Deadline: 02-Jul-2026
The Urban Futures Call for Partners seeks a local implementing partner in Chongwe District, Zambia, to support youth- and women-led food system enterprises. The programme provides €200,000 for enterprise development, capacity building, and stakeholder linkages from July 2026 to August 2027. It aims to establish at least 50 new enterprises and strengthen 25 existing ones through training, mentorship, market access, and climate-resilient food system support.
Urban Futures Call for Partners Overview
The Urban Futures initiative is a food systems and enterprise development programme focused on empowering youth and women entrepreneurs in Chongwe District. It supports inclusive economic growth by strengthening food system enterprises across production, processing, distribution, retail, and circular economy activities.
The programme works through structured partnerships with local implementing organisations to deliver enterprise development, training, and market linkage support.
Purpose and Objectives of the Programme
The call aims to:
- Strengthen youth and women-led food system enterprises
- Provide structured enterprise development support
- Promote climate-adapted and resilient food system businesses
- Create sustainable job opportunities for youth and women
- Improve access to markets, finance, and business networks
- Build entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and leadership skills
- Strengthen stakeholder coordination and partnerships
- Support monitoring, learning, and evidence-based programming
The core goal is to build inclusive, climate-resilient food system economies driven by local entrepreneurs.
Geographic Focus
The programme is implemented in:
- Chongwe District
The selected partner must already have operational experience within this district.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Legally registered organisations in Zambia
- NGOs and civil society organisations
- Community-based organisations
- Development or enterprise support organisations
Required experience:
- Youth and women-focused enterprise development
- Food systems or agricultural value chain work
- Capacity building and entrepreneurship support
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership building
- Operational presence in Chongwe District
Funding Details
- Total budget: €200,000
- Implementation period: July 2026 – August 2027
- Funding covers:
- Enterprise development activities
- Capacity building programmes
- Stakeholder engagement and coordination
- Monitoring, learning, and documentation
Target Beneficiaries
The programme focuses on:
- Youth entrepreneurs in food systems
- Women-led enterprises
- Existing and emerging small-scale businesses
- Climate-resilient agri-food innovators
- Community-based food system actors
Key Targets
The programme aims to:
- Establish at least 50 new enterprises
- Strengthen at least 25 existing enterprises
- Support job creation in food systems
- Improve enterprise sustainability and market access
What the Programme Supports
Enterprise Development
- Business incubation and acceleration
- Entrepreneurship training
- Financial literacy and planning
- Business model development
- Market readiness preparation
Technical Assistance
- Climate-smart food system practices
- Value chain development support
- Production and processing improvements
- Circular economy solutions
Capacity Building
- Leadership and entrepreneurship skills
- Agri-food technical training
- Financial management skills
- Work-readiness programmes
Market and Finance Linkages
- Access to buyers and markets
- Financial institution engagement
- Cooperative and private sector partnerships
- Business pitch development and investor readiness
Stakeholder Coordination
- Collaboration with government departments
- Engagement with private sector actors
- Partnerships with development organisations
- Coordination with cooperatives and community groups
Monitoring, Learning, and Documentation
- Enterprise performance tracking
- Job creation monitoring
- Climate adaptation practices documentation
- Programme impact evaluation
- Learning and reporting systems
Key Partners Involved
The selected organisation will work in collaboration with:
- CUTS (consumer and development policy organisations)
- GNS (programme implementation stakeholders)
- Urban Futures AgriConnect Hub
- Government and private sector actors
- Financial institutions and cooperatives
How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Partner Selection
A qualified local organisation is selected in Chongwe District.
Step 2: Programme Design Alignment
The partner aligns activities with Urban Futures objectives.
Step 3: Enterprise Identification
Youth and women-led enterprises are identified and assessed.
Step 4: Capacity Building & Training
Structured support is delivered in business, finance, and technical skills.
Step 5: Market and Finance Linkages
Enterprises are connected to buyers, investors, and institutions.
Step 6: Monitoring and Scaling
Performance is tracked and successful models are scaled.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of operational presence in Chongwe District
- Weak experience in enterprise development or food systems
- No clear strategy for youth and women inclusion
- Poorly defined market linkage approach
- Missing monitoring and learning framework
- Overemphasis on training without enterprise outcomes
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate strong local presence in Chongwe District
- Show proven experience in enterprise development
- Include clear targets for job creation and enterprise growth
- Build strong market and finance linkage strategies
- Highlight climate-resilient and inclusive approaches
- Provide a detailed monitoring and learning plan
- Show partnerships with relevant stakeholders
Why This Programme Matters
The Urban Futures initiative is important because it:
- Strengthens youth and women entrepreneurship in food systems
- Builds climate-resilient local economies
- Improves access to markets and financial services
- Creates sustainable employment opportunities
- Enhances food system innovation and inclusivity
- Strengthens local enterprise ecosystems
It helps transform informal and emerging entrepreneurs into structured, sustainable businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the funding amount?
€200,000 for programme implementation.
What is the project duration?
July 2026 to August 2027.
Where is the programme implemented?
Chongwe District, Zambia.
Who can apply?
Legally registered organisations in Zambia with relevant experience.
What is the main goal?
To support youth and women-led food system enterprises.
How many enterprises will be supported?
At least 50 new and 25 existing enterprises.
What sectors are included?
Food systems across production, processing, retail, and circular economy activities.
Conclusion
The Urban Futures Call for Partners in Chongwe District supports inclusive enterprise development by strengthening youth and women-led food system businesses. Through €200,000 in funding, it builds entrepreneurship, market access, and climate-resilient livelihoods, helping create sustainable economic opportunities in local food systems.
For more information, visit Hivos.