OPPORTUNITIES
Call For Applications: FAO-HASTEN business Incubation Programme 2025 for Youth-led Enterprises

HASTEN business incubation programme is now accepting applications from youth-led enterprises in Lesotho, Rwanda and Sierra Leone. This unique opportunity supports the next generation of food systems entrepreneurs and enterprises committed to building sustainable, inclusive and resilient agrifood systems.
HASTEN—Harnessing SDG-based Agrifood System Transformation through the Empowerment of the Next Generation of Agrifood Leadership in Africa— is an FAO project under the Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC), operating in Lesotho, Rwanda and Sierra Leone. It aims to:
- Promote capacity development in transdisciplinary systems thinking for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) interlinkages,
- foster multistakeholder collaboration by strengthening public-private-academic partnerships for inclusive governance,
- and support agripreneurship and youth empowerment by scaling eco-inclusive business models that contribute to the SDGs and generate employment.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme specifically targets SMEs and startups that meet the following criteria:
- Legally registered in Lesotho, Rwanda or Sierra Leone
- Operational for 1–3 years
- Led by entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35
- Demonstrate a clear contribution to sustainable agrifood systems transformation
- Fully comply with FAO integrity standards and are not involved in any UN prohibited or unethical practices
Benefits
- Selected enterprises (8–10 per country) will participate in a 5-day, in-person incubation workshop, designed to strengthen sustainable business practices and support the growth of eco-inclusive and socially driven agripreneurship models. They will receive tailored guidance to develop sustainable business plans and financial strategies, utilizing interactive workbooks and hands-on tools, facilitated by international and national coaches.
- The final day of each workshop includes an ecosystem event, where participants will pitch their business models and connect with stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, and development organizations, opening doors to future collaboration and increased visibility in the startup ecosystem.
- In addition, three enterprises per country will be selected for tailored follow-up support focused on scaling their operations and building strategic partnerships.
How to Apply:
- Read full details on the eligibility, exclusion and selection criteria on the HASTEN webpage.
- Fill in the application form by 27 June 2025.
- Shortlisted applicants will be contacted and will be invited to present their business virtually before final selections are made.
- Incubation workshops will be held in each country from September – October 2025, with follow-up support for selected enterprises taking place in October- November 2025.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Discover more from Naijanewstoday
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
NEWS5 days ago
FG Cuts Dialysis Cost In Federal Hospitals From ₦50,000 To ₦12,000
-
NEWS4 days ago
Ebonyi Man Plans Lagos-Abakaliki Trek to Honour Gov. Nwifuru’s Peace Efforts
-
POLITICS6 days ago
Peter Obi Tells Nigerians: Get Your PVC, Reject Criminals in Disguise
-
NEWS5 days ago
Ebonyi Coordinator Distributes Motorcycles, Lauds Governor’s Grassroots Development Agenda
-
ENTERTAINMENT6 days ago
Jim Iyke Says Single Mothers Cannot Raise Boys Into “Proper Men”
-
NEWS6 days ago
Lagos State Declares August 20 Work-Free for Public Servants for Isese Day
-
SPORTS6 days ago
Tinubu Arrives in Japan to Boost Bilateral Ties
-
NEWS5 days ago
FCT Minister Denies Awarding N5 Billion Contract to Local Contractors
-
NEWS2 days ago
Ebonyi Man Begins Lagos–Abakaliki Trek in Support of Gov Nwifuru’s Peace Efforts in Effium Crisis
-
NEWS4 days ago
Wike Says Amaechi’s 2027 Presidential Ambition Is Dead on Arrival
-
ENTERTAINMENT5 days ago
VeryDarkMan Leads Protest In Auchi, Blocks Dangote Trucks Over Victims’ Compensation
-
FACT-CHECKS/INVESTIGATION6 days ago
Nigeria Begins Deportation of 192 Foreign Cybercrime Convicts