CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FROM AGRI-FOOD COMPANIES AFRICA FOOD SYSTEMS FORUM DEAL ROOM (AFSF 2026)

Selection Criteria & Dealroom Process

The Dealroom Process

Access to finance remains one of the major challenges facing SMEs on the African continent. To address this challenge, at each AFS Summit, we organize the Deal Room process, a platform that connects private companies in the food systems with access to finance, mentorship, and market entry solutions to support their growth objectives.

The Deal Room connects SMEs with potential investors, providing them with a platform to showcase their products and activities and identify potential investors who can help them scale their businesses. The Deal Room culminates in investment idea presentation sessions (pitching sessions) for investors who have become regulars at the AFSF Annual Summit.

Call for expression of interest

Express your interest in joining the 2026 Deal Room by completing the attached form if you are:

  • An agribusiness operating in Africa and ready to expand;
  • A micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise interested in championing food systems in Africa;
  • An African agribusiness with the goal of revolutionizing food systems on the continent;
  • Are collaborating with one or more AFSF partners;
  • Are legally registered and operating in Africa;
  • Have been in business for at least five years;
  • Generate annual revenues of $1 million or more;
  • Have a clear growth strategy and a strong management team;
  • Operate in priority sectors of food systems such as agribusiness, renewable energy, technology, information and communication, manufacturing, transportation, livestock, etc.;

DISCLAIMER
By applying to participate in the AFSF 2026 Deal Room, you acknowledge and agree to fully self-fund your participation and attendance at the annual summit. The AFSF Secretariat will not cover any costs associated with your participation in the summit.

The deadline for expressions of interest is June 15, 2026, at midnight Kigali, Rwanda time.

How to Apply:

If your business meets the above criteria, we invite you to fill out the profile submission template here