The ADAPT Support Fund, launched by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, provides equity-based grants to strengthen sustainable private investment in agriculture, aquaculture, sustainable fishing, and agri-food sectors in Tunisia. Funding ranges from EUR 1,650 to EUR 100,000 and supports projects aligned with ecological transition and green economic development. The programme enhances applicants’ financial capacity through co-financing with Tunisian banks or leasing institutions.

ADAPT Support Fund Tunisia: Grant Opportunity for Sustainable Agriculture and Agri-Food Investment

A programme supporting ecological transition, financial stability, and responsible private-sector growth in Tunisia.

Overview

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has opened a call for proposals under the ADAPT Support Fund to accelerate sustainable investment in Tunisia’s agriculture, sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and agri-food sectors. This fund promotes environmentally responsible growth by strengthening the equity base of private operators committed to ecological transition.

Applicants submit an investment project (“the action”), which is evaluated for technical quality, economic soundness, and environmental alignment. Selected applicants receive a grant contribution that enhances their equity capital and enables joint financing with a Tunisian financial institution.

Key Objectives

• Support private-sector investment in green agriculture, aquaculture, sustainable fishing, and agri-food production

• Strengthen equity capacity to increase access to financing

• Accelerate ecological transition across Tunisia’s primary and agri-food industries

• Encourage projects with measurable environmental, economic, and social impact

• Align investment practices with sustainability principles and national regulatory obligations

Funding Details

• Total available budget: EUR 8,000,000

• Grant size: EUR 1,650 to EUR 100,000

• Funding mechanism: Equity enhancement contribution tied to co-financing from a Tunisian bank or leasing institution

• Maximum project duration: Until 31 March 2028

• Funds must demonstrate alignment with ecological transition goals and support long-term sustainable outcomes.

Why It Matters

This funding call strengthens Tunisia’s capacity for climate-resilient food systems, environmentally responsible production, and sustainable resource use. By supporting private operators, the programme:

• Encourages modernisation of agricultural and aquaculture practices

• Promotes renewable resource use and low-impact production

• Improves long-term economic resilience through stronger private-sector equity

• Supports Tunisia’s transition to a greener, more competitive agri-food economy

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Natural persons

• Legal entities

• Professional Agricultural and Agricultural Organizations (OPA)
  Applicants must:

• Operate in agriculture, aquaculture, sustainable fishing, or the agri-food sector

• Be legally established and operating in Tunisia

• Be fully compliant with tax, social, environmental, and health regulations

• Not fall under exclusion criteria defined in PRAG guidelines

• Demonstrate capacity to implement sustainable, ecologically aligned investments

Eligible Investment Areas

Agriculture

• Sustainable production methods

• Water-efficient and climate-smart farming technologies

Sustainable Fishing

• Responsible fishing practices

• Resource management and traceability systems

Aquaculture

• Low-impact fish farming models

• Environmentally friendly production innovations

Agri-Food

• Green processing technologies

• Energy-efficient production and waste minimisation

How the Funding Mechanism Works

Equity Contribution Model

The ADAPT Support Fund grants are not traditional subsidies. Instead, they operate as an equity-capacity enhancement tool.

• The applicant proposes an investment project.

• A Tunisian bank or leasing institution agrees to co-finance the project.

• The ADAPT Fund contributes to strengthening the applicant’s equity portion.

• The enhanced equity improves financial stability and increases borrowing capacity.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the investment proposal, ensuring clear alignment with ecological transition.

2. Demonstrate compliance with all environmental, health, social, and tax requirements.

3. Secure partnership with a Tunisian bank or leasing institution for co-financing.

4. Submit the application to the ADAPT Support Fund before the designated deadline.

5. Undergo evaluation, where project feasibility, sustainability, and impact are assessed.

6. Receive the grant, upon selection, as part of the equity enhancement package.

7. Implement the project within the allowed timeframe (not beyond 31 March 2028).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects without clear ecological transition impact

• Failing to secure co-financing from a financial institution

• Incomplete compliance documentation (tax, social, or environmental)

• Proposing investments unrelated to eligible sectors

• Overestimating project timelines beyond the allowed duration

FAQ

1. What types of projects are funded?
Projects supporting sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, and agri-food activities with clear ecological transition impacts.

2. Is the support a loan or a grant?
It is a grant, but structured as an equity enhancement linked to co-financing from Tunisian banks or leasing institutions.

3. Do applicants need to be based in Tunisia?
Yes, applicants must be legally established and actively operating in Tunisia.

4. Can newly established companies apply?
Yes, provided they meet regulatory obligations and can secure co-financing.

5. What is the maximum duration for funded projects?
Projects cannot exceed 31 March 2028.

6. Are non-profit organisations eligible?
Yes, if they fall under legal entities active in the target sectors.

7. Is sustainability mandatory?
Yes, ecological transition alignment is a core requirement.

Conclusion

The ADAPT Support Fund represents a significant opportunity for private operators in Tunisia’s agriculture, aquaculture, sustainable fishing, and agri-food sectors to strengthen their financial capacity and advance ecological transition. With targeted equity support, clear eligibility rules, and strong emphasis on sustainability, the programme helps build a greener and more resilient food and resource economy. Applicants who prepare strong, compliant, and ecologically focused proposals will be best positioned to secure funding.