FINANCIAL SUPPORTapplying – Call 1 (Completed)

---

In order to be eligible for a grant, the lead applicant must comply with all the criteria listed below:

• Must be an agri-enterprise involved in the production of farming inputs, food and fibre, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, agroforestry or other farming and agricultural related industries. Examples of relevant agro-food enterprises include but are not limited to: companies involved in agricultural, agroforesty or aquaculture production including agro-input suppliers, contract farming, agroforestry, agro-food processors, agriculture logistics and aggregation services, agriculture technology suppliers including breeders and farm machinery.
• Must be incorporated in Zambia as a company or a cooperative.
• Must be compliant with all national and local laws and regulations; including meeting all obligations relating to the payment of taxes and social security contribution and relevant health and safety and environmental standards.
• Must be a for-profit entity.
• Must demonstrate experience in the project proposal for current or future integration of smallholder farmers/pastoralists/fish farmers in existing or new value chain(s) in the project’s areas.
• The business must have at least three (3) years of uninterrupted operations in Zambia at the date of application, with focus on eligible agriculture, livestock, agroforestry or aquaculture sectors (see above for more specific examples).
• Must have a yearly turnover for the last two (2) years of at least EUR 150,000 as evidenced by audited accounts.
• Must be able to contribute at least 50% of the project cost through a blend of cash and cash equivalents, credit or equity from own or third-party sources.
• Must have three years of financial statements including audited accounts for the two (2) most recent years plus management accounts for the third year. The audited accounts should have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by an accountant accredited by the Zambia Institute of Certified Accountants (ZICA).
• Must be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with the implementing partners, not acting as an intermediary.
• The lead applicant must meet all the eligibility criteria in its own right and will be held accountable for the implementation of the action including the management and accountability of the implementing partner(s). Therefore, applicants are encouraged to carefully vet their implementing partners to ensure they are operating legally in line with the laws of Zambia and have the capacity to fulfil the role outlined in the proposed project.