development process. To this end, Prof CS Kobia cited setting up affirmative funds that have made great impact on the welfare of women in Kenya with over Ksh 21 billion disbursed to women, youth and persons with disabilities.
Noting that 70 percent of the women-led enterprises are in the agriculture sector, CS Kobia affirmed that the funds have catalysed the entrepreneurial spirit of Kenyan women who have established viable and innovative enterprises spread across the country. She pointed out some women led enterprises in the agriculture value chain include; Aloe Vera production in Taita Taveta; Sunflower and Soya bean production in Kakamega; Passion fruit production in Kericho; Fish cage farming in Homa Bay; Sesame processing in Siaya and Pig production in Kirinyaga.
AECF provides funding to private sector businesses in agribusiness and renewable energy sectors through periodically launched competitions. The funding provided is in form of a mix of non-repayable and repayable grants, tailored with flexible repayment options for the different businesses, depending on their stage of growth and risk profile.
