Innovate47, a global venture builder, has announced the launch of its Food & Agri Accelerator, an eight-week programme aimed at supporting high-potential entrepreneurs working at the intersection of agriculture, food systems, and climate resilience.
The initiative seeks to provide tailored mentorship, investor connections, and pathways to global scale for founders from the Global South and beyond.
“Food systems are at the frontlines of the climate crisis. Farmers, consumers, and communities worldwide are already experiencing the effects,” said Umair Sheikh, founder of Innovate47.
“Through this programme, we aim to identify bold entrepreneurs with scalable solutions and give them the tools, networks, and capital pathways to make a real impact.”
About Innovate47
Founded with a mission to back startups solving pressing global challenges, Innovate47 operates as a venture builder and entrepreneur support organisation.
The group has worked with early-stage ventures across Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, and Pakistan, helping founders connect to mentorship, business networks, and capital.
Over the years, Innovate47 has positioned itself as a platform for innovation in the Global South, bridging local solutions to global markets.
What this is about
The new Food & Agri Accelerator programme will run virtually over eight weeks, combining group workshops with one-on-one mentorship sessions.
The model is designed to fit the schedules of busy founders while ensuring access to international experts, sector leaders, and investors.
According to Innovate47, the accelerator is specifically focused on startups innovating in regenerative agriculture, agri-fintech, supply chain efficiency, food security, and climate-smart farming.
Who can join
Applications are now open to founders worldwide. Innovate47 emphasises diversity in participation, targeting entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia, and other parts of the Global South.
By providing a global cohort experience, the accelerator seeks to foster knowledge-sharing among innovators tackling similar challenges in different regions.
What participants will get
Selected startups will benefit from expert mentorship, exposure to sector-specific investors, and training on how to scale their ventures globally.
The programme also offers networking opportunities with peers in agriculture and climate innovation, creating an ecosystem where ideas can grow into market-ready solutions.
The big picture for Africa
The launch comes at a critical time for Africa, where agriculture contributes over 35% of GDP and employs more than 60% of the population, according to the World Bank.
Yet, climate change threatens to reduce crop yields by up to 20% by 2050, disproportionately affecting smallholder farmers.
By nurturing startups in this sector, Innovate47 hopes to create scalable solutions that strengthen food security, enhance supply chains, and drive economic resilience across African economies.
Why this matters
Globally, food systems account for over one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, with smallholder farmers bearing much of the climate impact.
Experts argue that innovation is crucial in reversing these trends.
“This accelerator could serve as a game-changing factor for founders striving to close the space between sustainable agriculture and market realities,” said Dr. Toyin Busari, an agricultural economist based in Ilorin.
With demand for food expected to rise by 70% by 2050, programmes like Innovate47’s are increasingly seen as critical in building the next generation of solutions for global food security and climate resilience.
