Mastercard Foundation Agribusiness Challenge Fund – How Nigerian SMEs Can Apply for $500K–$2.5M Grants (2025 Guide)
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| Mastercard Foundation Agribusiness Challenge Fund |
Are you running a small or medium agribusiness in Nigeria? The Mastercard Foundation Agribusiness Challenge Fund could be your golden opportunity to access between $500,000 and $2.5 million in grants. The fund aims to scale innovative agricultural solutions and promote resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa.
What Is the Mastercard Foundation Agribusiness Fund?
Launched in April 2024 under the Fund for Resilience and Prosperity, this initiative focuses on youth employment, climate adaptation, and value chain improvement in agriculture.
Objectives:
- Support SMEs and agribusiness startups with scalable, impact-driven solutions
- Strengthen agriculture and climate-related jobs
- Empower youth, especially women and disadvantaged communities
🔍 Search Keyword: Mastercard Agribusiness Fund grant Nigeria 2025
💰 Grant Details
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Region | Sub-Saharan Africa (incl. Nigeria) |
| 💵 Grant Size | $500,000 – $2.5 million |
| ⏳ Duration | Up to 3 years |
| 🧑💼 Target Applicants | Legally registered SMEs |
| 🔄 Grant Type | Non-equity, milestone-based |
✅ Who Can Apply?
You must be:
- A formally registered SME in Nigeria or other eligible Sub-Saharan countries
- Involved in agriculture, agribusiness, or climate-adaptive value chains
- Operating for at least 2 years
- Employing young people (ages 18–35) directly or indirectly
- With a clear strategy to scale and increase jobs
🚫 Not for: NGOs, individuals, or companies not involved in agriculture or youth employment.
🧭 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the Application Portal: fundforprosperity.org
- Read the Guidelines
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal
Deadline: Rolling basis, but early applications encouraged!
Why This Fund Matters for Nigeria
Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in Africa, and agriculture remains a key employment sector. With support from the Mastercard Foundation:
- Agribusinesses can scale operations
- New tech like smart irrigation and processing tools can be adopted
- More youth jobs will be created in rural communities
This fund is a game-changer for climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria," says Ifeoma Nwafor, a past Mastercard Foundation grant recipient.
Final Tips for Applicants
- Build a strong pitch deck with projected job creation numbers
- Highlight climate resilience and tech use in your agribusiness model
- Show proof of legal registration and prior impact
