Growth-stage circular economy enterprises across Africa can now apply for the AfriCircular Growth Programme 2026, an initiative designed to connect established businesses with investors and strengthen their readiness for growth financing. Backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF), the programme focuses on helping businesses move from investment potential to investment execution.
AfriCircular Growth Programme supports circular economy SMEs that have progressed beyond early-stage validation and are preparing to scale. The programme complements the AfriCircular Innovators Programme, which focuses on earlier-stage ventures, helping build a broader pipeline of investment-ready circular businesses across the continent.
Priority sectors include packaging and plastics, textiles, the built environment, food systems, and electronics, although enterprises operating in other circular economy sectors are also encouraged to apply.
What Selected Enterprises Receive.
Each of the nine selected enterprises will receive:
- Dedicated investment readiness coaching with personalised advisory support and access to specialist expertise where required
- Development of investor-facing materials including an investment teaser, pitch deck, financial model, investment memorandum, and data room
- Direct introductions to a mapped network of more than 70 investors and tailored investor shortlists
Transaction advisory support through investor engagement and financing discussions - Visibility through participation in strategic events, inclusion in a public deal book, and publication of case studies
Who Can Apply
Applicants should:
- Have circular economy principles embedded in their business model or growth strategy
- Be formally registered and operational for at least two years
- Have generated annual revenues between USD 300,000 and USD 5 million in 2025
- Provide audited financial statements for 2024 and 2025 (or equivalent documentation where applicable)
- Be seeking at least USD 200,000 in equity, debt, or mezzanine financing
- Be registered and operating in an African Development Bank Regional Member Country
- Commit approximately five hours per week from senior leadership
- Be able to participate in English and/or French
