Twenty agribusinesses from across Africa have been selected to join the Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator (HGSA-A), a new initiative aimed at scaling locally driven innovations to tackle the continent’s pressing food security challenges.

Announced Thursday in Nairobi, the programme will provide participating firms with tailored advisory services, investment readiness support, and fundraising guidance.

It will also facilitate cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, while connecting businesses to strategic partners, mentorship, and potential post-acceleration funding.

The accelerator brings together growth-stage enterprises from nine COMESA countries, all selected for their potential to boost agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand market access.

The initiative also emphasizes climate-smart solutions and increased participation of women- and youth-led enterprises in Africa’s food systems.

Kenya is represented by four companies operating in agri-processing and clean energy, while other participants span countries including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Somalia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Burundi, and Madagascar.

Their innovations range from drought-resistant seeds and solar-powered irrigation to organic fertilisers and value-added food processing.

Programme organizers say the selected businesses are expected to create jobs and expand opportunities for smallholder farmers by transforming local innovations into scalable, commercially viable solutions.

HGSA-A is commissioned by the African Union Development Agency, with support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and is implemented by the E4Impact Africa Foundation in partnership with FIE-Consult.

The initiative aligns with broader continental efforts to strengthen intra-African trade, build resilient food systems, and drive sustainable economic growth under Africa’s long-term development agenda.