SAIS Livestock Investment Readiness Programme 2027

Scaling Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups (SAIS), implemented by GIZ on behalf of BMZ and co-funded by the Gates Foundation

A one-year, tailored investment readiness programme for African technology-driven start-ups in dairy or aquaculture value chains, with a 15 November 2026 application deadline.

Award: Up to €15,000 technical assistance budget; fully sponsored trips to community events; additional SAIS Scale-up Grant of up to €40,000 and revolving working capital loans of up to €50,000 at 1.5% interest for eligible start-ups
Who can apply: Africa
Where: Nairobi, Kenya (events); Africa-based start-ups
Deadline: 15 Nov

About the programme

SAIS offers African livestock start-ups a one-year support programme focused on investment readiness, with a dedicated SAIS Navigator, technical assistance budget, community events, and investor access. Priority goes to dairy (animal health, genetics, feed and forage, especially East Africa) and aquaculture (genetics and feed, especially West Africa) innovators. The programme takes no equity.

Duration: One year (March 2027 to February 2028), with graduation at SAIStival 2028

Eligibility

For-profit company registered in Africa
Management team of at least two people
Fundraising stage from pre-seed through Series A
At least MVP stage traction; ideally recurring revenue, paying customers and established partnerships
Strengthens livestock value chains in dairy or aquaculture
Uses technology to scale
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What they look for

Start-ups in other African countries may apply if they show relevant learnings for priority dairy/aquaculture value chains
Priority to dairy in Kenya and Ethiopia and aquaculture in Nigeria and Senegal

How to apply

Apply by 15 November 2026
Screening and interviews 16-30 November 2026
Selection decision communicated December 2026
Virtual kick-off January 2027
Attend SAIStival 2027 in Nairobi (22 February 2027) and Sankalp Africa Summit (24-25 February 2027)
Commit about two hours per week, send team members to two in-person community events, share progress data for at least one year after the programme, support impact assessments, and collaborate with experts

Applications are submitted on Scaling Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups (SAIS), implemented by GIZ on behalf of BMZ and co-funded by the Gates Foundation’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.

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Source and verification

Official source: Scaling Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups (SAIS), implemented by GIZ on behalf of BMZ and co-funded by the Gates Foundation · Application
Last checked: 9 Nov 2026, read automatically from the official page

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