Deadline: 09-May-2026
Expertise France is offering grants to strengthen entrepreneurship and investment in the Comoros by leveraging diaspora resources for inclusive, green, and blue economic growth. The program provides €50,000–€125,000 per project (total €500,000) to support SMEs, ecosystem development, and sustainable business initiatives. It focuses on capacity building, access to finance, and promoting environmentally sustainable enterprises.
Overview
The grant by Expertise France aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Comoros.
It emphasizes mobilizing diaspora expertise and investment to drive sustainable economic development, particularly in green and blue economy sectors.
The initiative supports organizations that can design and implement structured programs for SME growth and ecosystem strengthening.
Core Objectives
The program aims to:
- Strengthen entrepreneurship and startup ecosystems
- Promote green and blue economy initiatives
- Support environmentally sustainable SMEs
- Improve access to finance and investment readiness
- Build capacity of support organizations
- Encourage inclusion of women and youth
- Facilitate ecological and economic transition
Key Focus Areas
The call prioritizes:
- Green economy (sustainable production, climate solutions)
- Blue economy (marine and coastal resource-based activities)
- SME development and scaling
- Entrepreneurship support systems
- Diaspora engagement and investment mobilization
- Inclusive growth (women and youth participation)
Funding Details
The grant structure includes:
- Total funding pool: €500,000
- Grant size: €50,000 to €125,000 per project
- Significant portion allocated to third-party SMEs
- Combination of financial and technical support
Funding is designed for ecosystem-level impact rather than individual business funding alone.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be legally registered entities in the Comoros
- Have at least 3 years of operational presence
- Demonstrate experience in entrepreneurship support or donor-funded projects
- Possess strong technical and financial management capacity
- Have expertise in green or blue economy sectors
- Be directly responsible for project design and implementation
Eligible organizations include:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Associations
- Private companies
- Incubators and accelerators
- Entrepreneurship support institutions
What the Programme Supports
Selected organizations will implement:
- Training and capacity-building programs
- Business incubation and acceleration
- Technical assistance for SMEs
- Market access and value chain development
- Investment readiness and financing support
- Ecosystem strengthening initiatives
Projects must align with sustainable development goals and focus on long-term impact.
Programme Structure
The implementation follows a phased approach:
- Pre-financing stage (initial setup and planning)
- Full implementation phase (execution of activities)
Projects must be primarily implemented within the Comoros.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Ensure organizational eligibility and registration in the Comoros
- Develop a project aligned with green/blue economy goals
- Design a structured SME support program
- Include third-party financial support mechanisms
- Prepare technical and financial proposal
- Submit application to Expertise France
- Undergo evaluation and selection process
- Begin phased implementation if selected
Why It Matters
This initiative is important because:
- SMEs are key drivers of economic growth in the Comoros
- Green and blue economies offer sustainable development pathways
- Diaspora resources can unlock investment and expertise
- It strengthens long-term resilience and environmental sustainability
- It promotes inclusive growth for women and youth
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak organizational capacity or unclear implementation plan
- Lack of experience in SME support or donor-funded projects
- Poor integration of green or blue economy principles
- No clear plan for third-party funding distribution
- Limited focus on inclusion (women and youth)
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate proven track record in entrepreneurship support
- Clearly define SME impact and outcomes
- Include measurable environmental and economic benefits
- Show strong financial and governance systems
- Highlight diaspora engagement strategy
FAQ
What is the Expertise France grant about?
It supports organizations in the Comoros to strengthen entrepreneurship and promote green and blue economic growth.
How much funding is available?
Total funding is €500,000, with €50,000–€125,000 per project.
Who can apply?
Legally registered entities in the Comoros with at least 3 years of experience.
Does the grant support SMEs directly?
Yes, part of the funding must be redistributed to SMEs as third-party support.
What sectors are prioritized?
Green economy, blue economy, entrepreneurship, and SME development.
Is prior experience required?
Yes, applicants must have experience in entrepreneurship support or donor-funded projects.
Where must the project be implemented?
Primarily within the Comoros.
Conclusion
The Expertise France grant offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems in the Comoros through sustainable, inclusive, and diaspora-driven initiatives. By combining financial support with technical expertise, it enables organizations to drive long-term economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
For more information, visit Expertise France.
