Irish Agri-Food companies of all sizes are being encouraged to apply for grant funding to explore and seize exciting opportunities to develop new markets in Africa. The Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP), which this year marks 10 years of supporting Irish companies to realise their ambition of doing business in Africa, has launched its latest call for applications which remains open until 30th April.
The AADP offers Irish Agri-businesses an opportunity to develop and harness the potential from innovative partnerships with companies in sub-Saharan African countries, providing matched funding grant support of up to €250,000 to Irish companies. The programme is a joint initiative between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
The AADP has supported Irish companies to develop sustainable and rewarding commercial ventures in Africa that include agriculture value-chain add, animal and crop health products, horticulture, livestock genetics, dairy and cheese production facilities. 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 a strong and positive impact.
Commenting on the initiative, Minister of State with responsibility for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy said, "The AADP has a long record of success. It has encouraged Irish companies to invest in Africa. It has matched African companies with Irish partners, helping make their business propositions more sustainable. At a time when questions of food security are on our global agenda, the AADP allows Irish businesses interest in investing in Africa do so while at the same time building a really positive impact for the African agri-food industry."
Minister of State at Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine, Pippa Hackett added, "A large part of the success resulting from this AADP funding, is the partnerships that have been created with local companies in Africa. By learning from each other, both partners have discovered opportunities that have delivered significant benefits, not only in supporting sustainable growth of the local food industry, and building markets for local produce, but also in supporting mutual trade between Ireland and Africa."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
