FINANCIAL SUPPORTapplying – Call 2

Call 2 (APRIL, 2021)

Call 2 of the ENTERPRISE Zambia Challenge Fund has CLOSED.
The next call will open in late JULY/ early AUGUST 2021.
For a simple introduction to the application process, please watch the video.
ENTERPRISE Zambia Challenge Fund Information Sessions
If you missed the live information session for Call 2 guidelines, please access the recording here.

Click here for the ENTERPRISE Zambia Challenge Fund Call 2 information session presentation for potential applicants.

Clarifications on Call 2: Questions & Responses 

KEY DOCUMENTS

Invitation to submit Expression of Interest for Aquaculture Window

Practical tips on writing a great application

Making the Business Case for Nutrition

The funding and application process will be as follows:

Submission of concept notes will be via an online application site. Applications will then be screened and assessed against the criteria in the Call Guidelines. Call Guidelines will be published when the application window opens. The application window will be open for around 45 days.

The Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund is aiming to support projects put forward by small and medium sized agri-enterprises with business models that are integrating smallholder farmers into value chains as suppliers and/or customers. The agri-enterprises need to demonstrate how they are benefitting smallholder farmers. This may be through the establishment of a new activity or expansion of existing activities in specific or all nodes of the value chain.

  • Phase 1

    Call open for submission of concept notes

  • Phase 2

    Invitation to submit full proposals

  • Phase 3

    Pre-award assessment

  • Phase 4

    Awarding of funds

  • Phase 5

    Offer technical advisory services

  • Phase 6

    Implementation of projects by agri-enterprises

Financial supportEligibility

Lead Applicant Eligibility Criteria:

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, agroforestry 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/livestock keepers 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 a) above for more specific examples).
  • Must have a yearly turnover in one of the last two (2) years of at least EUR 150,0006 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 financial support requested from Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund is likely to be within the following range for each project

● Minimum amount: EUR 150,000
● Maximum amount: EUR 1,000,000

The Challenge Fund will award financial support to cover a maximum of 50% of the total value of the proposal.