WFP IGNITE Food Systems Challenge Uganda

Deadline: 21-May-22

The WFP IGNITE Food Systems Challenge is looking for startups, SMEs and cooperatives contributing towards food security in areas such as resilience to shocks and stress, access to safe and nutritious food, optimizing regional food supply chains, empowering smallholder farmers, and advancing food security for all.

Last year, the United Nations World Food Programme launched its first regional innovation hub in Eastern Africa. Now, the hub is kicking off its flagship WFP IGNITE Food Systems Challenge in partnership with the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Affairs and DANIDA, implemented by Outbox in search of game-changing ventures contributing to stronger, more sustainable food systems Uganda.

This challenge celebrates Ugandan entrepreneurs who are thinking outside of the box to redesign regional food systems in service of people and the planet.

What they offer

Funding: Apply to receive up to $50,000 in equity-free funding
Access to WFP & Their Partners: Teams will work with WFP and their expert entrepreneur support partners
Bespoke, Flexible Support: You’ll have the chance to request specific support on what your business needs most, with a bespoke curriculum and direct connections with experts and mentors to troubleshoot challenges your business is facing to scale
Networking and exposure: Teams will be able to tap into and leverage their strong network of public, private, and government partners, and the power of their combined brands

Eligibility Criteria

Your entity must have the appropriate legal registration in the country whose call you are applying to
Your entity must have proof of concept and be post-revenue
At least 50% of your founding/ senior management team must be from Africa

How they select ventures

Applications submitted for the WFP IGNITE Food Systems Challenge are assessed according to a standard set of criteria and are reviewed by both WFP, their implementing partners, and external experts. While they welcome applicants working across all stages of the food system – production, manufacturing and consumption – preference will be given to those who already show traction and market validation to support their growth. They are looking for innovations that meet the following expectations*: