Deadline: 29-Aug-2025
The African Forest Forum (AFF) has launched a call for proposals for pilot projects focused on the development of climate-resilient value chains for forest biodiversity products and services across Africa’s biodiversity hotspots.
The projects should capacitate local stakeholders to increase the value of forest products and services, strengthen community-based organizations to implement climate-resilient value chains, and increase the socio-economic contribution of timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in biodiversity hotspots.
This initiative, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), will support four pilot projects designed to enhance livelihoods and promote environmental stability through sustainable forest management. Selected projects will aim to build biodiversity-based enterprises that advance climate resilience while improving community well-being.
Proposals must be implemented in one of the following biodiversity hotspots: Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands, Guinean Forests of West Africa, Eastern Afromontane, Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa, Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany, or the Horn of Africa. Eligible applicants must be legally registered community-based or national NGOs in Africa with a proven track record in forestry, biodiversity conservation, or climate resilience, and must demonstrate strong partnerships with local communities and forestry institutions. Applicants are also required to provide audited financial statements for at least two years.
Grants of up to USD 20,000 per project are available, with a duration of two years from September 2025 to September 2027. At least 87% of the funds must go toward field activities, with a maximum of 13% allocated to administrative costs. Salaries for permanent staff are not covered under this funding.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate strengthened value chains for forest biodiversity products and services, sustainable landscape management, alignment with national forest and climate priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strategies for social inclusion, gender and youth engagement, economic viability, ecological sustainability, strong local ownership, and pathways for long-term sustainability and replicability.
Applicants must submit a completed AFF application form, a cover letter, an organizational profile, proof of legal registration, past project implementation records, CVs of project team members, and at least one letter of support from a local partner. The application deadline is 29 August 2025, with projects scheduled to begin on 15 September 2025.
For more information, visit AFF.
