The 2025 call for applications for funding under the Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) has been announced.

Since 2012, the programme has supported dozens of Irish companies to develop commercial ventures through partnerships across the African continent, including in the development of agricultural value-chains, market testing animal and crop health products, sustainable horticulture, and dairy and cheese production.

The grants on offer help businesses to manage their financial risk and to use their expertise and resources to work on projects jointly with African companies to deliver positive impacts for local communities.

The programme offers Irish and African agri-food businesses the opportunity to receive matched grant funding of up to €100,000 for commercial feasibility studies, or €250,000 for joint commercial projects.

The funding call is open until August 15.

Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond said that the programme is Ireland's "flagship initiative aimed at promoting the role of the private sector in sustainable food systems transformation and in the Sustainable Development Goals".

"AADP funding supports Irish and African agri-food businesses to develop partnerships that exchange expertise and skills, develop solutions to local and sector-specific challenges, and to create and strengthen mutual trade and investment between Ireland and African countries," Minister Richmond said.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon said that Ireland’s agri-food sector has "long demonstrated the values of innovation and partnership".

"Through the Africa Agri-Food Development Programme, we support the sharing of Irish agri-food experience and expertise with African partner companies in a spirit of cooperation," Minister Heydon said.

"Joining forces with local companies in partner countries across Africa, Irish agri-food sector actors can help drive sustainable economic development, support decent livelihoods, and strengthen food systems."

Projects must be based in one of 19 eligible countries in Africa, must be commercial in nature and must deliver real, long-lasting benefits to local communities.