Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) Challenge for Agricultural Innovators in East Africa (prize of up to 50,000 USD)

Deadline: 31st January 2025.

After two successful rounds of the Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) Challenge, we are pleased to be teaming up with Shockwave Foundation and Munich Re Foundation on round III. RAIN aims to convert seed-level innovative agricultural ideas that are meeting resilience needs in East Africa and scale them to sustainable business ideas of interest to private investors and funders.

RAIN serves as a platform to support and amplify agricultural innovations in East Africa as they uniquely address challenges they face within their communities. RAIN phase I was launched at COP27, and the winners were announced in January 2024, and RAIN phase II was launched at COP 28 with the winners announced in December 2024.

They are looking for innovative and scalable nature positive solutions that drive investment in ecosystems and increase resilience while resulting in a stronger and better context for nature positive agriculture to flourish. The initiatives must build resilience for those most impacted by climate shocks and stresses. They must include a focus on gender, equity and human rights, and protect biodiversity. The aim is to identify new innovative agricultural initiatives and provide customised support to maximise each initiative’s potential for impact.

Prize

• Winners will be connected with potential funders, receive a tailored mentoring program, and communications support to refine their messaging. In addition, they will be invited to an investor forum and pitching session in-person or virtually.
• Experts will facilitate a leadership academy for the shortlisted candidates.
• Lastly, winners will receive a cash prize of up to 50,000 USD after the initial mentoring period and after the leadership academy.

Eligibility

RAIN is open to not-for-profit organisations across public, local civil society, international NGOs and academia, as well as for-profit organisations, farmers, and entrepreneurs in East Africa (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda).

For more information and application For-profit organisations, Not-for-profit organisations.