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3rd Open Call for Concept Notes Focusing on Green Economy Initiatives in Southern Africa

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The SADC TFCA Financing Facility has launched its Third Open Call with two co-funded envelopes supported by EU NaturAfrica and the German Government. Grants of EUR 300,000–950,000 are available for 24–36-month projects that strengthen conservation-linked value chains and improve livelihoods in six Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs). Eligible organizations include SMEs, NGOs, cooperatives, social enterprises, and public/private entities operating in target landscapes, with a minimum 10% co-financing required.

Overview

The SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Financing Facility has launched its Third Open Call, introducing a unique joint-funded approach backed by EU NaturAfrica and the German Government. This round focuses on sustainable economic development that directly supports conservation, using well-structured value chains and proven business models.

Goal of the Call

The initiative follows the NaturAfrica approach and aims to:

  • Generate long-term economic benefits for communities

  • Strengthen conservation outcomes in priority landscapes

  • Enhance value chains tied to biodiversity and local resources

  • Scale sustainable, market-driven models in African TFCAs

  • Support inclusive development that benefits smallholder communities

Funding Details

Project Duration

  • 24 to 36 months

Total Funding Envelope

  • EUR 5,700,000 across six TFCAs

Grant Amount

  • Minimum: EUR 300,000

  • Maximum: EUR 950,000

Co-Financing Requirement

  • Minimum 10% co-financing from applicants

Target TFCAs

Grants will be distributed across:

  • ZIMOZA/LOZAMAP

  • KAZA

  • Chimanimani

  • GLTFCA

  • Kgalagadi

  • MAZA
    Each TFCA may receive up to two grants, with flexibility to reallocate funding based on the volume and quality of applications.

Proposal Scope

Applicants must focus on one TFCA per proposal.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible entities include:

  • SMEs and cooperatives

  • Social enterprises

  • NGOs and CBOs

  • Public sector and government-linked agencies

  • Private sector organizations operating within target TFCAs

Eligibility Requirements

  • Minimum three years of operational experience

  • Demonstrated capacity in relevant sectors

  • Private companies may apply only if their projects directly benefit local communities

  • Partnerships (NGOs + government + private sector + CBOs) are encouraged to maximize impact

What the Call Supports

Projects should:

  • Improve smallholder livelihoods

  • Promote inclusive and sustainable local development

  • Strengthen conservation-compatible value chains

  • Support nature-based enterprises and circular economy models

  • Enhance landscape resilience and community wellbeing

Ineligible Activities

The following are not eligible:

  • Pure academic research

  • Community relocation or displacement

  • Activities affecting indigenous lands without documented consent

  • Actions that harm critical habitats or protected species

  • Projects designed primarily for private commercial gain

  • Purchase of weapons, military equipment, or similar items

Why It Matters

This call advances:

  • Conservation finance in high-value African landscapes

  • Community-driven economic development

  • Nature-positive business models

  • Resilient ecosystems through local partnerships

  • Long-term benefits for both people and biodiversity

By linking economic incentives to conservation outcomes, the program supports scalable, sustainable transformations in TFCAs.

How to Apply

  1. Review the official Third Open Call guidelines and TFCA priorities.

  2. Select a single TFCA for project implementation.

  3. Prepare a 24–36-month project concept aligned with NaturAfrica principles.

  4. Demonstrate at least three years of operational experience and sectoral capacity.

  5. Design a budget between EUR 300,000–950,000 with the required 10% co-financing.

  6. Build partnerships to strengthen community benefit and conservation impact.

  7. Submit the complete application through the SADC TFCA Financing Facility platform.

  8. Await the evaluation, including technical, financial, and impact assessment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with projects unrelated to conservation-linked value chains

  • Choosing more than one TFCA in a single proposal

  • Failing to demonstrate community benefits

  • Underestimating or omitting the 10% co-financing requirement

  • Submitting research-only or purely commercial proposals

  • Overlooking social or environmental safeguards

FAQ

1. What is the grant size?
EUR 300,000 to EUR 950,000.

2. How long can projects run?
Between 24 and 36 months.

3. Is co-financing required?
Yes, applicants must contribute at least 10%.

4. Can one proposal cover multiple TFCAs?
No, each proposal must focus on a single TFCA.

5. Are private companies eligible?
Yes, if the project directly benefits local communities.

6. How many grants can each TFCA receive?
Up to two, depending on available funds and application quality.

7. Can academic research be funded?
No, academic and research-only initiatives are ineligible.

Conclusion

The Third Open Call of the SADC TFCA Financing Facility presents a strategic opportunity to support conservation-driven economic development across six African transfrontier landscapes. By combining EU NaturAfrica and German Government funding, the initiative empowers organizations to deliver projects that create meaningful community benefits while contributing to long-term ecosystem protection and resilience.

For more information, visit Southern African Development Community.