RFAs: Promoting Inclusive Digital Services (Kyrgyzstan)

The European Commission is inviting proposals to support inclusive digital development in the Kyrgyz Republic, with a focus on equitable access to digital services, digital security, data protection, civil society capacity-building, and transparent digital investment. The programme has a total budget of EUR 1.5 million, with grants ranging from EUR 500,000 to EUR 1.5 million.

About the Programme

This European Commission initiative aims to strengthen inclusive digital transformation in the Kyrgyz Republic so that both public and private digital services are accessible, fair, secure, and transparent.

The programme supports efforts to reduce the digital divide, especially for rural and vulnerable populations, while ensuring that digital development remains under human oversight, democratic control, and civil society participation.

Focus Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following:

• Improving digital connectivity
• Expanding inclusive access to digital tools, services, and technologies
• Supporting technologies such as:
  • Satellite connectivity
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Strengthening data protection and privacy
• Building the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs), including female activists
• Raising awareness of:
  • Digital security
  • Privacy
  • Data protection
• Providing advisory support to CSOs to advocate for:
  • Transparent digital investment
  • Accountable public spending in digital systems

Why This Programme Matters

The programme is important because it supports a more inclusive and secure digital transition in the Kyrgyz Republic.

It recognises that while digital transformation can improve public services and economic participation, it can also deepen inequality if:

• Rural communities are left behind
• Vulnerable groups cannot access services
• Civil society is excluded
• Privacy and data rights are not protected

Policy Context

The initiative builds on the EU’s broader cooperation with the Kyrgyz Government, including:

• Policy dialogue
• Budget support
• Capacity-building for digital transformation

It also aligns with:

• The Kyrgyz Republic’s Digital Transformation Strategy
• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• The EU’s Global Gateway policy approach

Funding Available

• Total programme budget: EUR 1.5 million

Grant Size

• Minimum grant: EUR 500,000
• Maximum grant: EUR 1.5 million

Co-financing Rate

The grant may cover:

• 70% to 95% of total eligible costs

This means applicants may need to provide the remaining share depending on the final grant percentage awarded.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-profit organisations
• Established in:
  • The European Union, or
  • The Kyrgyz Republic

Important Requirement

• Collaboration with local organisations is required where applicable

What Applicants Will Be Expected to Do

Selected organisations will be responsible for designing and implementing projects that:

• Improve inclusive digital access
• Promote digital rights and security
• Support civil society engagement
• Strengthen transparency in digital governance and investments
• Expand access in remote and underserved areas

How to Apply

Suggested Steps

1. Confirm your organisation is a non-profit
2. Ensure it is legally established in:
   • The EU, or
   • The Kyrgyz Republic
3. Identify local implementation partners if needed
4. Design a project aligned with:
   • Digital inclusion
   • Data protection
   • Civil society capacity
   • Connectivity in underserved areas
   • Transparent digital governance
5. Prepare a budget between EUR 500,000 and EUR 1.5 million
6. Plan for required co-financing if the grant does not cover 100%
7. Submit through the official European Commission application process

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as a for-profit entity
• Ignoring the co-financing requirement
• Failing to include local collaboration where needed
• Proposing digital expansion without addressing inclusion or rights
• Overlooking privacy, data protection, and transparency
• Focusing only on technology deployment without civil society engagement

Quick Facts

• Funder: European Commission
• Country Focus: Kyrgyz Republic
• Theme: Inclusive digital development
• Total Budget: EUR 1.5 million
• Grant Range: EUR 500,000 to EUR 1.5 million
• Funding Coverage: 70%–95% of eligible costs
• Eligible Applicants: Non-profit organisations in the EU or Kyrgyz Republic

FAQ

1. What is the main goal of this programme?

To support inclusive, secure, and transparent digital development in the Kyrgyz Republic.

2. How much funding is available?

The total programme budget is EUR 1.5 million.

3. What is the grant size range?

Projects can receive between EUR 500,000 and EUR 1.5 million.

4. Who can apply?

Non-profit organisations established in the EU or the Kyrgyz Republic.

5. Does the grant cover full project costs?

No. It covers 70% to 95% of eligible costs, so co-financing may be required.

6. What kinds of issues should projects address?

Projects should focus on digital inclusion, connectivity, AI/satellite access, privacy, data protection, civil society capacity, and transparent digital governance.

Conclusion

This European Commission programme is a strong opportunity for non-profits working on digital inclusion, rights, and governance in the Kyrgyz Republic.

With grants of up to EUR 1.5 million, it is particularly relevant for organisations that can combine technology access, civil society empowerment, and transparent digital governance to reduce the digital divide and support inclusive transformation.