2025 Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF) for African Startups

Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF). The Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF) is a USD 4M investment facility designed to unlock early-stage capital for startups in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania that are advancing economic mobility and climate resilience. Managed by Village Capital, the Facility leverages a locally-led investment model by partnering with in-market Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs). These ESOs help identify strong founder teams and contribute to the investment evaluation process, ensuring capital is invested where it has the greatest local impact and is fit for purpose.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: August 4, 2025
2. Value: Early-stage capital investment (USD 75K–500K)
3. Type: Entrepreneurs
4. Sponsor: Village Capital
5. Eligible Country: Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania

Eligibility Criteria for 2025 Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF) for African Startups

1. Locally-led and have raised less than USD 2M to date
2. Healthy unit economics with a path to financial sustainability
3. Post-MVP with early revenue
4. Currently raising between USD 75K and USD 500K
5. Developing context-specific solutions that advance economic mobility and climate resilience
6. Driving innovation through process improvements, business model innovation, or disruptive products

Apply through Entrepreneur Support Organizations:

1. Reach for Change (Ghana): July 21st, 2025
2. Africa Fintech Foundry
3. Fate Foundation (Nigeria): August 4th, 2025
4. Anza Entrepreneurs
5. Ennovate Ventures (Tanzania)

Benefits of 2025 Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF) for African Startups

1. Receive USD 75,000–500,000 in early-stage capital
2. Capacity-building support
3. Access to a global investor network
4. Support in closing the gender funding gap

How to Apply

For more details, visit Village Capital Program webpage

Application Deadline

August 4, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for 2025 Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF) for African Startups