Unlocking Capital for Climate-Resilient and Inclusive Startups in West and East Africa
Village Capital, in partnership with the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), has launched the Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF) — a USD 4 million initiative designed to support early-stage startups that are driving economic mobility and climate resilience in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
By anchoring its strategy in locally-led approaches, the AECF represents a shift in traditional investment models, ensuring capital flows into ventures with deep contextual relevance and long-term sustainability. The facility is being managed by Village Capital and executed in collaboration with in-country Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) that co-lead the investment identification and evaluation process.
About the Facility
The AECF is designed to close a critical gap in early-stage financing for startups building solutions tailored to their local contexts. With many African ventures struggling to access risk capital despite strong innovation potential, the facility targets ventures that have passed the minimum viable product (MVP) stage, are generating early revenues, and are poised for scalable impact.
By embedding decision-making power within trusted local partners, the facility not only enhances the due diligence process but also ensures that funding supports startups rooted in the needs and dynamics of their home markets.
The AECF is supported by two key partners:
- FMO, the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank, brings decades of experience financing entrepreneurs and financial institutions in developing economies.
- RVO, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, contributes a strong commitment to ecosystem-building and reducing systemic growth barriers.
Together, these institutions are pioneering a model that fosters trust, inclusivity, and long-term resilience within Africa’s startup landscape.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for funding from the AECF, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Be locally-led, with founders based in Ghana, Nigeria, or Tanzania.
- Have raised less than USD 2 million to date.
- Demonstrate healthy unit economics and a clear path toward financial sustainability.
- Be post-MVP with early revenue traction.
- Currently raising an equity or debt round between USD 75,000 and USD 500,000.
- Develop context-specific solutions that promote either economic inclusion or climate adaptation.
- Show innovation through business model transformation, process improvements, or novel product offerings.
For full eligibility requirements and country-specific application instructions, applicants are advised to consult the websites of the selected Venture Partner ESOs.
Meet the ESO Venture Partners
The AECF’s success relies heavily on the expertise and networks of locally-embedded Entrepreneur Support Organizations. These ESOs play a vital role in sourcing, supporting, and co-evaluating ventures for funding.
The selected ESO Venture Partners for 2025 are:
- Anza Entrepreneurs (Tanzania) – Focuses on capacity-building and sustainable business support.
- Africa Fintech Foundry (Nigeria) – A fintech incubator fostering digital innovation in West Africa.
- Ennovate Ventures (Tanzania) – Promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in underserved communities.
- FATE Foundation (Nigeria) – Drives inclusive entrepreneurship and job creation through training and funding access.
- Reach for Change Foundation (Ghana) – Empowers social entrepreneurs who address youth and children’s issues.
These organizations bring regional expertise and trusted community engagement, ensuring that funding is directed to ventures with the highest potential for local impact.
A Transformative Model for Startup Investment
The Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility represents a broader movement to decentralize investment power, strengthen startup ecosystems, and ensure that early-stage capital reaches underserved founders and regions. With global conversations increasingly focused on equitable capital distribution and climate adaptation, this facility provides a practical roadmap for what locally-aligned investment strategies can look like.
The first cohort of startups is expected to be onboarded in late 2025, with ESOs actively sourcing pipeline opportunities over the coming months. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing documentation and engaging with local ESO partners for support throughout the application process.
Stay Updated
To learn more about the Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility or to connect with an ESO partner in your country, visit Village Capital’s official website or subscribe to the newsletter for updates on application timelines, events, and success stories.