Applications are now open for the 2027 Halcyon Africa Innovation in Agriculture and Food Security Program, an opportunity designed for early-stage, impact-driven ventures across Sub-Saharan Africa that are developing market-based solutions to strengthen agriculture and food systems. The programme supports entrepreneurs whose ventures are working to improve the livelihoods and resilience of smallholder farmers, advance food security, and help vulnerable communities respond to climate-related challenges.

The programme is intended for ventures that already have a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP), have reached the paid-pilot or post-revenue stage, and demonstrate realistic potential for growth. Applicants should be able to show early commercial traction and market validation through indicators such as paid pilots, revenue, customer contracts or other evidence of market demand. Ventures should also demonstrate early evidence of positive impact among smallholder farmers, low-income or vulnerable communities, or within food systems more broadly.

Eligible applicants must be based in Sub-Saharan Africa and must be at least 21 years old by the beginning of the programme. The applicant should be the venture’s CEO or hold primary decision-making authority and must be working on the venture full time. Applicants may apply individually or together with up to one co-founder. Fluency in English is required because all programme activities will be conducted in English.

The venture must use a market-based approach to address challenges within agriculture and food systems and contribute to at least one of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Preference is given to ventures that prioritize improving the livelihoods and resilience of smallholder farmers and low-income or vulnerable communities. Selected entrepreneurs must be able to participate fully in all programme activities, including virtual sessions, events and both in-person residencies.

The programme will use a hybrid format combining virtual programming with two in-person residencies. Participants will attend the first residency in Accra, Ghana, from March 11 to March 19, 2027, followed by a second residency in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 28 to June 4, 2027. Between the residencies, participants will take part in virtual meetings scheduled for April 9, April 23 and May 7, 2027.

Participants will gain access to Halcyon’s global community of more than 650 founders, professional advisors and expert-led workshops covering areas such as leadership development, capital strategy and product-market fit. Each selected venture will also receive a $10,000 equity-free stipend and up to $10,000 in AWS credits, alongside opportunities to connect with investors and other stakeholders. Participants will continue to have access to selected benefits and connections within the Halcyon community after completing the programme.

The initial deadline for consideration is October 23, 2026, while the invitational deadline is October 30, 2026. Pitch Days are scheduled for December 7 and 8, 2026, with selected applicants expected to be notified on December 18, 2026. The programme officially begins with a virtual kickoff on February 9, 2027.

Entrepreneurs building scalable, market-driven solutions for agriculture, food security, climate resilience and the livelihoods of vulnerable communities across Sub-Saharan Africa are encouraged to apply.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity