Deadline: 08-Jul-2026
The European Commission is inviting proposals to strengthen civil society organisations (CSOs) as key drivers of governance, economic development, and resilience in Eritrea. With a total budget of EUR 459,000, the programme supports projects that promote climate-smart agriculture, private sector growth, digital innovation, and inclusive economic development. Grants cover up to 90% of project costs, prioritizing locally driven, high-impact initiatives.
Overview of the Call for Proposals
What is this Programme?
This funding opportunity aims to empower civil society organisations (CSOs) to act as independent actors in good governance, catalysts for economic resilience, and partners in inclusive and sustainable development.
Core Objectives
Global Objective
Strengthen CSOs as independent actors in governance and development.
Specific Objective
Enhance CSO engagement in private sector development at the national level.
Key Focus Areas
Priority Themes
Projects should address one or more of the following:
- Climate-smart agriculture and nature-based solutions
- Skills development for farmers and small businesses
- Business capacity building and networking
- Women and youth economic empowerment
- Digital solutions for enterprises
- Sustainable value chains and market access
Target Sectors in Eritrea
- Agriculture
- Retail and trade
- Services
- Small-scale manufacturing
Why This Programme Matters
Strengthening Civil Society
CSOs play a critical role in promoting transparency and accountability, supporting peace and resilience, and driving community-led development.
Addressing Economic Challenges
In Eritrea, businesses face limited access to finance, weak infrastructure, and regulatory constraints. This programme enables CSOs to transfer practical skills, facilitate market connections, and promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
Supporting Global Development Goals
The initiative supports inclusive economic growth, climate action, and sustainable development principles.
Funding Details
Grant Size and Coverage
- Total budget: EUR 459,000
- Funding covers up to 90% of eligible project costs
Co-Financing Requirement
Applicants must contribute at least 10% of project costs.
Type of Support
Project-based funding for locally driven development initiatives.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be non-profit legal entities, including:
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Public sector operators
- Local authorities
Geographic Eligibility
Applicants must be established in the European Union or Eritrea.
Additional Requirement
Non-Eritrean applicants must demonstrate prior experience in Eritrea, including at least one successfully implemented project.
How to Apply
Step 1: Define Project Concept
Identify a local development challenge and align it with programme priorities.
Step 2: Build Partnerships
Collaborate with local stakeholders, communities, or businesses.
Step 3: Develop Proposal
Include project objectives, activities, expected outcomes, budget, and timeline.
Step 4: Submit Application
Apply through the European Commission funding portal and ensure all requirements are met.
Step 5: Evaluation Process
Applications are assessed based on relevance, impact, feasibility, sustainability, and alignment with EU priorities.
Key Concepts Explained
What are Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)?
CSOs are non-state, non-profit entities that represent community interests, promote development, and support inclusion.
What is Climate-Smart Agriculture?
An approach that increases productivity, enhances resilience to climate change, and reduces environmental impact.
What are Sustainable Value Chains?
Systems that ensure efficient movement of goods from production to market while minimizing environmental and social impacts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting proposals without local relevance
- Ignoring co-financing requirements
- Weak impact or sustainability planning
- Lack of experience in Eritrea (for international applicants)
- Overly complex or unrealistic project design
Practical Tips for Applicants
- Focus on clear, measurable outcomes
- Build strong local partnerships
- Highlight community-level impact
- Ensure scalability and sustainability
- Align with EU priorities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the total funding available?
The total budget is EUR 459,000.
2. How much funding can a project receive?
Up to 90% of eligible project costs.
3. Who can apply?
Non-profit organisations, public sector entities, and local authorities in the EU or Eritrea.
4. Is prior experience in Eritrea required?
Yes, for applicants not based in Eritrea.
5. What sectors are prioritized?
Agriculture, trade, services, manufacturing, and digital business development.
6. Are partnerships required?
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended.
7. What type of projects are preferred?
Projects that promote inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, and private sector development.
Conclusion
This European Commission call provides a strategic opportunity to strengthen civil society and drive inclusive economic development in Eritrea. By supporting locally relevant, high-impact projects, the programme empowers organisations to foster resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth.
For more information, visit European Commission (EC).