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MarketConnect

The MarketConnect program is implemented under Subcomponent 1.a. of Component 1 on Support Access to Markets and Finance with an allocation of USD 20.00 million.

The objective of this subcomponent is to provide tailored technical assistance to Producer Organizations (POs) and growth-oriented agribusiness firms to ‘upgrade’, improve market linkages and foster partnerships with off takers and buyers. Agribusinesses and POs will be eligible to participate in MarketConnect based on their commitment to growth, alignment with project objectives, financial viability and technical feasibility of their business models. All activities under MarketConnect are open for both Firms & POs except provision of incubation and acceleration support, which is specific to early-stage agribusinesses.

Objectives

  • Provision of Business Development Services (BDS) that are holistic, demand driven and address identified challenges.
  • Financing new product certification, food safety standards and applications for new/ renewal of export licensing for eligible agribusinesses and POs.
  • Provision of business incubation and acceleration support to early stage businesses to enable them to better leverage on digital technologies to enhance productivity and profitability
  • Development of “Centres of Excellence” for demonstration and knowledge spill overs from the project or training youth (with a focus on women) as agriculture entrepreneurs (referred to as “Agriprenuers”)

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Agribusinesses and POs will be eligible to participate in MarketConnect based on their commitment to growth, alignment with project objectives, financial viability and technical feasibility of their business models. All the activities under MarketConnect are open for both Agribusinesses and POs except provision of incubation and acceleration support, which is specific to early-stage agribusinesses.

Key selection criteria for all activities under this subcomponent will broadly include:

  • Current financial, operational and market positions
  • Potential demand for products or services;
  • Market competitiveness and potential for advancing business growth;
  • Willingness to take up climate adaptation and mitigation measures and
  • Additional preferences for women and youth-owned or youth-led businesses

On-boarding Process

High- Level Selection Criteria

All beneficiaries will be required to demonstrate they fulfil the following:

  • Business must be operational for minimum of 2 years consecutively
  • Business is registered (formalised) in line with legal provisions in Zambia
  • Annual turnover is between USD 15,000-1,000,000
  • Business has a product and is ready to sell
  • Business is willing to participate in a Success Sharing Scheme.

Firm Selection Criteria

1. Personal characteristics

a. Do entrepreneurs really have what it takes to succeed in business (drive, attitude and commitment)?
b. Do entrepreneurs have at least basic business management skills?
c. Are they willing to take on board recommendations to improve their business?
d. Do they have the right level of personal and financial commitment?

2. Business Operations Characteristics

a. Does the business have a convincing business plan, production capacity and how has the business performed over the past 2 years?
b. Any greening or climate smart interventions?

3. Financial characteristics

a. What is the annual sales turnover, is the business profitable and to what extent are financial records being kept?
b. Digitalization of records?

4. Market characteristics

a. Is there a demand for the product?
b. Has the demand been growing, steady or declining?
c. And other aspects like export opportunities, new markets, etc.

Location

3rd Floor, Kwacha Pension House Lusaka, Zambia

Phone

+260 211 220422
+260 961 516 904

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