MECS Strengthening ‘Pre-Cooked’ Food Businesses Program for Entrepreneurs in East and West Africa (Up to £30,000)

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Applications are now open for MECS Strengthening ‘Pre-Cooked’ Food Businesses Program. Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) invites proposals from entrepreneurs, start-ups, businesses, and food service providers interested in establishing or expanding a sustainable pre-cooked food business using electricity as the main fuel for cooking based in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, or Nigeria.

The focus of this call is on batch or mass production of foods that can be reheated or ‘finished off’ in restaurants or at home (or eaten cold). The proposal should not include direct on the street selling of hot food to be eaten at the point of sale.

Funding Information

The total grant available is £30,000. Any proposal over budget will be rejected.
This funding may be combined with other sources of funding, loans, debt financing or other grants, however once the timing of the grant is agreed start dates should not be delayed because of further matched funding.
Failure to start on time will result in the withdrawal of the grant.
The study is expected to commence no later than 15th September 2025. All deliverables must be completed and delivered by 31st January 2026. The applicant should demonstrate in their response to these ToRs how the work can be completed within the time available.
The following deliverables will be expected:
- Inception report.
- A report assessing business model implementation.
- Updated cash flow projection
Payment is contingent on successful completion of all deliverables.

MECS Strengthening ‘Pre-Cooked’ Food Businesses Program Requirements

This call seeks innovative proposals that will:
- Develop or expand a viable and scalable pre-cooked food production and distribution business utilising energy efficient eCooking.
- Ensure food safety and hygiene in compliance with national and regional food standards.
- Incorporate sustainable and efficient eCooking methods, focusing on electric appliances. (They would accept an option to minimally fuel stack with other clean fuels to finish off the production. Note any use of charcoal has to be with a higher tier charcoal stove and be less than 15% of total fuel consumption when compared to the electricity).
- Support local supply chains by sourcing raw materials from smallholder farmers and producers.
- Provide employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women in food processing and distribution.
- Enhance affordability and accessibility of pre-cooked foods for lower-income urban populations
They are looking for 3 entrepreneurs to demonstrate how they can use efficient eCooking appliances (electric pressure cookers, air fryers, rice cookers and induction hobs) to create or enhance an income generating business. The proposed business must operate in Kenya, Tanzania Uganda, Ghana or Nigeria.

Eligibility Criteria

They invite proposals from entrepreneurs, start-ups, businesses, and food service providers interested in establishing or expanding a sustainable pre-cooked food business using electricity as the main fuel for cooking based in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, or Nigeria.

How To Apply for MECS Strengthening ‘Pre-Cooked’ Food Businesses Program

Applicants are asked to provide this information in no more than 12 pages. Please note, you may include up to
3 CVs of 2 pages each; any supporting documents as listed below; and a Gantt chart in addition to the 12-page
proposal.
- Executive summary (1 page)
- Detailed proposal (max. 10 pages)
- Business Financial Plan (including a 3-year financial projection)
- Profiles/CVs of key team members (6 pages – up to 3 CVs, max 2 pages each)
- Any supporting documents (licenses, partnership letters, etc).
Please send all responses to mecs@lboro.ac.uk with the subject ‘Pre-Cooked Food’.

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Application Deadline: 3rd August 2025