The AECF (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund) (www.aecfafrica.org), is the leading African-based development organization that supports innovative commercial businesses in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors with the aim of reducing rural poverty, promoting resilient communities and creating jobs. The AECF has raised over US$495 million to date and provides catalytic funding to enterprises in 27 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa by investing in businesses that struggle to meet traditional risk-return standards for commercial investors.