What is the Agripreneurship Alliance?
Founded back in 2017, the Agripreneurship Alliance (AAAM) is a Swiss-based non-profit with a bold mission: transforming Africa’s agri-food landscape. Through smart partnerships and innovative programs, this organization empowers young African entrepreneurs to sharpen their business ideas and craft solid plans that help launch and grow successful agribusinesses. It’s all about turning potential into thriving ventures across the continent.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Here’s a quick snapshot of what the Agripreneurship Alliance has achieved so far:
- Since 2018, the flagship “Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness” course has been delivered over six cohorts, training 1,200 aspiring agripreneurs.
- The course is bilingual—offered in both French and English—and has reached ten universities across the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Namibia, Somaliland, and Uganda.
- Accessible online, it extends its reach to participants throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
- Coming soon: the new “Entrepreneurship in African Agribusiness” course launching in September 2025, freely available to individuals, organizations, and universities continent-wide.
Innovative Training Programs
The Agripreneurship Alliance’s training programs are at the heart of its impact. The original “Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness” course has been a game-changer, equipping young agripreneurs with the skills to develop high-quality business plans. And it doesn’t stop there. Building on this success, the upcoming “Entrepreneurship in African Agribusiness” course promises to be even more accessible and comprehensive, guiding entrepreneurs step-by-step—from idea to operations and finance—with practical videos, tools, and a downloadable workbook. It’s designed to be a go-to resource for the next generation of agribusiness leaders.
Supporting Emerging Farmers
Beyond training entrepreneurs, the Alliance also supports emerging and smallholder farmers, helping them move from subsistence farming to thriving agribusinesses. This ‘Business Readiness’ program has been rolled out with partners in South Africa and includes a “train the trainer” model that equips universities in Kenya and Zambia. This approach ensures local expertise is passed down effectively, empowering rural communities and strengthening local economies. It’s about creating sustainable development from the ground up.
Advocacy, Leadership, and Consulting
At its core, the Agripreneurship Alliance is deeply committed to advocacy and thought leadership within Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It offers expert consulting services to major organizations like the African Union, UN Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO), and Technoserve. Its work spans research and project implementation across countries such as Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, and Uganda. Notably, the Alliance authored the influential report “Agribusiness Incubation and Acceleration in Africa” (UN-FAO, 2021), highlighting its role as a key player in shaping the continent’s agribusiness future.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Empowering entrepreneurs and farmers to build sustainable livelihoods.
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Supporting agribusinesses that improve food security.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Delivering accessible, high-quality training programs.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Fostering entrepreneurship and job creation.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Promoting innovation in agribusiness.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Providing opportunities across diverse African regions.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging sustainable farming and business practices.
People and Governance
The strength of the Agripreneurship Alliance lies in its people and governance. Led by Dr. Anne Roulin, the visionary President, and Steven Carr FRGS, the strategic CEO, the organization benefits from experienced leadership driving its mission forward. Governed by a diverse Board of Management with experts from Europe and Africa, the Alliance ensures decisions are well-rounded, transparent, and focused on lasting impact. This robust structure supports innovation and accountability at every level.
