The Africa Resilience Investment Accelerator (ARIA) was founded in 2021 and is based in Africa. It focuses on mobilizing capital for businesses in frontier markets across the continent, addressing the challenges these businesses face in accessing financing for growth. ARIA operates in seven countries: Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Liberia, Togo, and Sierra Leone. The organization collaborates with development finance institutions (DFIs) and local businesses to facilitate investment readiness support and promote sustainable investment.

ARIA invests in small and growing businesses in frontier markets, aiming to build business-enabling environments. The organization works with a coalition of companies, investors, governments, and donors to mobilize capital for transformative businesses, particularly in sectors such as climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure, and urbanization. ARIA has unlocked over $45 million in DFI investment since its inception.

Founders benefit from ARIA's investment readiness support, access to capital mobilization efforts, and collaboration with a network of investors and development finance institutions.

<p><strong>What are the eligibility criteria for ARIA?</strong></p><p>ARIA focuses on small and growing businesses in frontier markets, particularly those addressing climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure.</p><p><strong>How does the application process work?</strong></p><p>Founders interested in applying should visit the ARIA website for specific application details and guidelines.</p><p><strong>What are the deal terms offered by ARIA?</strong></p><p>Specific deal terms are not disclosed, but ARIA provides investment readiness support and access to capital mobilization efforts.</p><p><strong>What is the program format?</strong></p><p>The program emphasizes collaboration with development finance institutions and local businesses, focusing on sustainable investment.</p><p><strong>What makes ARIA different from other accelerators?</strong></p><p>ARIA's unique focus on climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure in frontier markets sets it apart, along with its collaboration with DFIs.</p><p><strong>What success metrics does ARIA use?</strong></p><p>ARIA measures success through the amount of capital mobilized for its portfolio companies and the impact of supported businesses on their communities.</p>