Matching Grants Scheme under the Green Heart of Africa (TAZA) Programme – Malawi

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Matching Grants Scheme under the Green Heart of Africa – Attracting Tourists and Tourism to Malawi (TAZA) Programme supports the development of diversified and sustainable eco- and community tourism enterprises in Malawi. With an indicative budget of EUR 3.2 million, the scheme aims to empower rural communities—especially women and youth—while strengthening institutional capacity, promoting green growth, and positioning Malawi as a competitive ecotourism destination.

Programme Overview

The TAZA Programme (Tourism for Sustainable Development in Malawi) is designed to advance Malawi’s ecotourism sector through inclusive, environmentally responsible, and market-oriented strategies.

The Matching Grants Scheme serves as a central financing mechanism to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and community-linked tourism ventures operating in priority ecotourism areas identified in consultation with the Department of Tourism and the EU Delegation.

Implementation includes:

• Technical assistance to the Department of Tourism

• Engagement with private sector tourism operators

• A grant contract with the Department of Tourism

• A structured and transparent matching grants mechanism

Overall Objective of TAZA

The programme contributes to the sustainable development of Malawi’s ecotourism sector by promoting natural resource-based tourism, institutional strengthening, and destination branding.

Specific Objectives

Specific Objective 1: Develop diversified and sustainable natural resource-based tourism products with and for rural communities, prioritizing women and youth.

Specific Objective 2: Strengthen institutional capacity at national, district, and local levels for improved management of natural and cultural tourism resources.

Specific Objective 3: Promote Malawi as a competitive ecotourism destination in domestic, regional, and international markets.

Key Outputs and Expected Results

The programme will deliver measurable results, including:

• Identification and promotion of ecotourism investment opportunities

• Strengthened capacity of communities to manage and own tourism ventures

• Certification and grading of ecotourism attractions and services

• Improved coordination of ecotourism development

• Enhanced research in ecotourism

• Strengthened tourism information management systems

• ICT-based marketing and branding tools

• Increased access to key tourism source markets

• Integration of green growth and sustainability models

• Measurable improvements in rural livelihoods

Matching Grants Scheme: Core Features

The call for proposals prioritizes:

• Transparent and efficient grant management systems

• Clear eligibility and selection criteria

• Transparent application, evaluation, and disbursement processes

• Targeted participation of women and youth

• Strong coordination with other TAZA components

• Robust financial and technical monitoring systems

• Geolocation tracking of funded sub-projects

• Capacity building for applicants and beneficiaries

• Knowledge sharing and networking

• Upgrading and diversification of sustainable tourism products

• Catalyzing private sector investment

Financial Allocation

• Total Indicative Budget: EUR 3,200,000

• Minimum Grant Request: EUR 3,000,000

• Maximum Grant Request: EUR 3,200,000
  The contracting authority reserves the right not to award all available funds.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible lead applicants must:

• Be a legal, non-profit-making entity

• Be a non-governmental organisation, public sector operator, or international organisation under the EU Financial Regulation

• Be effectively established in an EU Member State or in a country eligible under NDICI-Global Europe (except eligible international organisations)

• Be directly responsible for preparation and management of the action

• Not fall under any exclusion situations defined in EU regulations

• Demonstrate documented experience managing at least one matching grant scheme of EUR 1,000,000 or more

• Show experience in grant assessment, financial oversight, and monitoring of sub-projects

How the Matching Grants Scheme Works

1. A qualified lead organisation establishes and manages the matching grants mechanism.

2. Calls for sub-project proposals are launched targeting MSMEs and community-linked tourism enterprises.

3. Transparent evaluation processes assess eligibility, feasibility, sustainability, and impact.

4. Grants are disbursed to selected beneficiaries under strict financial monitoring.

5. Technical assistance and capacity building support implementation.

6. Monitoring tools—including geolocation tracking—ensure compliance and measurable outcomes.

7. Results are reported to ensure alignment with TAZA objectives and EU standards.

Why This Programme Matters

Malawi possesses rich forests, wetlands, mountains, and wildlife resources with strong ecotourism potential. However, rural communities often lack access to finance, technical expertise, and market linkages.

This matching grants scheme bridges that gap by:

• Empowering women and youth

• Promoting inclusive economic growth

• Strengthening biodiversity conservation

• Supporting sustainable livelihoods

• Leveraging private sector investment

• Aligning tourism growth with environmental sustainability

Common Implementation Risks and Mitigation Measures

Potential risks include weak financial management, low participation of women and youth, environmental degradation, and limited coordination among stakeholders.

Mitigation strategies include:

• Strong financial oversight systems

• Clear inclusion targets

• Environmental safeguards and green growth integration

• Monitoring frameworks with defined indicators

• Continuous stakeholder coordination

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of the Matching Grants Scheme?
To finance and support sustainable eco- and community tourism enterprises that benefit rural communities in Malawi.

2. Who can apply as a lead applicant?
Non-profit NGOs, public sector operators, or eligible international organisations established in the EU or NDICI-Global Europe eligible countries.

3. What is the total funding available?
EUR 3.2 million for this call for proposals.

4. What prior experience is required?
Applicants must have managed at least one matching grant scheme worth EUR 1 million or more.

5. Who are the ultimate beneficiaries?
Micro, small, and medium tourism enterprises and rural communities, especially women and youth.

6. How does the scheme promote sustainability?
By integrating green growth models, biodiversity conservation, environmental safeguards, and inclusive economic development principles.

7. Can all allocated funds be awarded?
Not necessarily. The contracting authority may choose not to award the full amount.

Conclusion

The Green Heart of Africa – TAZA Matching Grants Scheme represents a strategic investment in Malawi’s ecotourism future. By combining financial support, institutional strengthening, green growth principles, and inclusive participation of women and youth, the programme aims to transform rural tourism enterprises into sustainable engines of economic development. Through transparent grant management, measurable impact tracking, and strong public-private collaboration, the initiative positions Malawi as a competitive and responsible ecotourism destination while delivering tangible, long-term benefits to rural communities.

For more information, visit EC.