Kenyan and Ugandan agri-food SMEs invited to apply for O-Farms Accelerator
East African agribusinesses working to reduce food losses and build more sustainable models have a fresh opportunity through the O-Farms Accelerator 2026. Organised by Bopinc in partnership with Unconventional Capital and backed by the IKEA Foundation, the programme targets established small and medium enterprises in Kenya and Uganda that operate in the agri-food sector.
The initiative focuses on advancing circular principles, reusing resources, minimising waste, and turning by-products into value, in food production and processing. It aims to help participants strengthen their operations while creating decent employment and supporting long-term rural economic gains. Unlike many accelerators that offer short workshops, this one provides extended, customised technical support over 12 months, from May 2026 to June 2027.
Eligible businesses must already generate steady revenue from sales and show a clear interest in circular practices. The programme excludes certain categories, such as alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, medicinal items, and highly processed foods with more than 10% of calories from free sugars. Agri-tech ventures and other agribusinesses that fit these parameters, particularly those addressing post-harvest losses or resource efficiency, are encouraged to consider applying.
Selected participants receive individualised coaching, group sessions, and action-focused guidance to improve their business models and employment standards. Each receives a milestone-based budget of €6,800 to cover costs tied to circular upgrades, investment preparation, or workforce improvements. The programme also includes fully funded impact assessments from customers and suppliers, as well as life cycle evaluations to measure and enhance environmental performance.
A key feature is access to the O-Farms Investment Fund, managed by Unconventional Capital. It offers concessional revenue-based financing, typically €20,000 to €100,000, without requiring collateral. Repayments are flexible, linked to revenue, over three years with a 1.4x multiple. To qualify for financing, companies generally need minimum annual revenues around €60,000, though the accelerator track remains open to others to build readiness.
Applications close on 15 February 2026. Interested SMEs can submit through the dedicated page on VC4A.
This call arrives at a time when African agri-food systems face mounting pressure to become more resilient. In Nigeria and other West African markets, similar challenges around food waste, supply chain inefficiencies, and climate impacts have spurred local innovations in processing and circular models. While the O-Farms programme remains focused on East Africa, its emphasis on practical support and patient capital reflects broader needs across the continent, where access to tailored acceleration and blended finance remains limited for maturing agribusinesses.
For more details, visit the official programme page
