HASTEN Business Incubation Programme Invites Young Agripreneurs to Apply for Support in Lesotho Rwanda and Sierra Leone
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HASTEN Business Incubation Programme Invites Young Agripreneurs to Apply for Support in Lesotho Rwanda and Sierra Leone

If you’re a young entrepreneur passionate about transforming food systems and driving sustainable change in Africa, there’s great news.

The HASTEN business incubation programme is now open for applications from youth-led startups and small businesses based in Lesotho, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone.

This initiative is designed to empower the next generation of agrifood leaders who are committed to building resilient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly food systems.

What Is HASTEN All About?

HASTEN stands for Harnessing SDG-based Agrifood System Transformation through Empowerment of the Next Generation of Agrifood Leadership in Africa.

It’s a project run by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through the Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) fund. The programme focuses on three main goals:

  • Developing young entrepreneurs’ skills in transdisciplinary systems thinking that connects to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • Encouraging strong partnerships between the public sector, private companies, and academic institutions to promote inclusive governance.

  • Supporting agripreneurship by helping youth-led businesses grow sustainable, eco-friendly, and socially responsible models that create jobs.

Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups that meet these criteria:

  • Legally registered in Lesotho, Rwanda, or Sierra Leone.

  • Operating for between 1 and 3 years.

  • Led by young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35.

  • Clearly contributing to sustainable transformation in agrifood systems.

  • Fully compliant with FAO’s integrity standards, meaning no involvement in any unethical or prohibited practices.

What Does the Programme Offer?

Selected businesses (around 8 to 10 from each country) will join an intensive 5-day, in-person incubation workshop.

During this time, participants will gain hands-on experience and practical tools to strengthen their sustainable business practices.

International and local experts will guide entrepreneurs through developing business plans and financial strategies tailored to eco-inclusive agripreneurship.

The workshop wraps up with a special ecosystem event where participants get to pitch their ideas to key players — including government officials, private sector leaders, academics, and development partners.

This networking opportunity can open doors to partnerships and greater visibility in the startup community.

After the workshop, three outstanding enterprises from each country will receive personalized support aimed at scaling their operations and forging strategic partnerships to grow further.

How to Get Involved

Interested in applying? Here’s what to do:

  • Check out the detailed eligibility and selection criteria on the official HASTEN webpage.

  • Submit your application before the deadline on 27 June 2025.

  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their businesses virtually before the final selection.

  • The incubation workshops are scheduled to take place between September and October 2025.

  • Tailored follow-up support will happen from October to November 2025.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a programme that’s shaping the future of sustainable agrifood businesses in Africa!