Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) 2.0 Regional Call for Scale-ups (Track 2) supports mid-to-late-stage businesses in scaling climate-resilient solutions across food, water, and energy systems in the MENA region. It offers grants averaging USD 50,000 along with technical assistance and investor connections. The program focuses on sustainable growth, climate resilience, and inclusive development outcomes.
The Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) 2.0 Regional Call for Scale-ups (Track 2) is a targeted initiative designed to support rapidly growing enterprises that deliver innovative, scalable solutions across the water-energy-food nexus in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The programme focuses on accelerating business growth while driving measurable impact in climate resilience, resource efficiency, and sustainable development.
Program Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen climate resilience in food and water systems
- Improve food, water, and energy security
- Scale commercially viable enterprises
- Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth
- Deliver measurable development outcomes
It links business expansion with social, environmental, and economic impact.
Key Focus Areas
Climate and Resource Efficiency
- Climate-resilient agriculture and systems
- Efficient water and energy use
- Renewable energy integration
- Carbon sequestration and emissions reduction
- Land restoration and biodiversity conservation
Food System Innovation
- Increased food production and processing
- Reduction of food loss and waste
- Organic farming and sustainable practices
- Agricultural waste-to-energy solutions
- Efficient logistics and digital market access
Water and Energy Solutions
- Wastewater treatment and reuse
- Desalination technologies
- Sustainable farm-level water and energy use
- Energy-efficient food processing and logistics
Inclusive and Sustainable Development
- Livelihood improvement for base-of-the-pyramid populations
- Inclusion of women and vulnerable groups
- Job creation and employment generation
- Circular economy and waste reduction innovations
Key Features of the Programme
- Tailored technical assistance for scale-ups
- Investment facilitation and investor connections
- Access to new markets and growth opportunities
- Participation in a regional innovation ecosystem
- Focus on scalability and measurable impact
The programme helps enterprises expand sustainably while maximizing development outcomes.
Financial Support
- Average grant: USD 50,000
- Type: Cash grant (subject to availability)
- Additional support:
- Technical assistance
- Market access support
- Investor networking
Who is Eligible?
The programme targets mid-to-late-stage scale-ups with strong growth potential.
Eligible Applicants
- For-profit organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Academic institutions
Eligibility Criteria
- Legally registered entity
- Proven revenue model and operational sustainability
- Track record of revenue generation
- Operating for 2 to 10 years
- Strong alignment with water-energy-food nexus or climate resilience solutions
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to scale and reach large numbers of beneficiaries.
Why It Matters
This programme is important because it:
- Supports scalable solutions to critical climate challenges
- Enhances food, water, and energy security in the MENA region
- Promotes inclusive growth and job creation
- Encourages sustainable and resource-efficient business models
It enables businesses to drive both economic growth and environmental impact.
How It Works / How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Assess Business Readiness
Ensure your enterprise meets scale-up criteria and revenue requirements. - Align with Focus Areas
Position your solution within climate resilience and resource efficiency themes. - Prepare Application
Highlight your innovation, scalability, and measurable impact. - Submit Proposal
Apply through the official WE4F platform. - Evaluation Process
Applications are reviewed based on innovation, impact, and growth potential. - Selection and Support
Selected enterprises receive funding, mentorship, and market access support.
Tips for Strong Applications
- Demonstrate strong growth trajectory and scalability
- Provide clear data on impact and outcomes
- Highlight innovation in the water-energy-food nexus
- Show financial sustainability and business viability
- Emphasize inclusion and social impact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak or unclear revenue model
- Lack of measurable impact indicators
- Poor alignment with climate resilience goals
- Overstating scalability without evidence
- Ignoring inclusion and sustainability aspects
FAQs
What is Track 2 of WE4F 2.0?
It is a funding track focused on supporting mid-to-late-stage scale-ups with proven business models.
How much funding is available?
Grants average around USD 50,000, along with technical and investment support.
Who can apply?
Legally registered organizations, including for-profits, nonprofits, and academic institutions with proven revenue models.
What stage of business is targeted?
Mid-to-late-stage scale-ups operating for 2–10 years.
What sectors are supported?
Solutions across food, water, and energy systems, especially climate resilience innovations.
Is technical support included?
Yes, participants receive tailored technical assistance and investor connections.
What impact is expected?
Impact in climate resilience, resource efficiency, job creation, and inclusive development.
Conclusion
The WE4F 2.0 Regional Call for Scale-ups (Track 2) is a strategic opportunity for high-growth enterprises to scale impactful solutions addressing critical resource challenges. By combining funding, technical support, and market access, the programme enables businesses to expand sustainably while contributing to climate resilience and inclusive development across the MENA region.
For more information, visit WE4F.