Chapter 1: About GREENTech4CE
The GREENTech4CE (Green Recycling Enterprises Engaging in New Technology for a Circular Economy in Zambia) project is a €22.7 million initiative funded by the European Union. Its aim is to promote sustainable practices by supporting the development of start-ups and MSMEs within the green, circular and digital economy that want to scale or transition to sustainable business models.
The project offers a blend of technical assistance and financial support through matching grants for market studies, capacity building, product development, and innovation.
For Call I, grants to be provided will range from a minimum of €100,000 to a maximum of €500,000.
Chapter 2: Eligibility
Eligible applicants include Zambian-owned Medium Enterprises registered and domiciled in Zambia. Partnerships through Joint Ventures with European companies are encouraged to apply.
- Medium enterprise as defined in accordance with the MSME policy (2023).
- Actions/initiatives for which a grant may be awarded, and size of support required.
- Operating in Zambia with supporting financial statements and management accounts.
- Companies with audited financial statement of at least 2 of the last 3 years.
- Must be an established Zambian owned medium enterprise.
- Must be incorporated in Zambia as a company. Individuals are not eligible.
- Must be a for-profit entity and seeking expansion and/or growth capital.
- To be committed to sustaining practices of the green circular models both during and post the secured investment.
No. This call is strictly for Meduim scale enterprises as described in the MSEM policy. However, subsquent call will encompass start-ups, micro and Small enterprises.
Manufacturing, Mining, Services, Construction, Digitla, Transport and Logistics, Energy.
Agricultural sector is excluded from this support.
Green Economy Initiatives, Material Value Creation, E-Mobility Promotion, Strengthening Value Chains, Local Transformation of Raw Materials, Mining Sector ESG Improvements, Enhance ESG standards, productivity, and market access for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), Energy Supply Innovation, Machining and Fabrication Services, Recycling Centre Development, ASM Cooperative Formalization, Export Facilitation, Collaborative Waste and Management Initiatives.
The project places a strong emphasis on promoting the involvement of women and youth in the green circular economy by prioritizing social inclusion to create jobs for these groups. 50% and 75% of the beneficiaries of the beneficiaries of this project shall be women and youth respectively.
Chapter 3: Application Process and Proposal ContentChapter 2: Eligibility
Application details are provided on the GREEN Tech4CE website. The application process involves two stages:
- Submission of a Concept Note (CN) through the GREENTech4CE online portal.
- Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal based on the concept note’s evaluation.
The deadline for submission of concept notes is 13th December, 2024.
Any application submitted after the deadline will be rejected.
No, applicants are not allowed to submit more than one concept note in this call for proposals.
If approved, you will be invited to submit a detailed project proposal for further evaluation of governance, management, and financial conditions.
No, an enterprise may not receive more than one grant under this call for proposals.
GREENTech4CE team members cannot assist with concept notes or proposals, and any attempts to solicit help will lead to disqualification.
Additional Support and Proposal Content
Yes, information sessions and co-creation support are available to help applicants prepare their proposals.
Common elements include a project description, goals, timeline, budget, and impact and risks. Guiding notes will be provided on the GREENTech4CE website.
Phase 2: Full Proposal Submission
Chapter 1: Co-Financing Requirements
Applicants are required to contribute at least 50% of the project costs, with the grant covering the remaining amount.
Chapter 2: Reporting Requirements for Successful Applicants
Successful applicants must provide regular progress reports, including quarterly narrative and financial updates, as well as annual financial reports, to ensure compliance and demonstrate milestone achievements.
Post-Award Questions
Contact the fund manager for guidance on modification procedures.
Failure to meet requirements may result in having to return funds or disqualification from future funding.
Chapter 3: Concept note and Full Proposal Evaluation Criteria
- Sustainability of the business beyond the project financial and technical support provided.
- The management capacity, professional competencies, qualifications and experience required to successfully complete the proposed action.
- Access to complementary funding where appropriate.
Chapter 4: Financial Requirements and Support
Medium enterprises must have a maximum turnover between EUR 350,000 - EUR 1,730,000 per year.
Medium enterprise must have at least three years of uninterrupted operations.
Eligible applicant Must have at least 50% Zambian-ownership in the enterprise Joint ventures with European partners are encouraged.
The business must provide audited accounts for the past two years and the latest management accounts, prepared according to International Financial Reports Standards (IFRS) by an accountant accredited by the Zambia Institute of Certified Accountants (ZICA).
Chapter 5: Fund Disbursement
The project employs a Milestone-Based Payment Mechanism where funds are disbursed in phases, based on the achievement of pre-agreed project milestones, as outlined in the contract between the Fund Manager and the enterprise.
