Nigerian agribusinesses now have an opportunity to access matched grant funding through the Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) 2025, an initiative led by the Government of Ireland to foster trade and innovation between Ireland and eligible African countries.
The AADP is designed to support sustainable agri-food systems by backing partnerships between African and Irish businesses. Whether you’re a micro-enterprise, SME, cooperative, or social enterprise in Nigeria, this grant programme can help de-risk bold new ventures and feasibility studies that improve food systems and create real impact in local communities.
What is AADP?
The AADP is Ireland’s flagship private sector development initiative in Africa. By offering co-funding to selected projects, the programme enables Nigerian and Irish agribusinesses to develop innovative solutions, expand market access, and generate mutual trade benefits while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly in agriculture, food security, and poverty reduction.
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Grant Types Available
- Feasibility Study Grants
- Open to single organisations or joint partnerships
- Supports the early exploration of commercial ideas, market potential, and opportunities for impactful agricultural development
- Full Commercial Project Grants
- Open only to partnerships between Irish and Nigerian businesses
- Supports revenue-generating projects that demonstrate scalability, innovation, and lasting economic and social impact
- Projects must be developed and submitted jointly by both partners
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be registered agri-food businesses in Nigeria or Ireland, with at least 24 months of operations. Eligible structures include:
- Micro, small, or medium enterprises (SMEs)
- Cooperatives and farming groups
- Social enterprises and community networks
- Sole traders, partnerships, and commercial farming ventures
Eligible African Countries
Businesses in Nigeria and the following countries are eligible:
Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
What AADP Funding Covers
✔ Partial or full funding for feasibility studies and commercial projects
✔ Co-financing to help mitigate financial risks
✔ Support for developing innovative, scalable, and impactful agri-business ventures
✔ Opportunities to deepen collaboration between Ireland and Nigeria’s private sector
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What AADP Cannot Fund
✘ Arms, tobacco, alcohol, or gambling-related businesses
✘ Projects involving fossil fuels or deforestation
✘ Companies in breach of human rights, labour laws, or environmental standards
✘ Non-compliant animal welfare practices
✘ Capital expenditure in Ireland (unless pre-approved)
Proposal Requirements
All proposals must:
- Be commercial and implemented in one or more eligible African countries
- Align with Ireland’s international development policy (A Better World) and the UN SDGs
- Justify why public funds are essential for project success
- Show evidence of sound governance, financial controls, and risk management
- Demonstrate how the project will leverage expertise and build trade ties between Nigeria and Ireland
- Include clear project planning, timelines, and resource use
Required Documents
- Irish Tax Clearance Certificate (applies to both Nigerian and Irish partners)
- Detailed project budget and activity plan
- Implementation calendar
- Collaboration plan
- Completed application form
Note: Applicants must secure their own project partner — neither the AADP, nor the Irish Government, will facilitate matchmaking.
Pre-Application Info Sessions
The AADP team will host two virtual information sessions for interested applicants:
- Thursday, 3 July 2025 at 3:00 PM (Dublin Time)
- Thursda,y 24 July 2025 at noon (Dublin Time)
How to Apply
- Applications close: 15 August 2025 at 5:00 PM Dublin time
- Submit via email to: aadp@dfa.ie
- Only official AADP application forms will be accepted
- Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered
This is a significant opportunity for Nigerian agribusinesses to collaborate internationally, grow their impact, and secure funding for transformative agri-food projects. If you’re building something bold and sustainable in agriculture, this is your chance to scale.
You can apply for the Africa Agri-Food Development Programme here.
