Changing Narratives Africa

What it reported doing in 2025

Through catalytic grant support from Changing Narratives Africa (CNA) U.S., African Food Changemakers (AFC) significantly expanded its reach and programmatic impact in advancing agribusiness development, job creation, and food systems transformation across Africa. The CNA grant enabled AFC to scale its capacity-building programs, strengthen its digital and ecosystem infrastructure, and deepen engagement with agribusiness entrepreneurs across multiple countries. During the reporting period, AFC supported a pan-African network of over 9,000 agripreneurs across more than 40 countries, reflecting its position as a leading platform for agribusiness development on the continent. AFC's core mission is to enable African entrepreneurs to build resilient and sustainable agribusinesses that contribute to food security and economic growth [1 ]. AFC delivered structured capacity-building programs focused on strengthening the foundational capabilities of small and medium-sized agribusiness enterprises (agriSMEs). These programs included training in business planning, financial management, supply chain optimization, branding, and market access. Through its flagship BRACE (Building Resilience Against Climate Effects) program, AFC provided intensive technical support to agribusiness entrepreneurs to improve operational efficiency and climate resilience. BRACE is specifically designed to equip agriSMEs with the tools and practices needed to navigate environmental and market challenges while sustaining productivity and growth [3 ]. As a result of these interventions, participating businesses reported measurable improvements in key business performance indicators. These include enhanced financial management practices, improved cost structures, stronger product positioning, and increased readiness to access new markets. Many participants demonstrated early-stage revenue growth and operational improvements, reflecting AFC's effectiveness in moving businesses from informal operations toward structured and scalable enterprises. AFC's programs also contributed to the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices among participating businesses. Entrepreneurs incorporated techniques such as improved soil management, efficient water usage, and sustainable sourcing practices, strengthening their resilience to climate variability. These outcomes align with broader efforts to build climate-resilient food systems across Africa and reduce post-harvest losses, which remain a significant challenge across agricultural value chains. In addition to capacity building, AFC facilitated ecosystem development by connecting agribusiness entrepreneurs to a broader network of stakeholders, including mentors, peers, industry experts, and potential buyers. This ecosystem approach strengthened collaboration, increased knowledge sharing, and improved access to opportunities for business growth. AFC also supported increased visibility for participating businesses through storytelling, spotlight features, and community engagement initiatives, contributing to expanded market reach and brand recognition. AFC maintains a strong focus on inclusive economic development. A significant proportion of its community consists of youth entrepreneurs (ages 18-35) and women-led businesses, both of which represent critical drivers of economic growth and job creation across Africa. Through targeted programming and community engagement, AFC has helped address structural barriers faced by these groups, including limited access to funding, networks, and market opportunities. Furthermore, AFC leveraged digital platforms to enhance program delivery and ecosystem connectivity. Through its evolving AFC Hub and marketplace infrastructure, the organization is laying the foundation for increased trade, improved buyer-seller connections, and more efficient market access for agribusinesses. While digital transaction adoption remains an area of growth, these platforms represent a key component of AFC's

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 100%; rating input score 100
• Program expense ratio: 14.2%; rating input score 14

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 51st percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Limited

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -9,936.9%; rating input score 1; 1st percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.72; rating input score 62; 62nd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0; rating input score 66; 66th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 0%; rating input score 56; 56th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: -29.2% per year; rating input score 0; 14th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: -101.6% per year; rating input score 0; 2nd percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -16.2% per year; rating input score 0; 13th percentile among comparable filings