The MARKUP Agribusiness Accelerator, funded by the European Union and supported by the East African Community through the MARKUP II Programme, is a structured program designed to empower youth-led agribusiness entrepreneurs (ages 18–35) by enhancing their capacity to innovate, scale, and compete in local, regional, and international markets. The program is implemented in collaboration with Business Support Organisations (BSOs)—Ye! Community Anchor Organisations—and focuses on equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, skills, and networks needed to strengthen their ventures while fostering sustainable and inclusive growth.

Who are they Looking For

The accelerator is open to youth-led agribusinesses based in Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda, including those in the early stages of development, as long as they demonstrate strong potential for growth and alignment with the accelerator’s objectives.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Whether early-stage or more established, we are looking for agribusinesses with a clear value proposition and potential for long-term growth and impact.
• Ventures should operate within key agribusiness value chains.
• We are looking for driven, committed founders (ages 18–35) who are ready to engage in the program fully, learn actively, and apply insights to grow their ventures.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by mid-August 2025, following the close of applications on 31 July 2025.

Program Timeline

The MARKUP Agribusiness Accelerator will run from June to December 2025, with activities organised in three key phases:

Phase 1: Entrepreneur Search and Selection (June–July 2025)

Entrepreneurs will be recruited through outreach campaigns and selected through a competitive evaluation process based on the criteria listed above. Applicants will be notified of the results by mid-August.

Phase 2: Capacity-Building and Training (July–October 2025)

Entrepreneurs will take part in curated training sessions and workshops designed to address core business challenges and promote growth. The program will cover areas such as market access, financial management, digital tools, sustainability, and business strategy.

Entrepreneurs are expected to actively participate in all sessions, complete assignments, and integrate insights into their business operations.

Phase 3: Showcase and Pitch Event (November–December 2025)

The accelerator will conclude with a high-visibility Showcase and Pitch Event where entrepreneurs will present their ventures to investors, industry stakeholders, and potential partners. This will serve as a platform to raise visibility, access partnerships, and celebrate the program’s impact.

Application Deadline: 31st July 2025

Application Link: https://surveys.intracen.org/response/G2tIYnBeRgIFblp3VFR9S0d8cX0