RFP : Capital Connect RFP

I. DATE

February 12, PROJECT ********* & BACKGROUND

The World ********** for Soy in Human Health a program of the American Soybean (ASA), ******** proposals for a ********** to design and Capital Connect (CapCon), a program to prepare small and medium sized (SMEs) in *********** Africa to solicit financing, culminating in an investment pitch at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF). AFSF is tentatively scheduled to take place in the first half of September 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda.

Access to finance is a major obstacle to the growth of SMEs in *********** Africa. Agribusinesses often struggle to access financing due to high perceived risk from lenders and limited insurance coverage. Many firms also lack formal financial records, collateral, or credit histories, making it difficult to meet lending requirements. Underdeveloped financial markets and high interest rates restrict the availability of long-term, affordable capital needed for growth and modernization.

Limited access to finance makes U.S. soy products less competitive in *********** Africa. These barriers push buyers toward smaller purchases, lower-cost substitutes, or locally available but less consistent protein sources, even when U.S. soy offers better nutritional value and reliability. Financing constraints also limit investment in storage, crushing, and feed manufacturing infrastructure, reducing demand for imported U.S. soy. Addressing these financing barriers would enable African agribusinesses to scale operations, invest in modern processing and feed systems, and purchase inputs on a longer-term, commercial basis. As firms grow and formalize, demand would increase for high-quality, consistent protein sources, opening new and more stable markets for U.S. soy products across the livestock, aquaculture, and food sectors.

Five SMEs will be selected from WISHH's markets in Africa, which include Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda. WISHH is targeting SMEs in their growth stage with annual revenues of at least USD $1 million, but one or two SMEs may be startups with lower revenues. WISHH will conduct an initial screening of applicants to determine whether they meet the basic requirements of the program, such as whether their business operates within the soy value chain. Those who make it through the initial screening will then go through an application process designed by the ********** in consultation with WISHH. The ********** will collect and review applications based on key criteria, including each applicant's potential to attract financing and the extent to which they would benefit from focused investment readiness support. This selection process ensures that participating SMEs are well aligned with the program's *********s and investor expectations. WISHH will make the final decision on which SMEs to include in the program.

Selected SMEs then receive comprehensive, virtual investment readiness training to prepare them to solicit financing at AFSF. The program works closely with each SME to strengthen and clearly articulate their value proposition and to develop professional marketing materials, including an investment teaser, pitch, and slide deck for investor outreach. In addition, the program provides in-person support at AFSF, offering real-time guidance, pitch rehearsals, and on-site assistance as SMEs engage directly with potential investors during the forum.

III. ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The American Soybean (ASA) was founded in 1920 by soybean farmers and extension workers to promote soy for high protein applications in developmental settings. Overseas activities initiated in the mid-1950s, and to date ASA has worked in over 80 countries. The World ********** for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) was founded in 2000 to expand the work of the American Soybean (ASA) in developing and emerging markets to improve health, nutrition and food security, building the groundwork for future markets of soy. WISHH provides services in food technology, business development, nutrition services, and program and proposal development. WISHH expertise extends its network into additional areas, such as aquaculture and animal feed.

ASA/WISHH connects trade and development to strengthen agricultural value chains in emerging markets, creating trade and long-term demand for U.S. soy. Trade can improve lives worldwide for both farmers and consumers. U.S. soy trade in emerging markets is pivotal to improve accessibility, affordability, and acceptability of high-quality plant and animal-sourced proteins in developing economies. Rising incomes in emerging economies generates further opportunities for trade. ASA/WISHH builds opportunity for long-term trade by improvi...