Deadline: 13-Mar-2026
The UNDP Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) in Zambia invites organisations to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for technical support to strengthen biodiversity-positive projects and enhance investment readiness. Participants receive guidance on proposal development, project structuring, and financial viability to attract private and philanthropic investment. The programme aligns with Zambia’s biodiversity priorities and national development strategies.
Overview of the Programme
The Biodiversity Investment Readiness Support Programme, implemented by UNDP BIOFIN in Zambia, helps organisations and project developers design and promote biodiversity initiatives that are investment-ready. The programme focuses on improving the bankability, financial viability, and presentation of biodiversity projects while promoting conservation and nature-based solutions.
Key Objectives
The programme aims to:
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Strengthen the bankability and investment readiness of biodiversity projects.
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Assist organisations in developing funding proposals for targeted investors.
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Build capacity of project developers to structure viable and investor-friendly projects.
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Promote biodiversity conservation, nature-based solutions, and sustainable development.
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Align projects with Zambia’s biodiversity priorities and national strategies.
Support Provided
Selected participants will receive:
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Technical Guidance: Advice on proposal development, project design, and structuring for investor requirements.
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Investment Readiness Training: Capacity-building for project developers to ensure financial and operational viability.
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Alignment with Funding Opportunities: Support to meet standards and expectations of private and philanthropic investors.
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No-Cost Participation: Technical assistance is provided without financial burden to the organisation.
Eligible Organisations
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Corporations and private sector companies.
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Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
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Financial institutions.
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Public entities involved in biodiversity-positive projects.
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Project developers and organisations engaged in biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions.
Selection Criteria
EOIs will be assessed based on:
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Financial Viability: Potential to attract investment and generate sustainable outcomes.
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Biodiversity Impact: Quality and effectiveness of conservation or nature-based solutions.
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Risk Management: Safeguards and institutional capacity to manage project risks.
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Institutional Readiness: Organisational capacity and enabling environment to implement the project successfully.
Expected Impact
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Improved bankability and investor readiness of biodiversity projects in Zambia.
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Strengthened capacity of organisations and project developers to access private and philanthropic funding.
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Promotion of nature-positive initiatives and inclusive economic growth.
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Contribution to national and global biodiversity commitments, including the Global Biodiversity Framework, Zambia’s Green Growth Strategy, and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
Tips and Best Practices
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Clearly demonstrate the biodiversity impact and nature-based solutions in your project.
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Provide evidence of institutional capacity and risk management practices.
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Align project goals with Zambia’s national biodiversity and sustainable development priorities.
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Ensure proposals reflect financial viability and potential to attract investment.
FAQ – UNDP BIOFIN Zambia Biodiversity Support
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Who can submit an EOI? Corporations, private companies, MSMEs, financial institutions, public entities, and project developers engaged in biodiversity-positive initiatives.
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What support is provided? Tailored technical guidance on proposal development, project structuring, and investment readiness.
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Is there a cost to participate? No, participation and technical support are provided at no cost.
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What is the goal of the programme? To strengthen the investment readiness and bankability of biodiversity projects in Zambia.
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How are EOIs evaluated? Based on financial viability, biodiversity impact, risk management, and organisational capacity.
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What national priorities does the programme support? Zambia’s Green Growth Strategy, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
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Can organisations receive funding directly from UNDP BIOFIN? The programme provides technical support to improve readiness for private and philanthropic investment, not direct project funding.
Conclusion
The UNDP BIOFIN Biodiversity Investment Readiness Support Programme empowers Zambian organisations and project developers to design investment-ready biodiversity initiatives. By providing technical guidance, proposal development support, and capacity-building, the programme strengthens financial viability, promotes conservation, and aligns projects with national and global biodiversity objectives, enhancing the potential for private and philanthropic investment.
For more information, visit UNDP.
