Deadline: 18-May-2026
The SAWA II Project Call for Proposals offers over €4 million in funding to strengthen the sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness of medium enterprises in the West Bank. Co-funded by the European Union and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the initiative supports green and circular economy practices and long-term economic growth. Eligible organizations can apply for large-scale grants across three regional lots.
Overview
The SAWA II Project is a multi-year programme aimed at strengthening the Palestinian private sector.
It focuses on improving the resilience, productivity, and sustainability of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with a strong emphasis on green and circular economy (GCE) practices.
The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy and co-funded by the European Union and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
- Total programme budget: €13,722,270
- Programme duration: Until June 2029
Funding Details
Total Call Budget
- €4,090,000 (indicative allocation)
Grant Structure by Region
Lot 1: Hebron and Bethlehem
- €1,000,000 to €1,350,000
Lot 2: Ramallah & Al-Bireh and Jericho
- €750,000 to €1,000,000
Lot 3: Nablus, Tubas, Salfit, Jenin, Tulkarem, Qalqilya
- €1,300,000 to €1,740,000
Note: The contracting authority may choose not to allocate the full budget.
Programme Objectives
Economic Resilience
- Strengthen the Palestinian economy against external shocks
- Support sustainable employment and productivity
MSME Competitiveness
- Improve operational efficiency of medium enterprises
- Enhance market competitiveness and scalability
Sustainable Production
- Build environmentally responsible production systems
- Promote green and circular economy practices
Enabling Frameworks
- Develop policies and support systems for sustainable business
- Improve regulatory and financial ecosystems
What the Programme Supports
Projects should focus on:
- Strengthening productive capacities of medium enterprises
- Providing financial and non-financial business support
- Facilitating access to finance
- Offering legal, regulatory, and compliance assistance
- Promoting green and circular economy adoption
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Non-profit private entities or foundations
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Civil society organizations (CSOs)
- Private sector umbrella organizations
Key Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be legally established in Palestine
- Operate as non-profit entities
- Take full responsibility for project implementation
- Not act as intermediaries
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of experience supporting medium enterprises
- Proven track record in Palestine
- Experience in:
- Financial and non-financial business support
- Economic development programmes
- Legal and regulatory advisory services
Why This Programme Matters
Strengthens Palestinian Economy
Supports businesses to adapt and grow despite economic challenges.
Promotes Green Growth
Encourages sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.
Builds Long-Term Resilience
Enhances the ability of enterprises to withstand economic shocks.
Supports Job Creation
Drives sustainable employment through MSME growth.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process
- Review eligibility and funding lot details
- Identify target governorate and align project scope
- Develop a comprehensive proposal
- Business support strategy
- Budget and timeline
- Expected outcomes and impact
- Demonstrate organizational experience and capacity
- Submit application as per Call for Proposals guidelines
- Participate in evaluation process
- Await final funding decision
Key Concepts Explained
MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)
Businesses that form the backbone of the economy, contributing to employment and innovation.
Green and Circular Economy (GCE)
An economic model focused on reducing waste, reusing resources, and minimizing environmental impact.
Economic Resilience
The ability of businesses and economies to adapt to and recover from disruptions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of proven experience with medium enterprises
- Weak alignment with green and circular economy goals
- Incomplete or unclear project design
- Ignoring geographic eligibility (lot allocation)
- Acting as an intermediary rather than an implementer
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate measurable impact on MSMEs
- Align project with sustainability and GCE principles
- Highlight strong partnerships and local engagement
- Provide detailed financial and technical plans
- Showcase past success in similar programmes
FAQs
1. What is the total funding available?
The call has an indicative budget of €4,090,000.
2. Who funds the SAWA II Project?
It is co-funded by the European Union and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
3. Who can apply?
Non-profit organizations, NGOs, CSOs, and private sector umbrella organizations based in Palestine.
4. What types of enterprises are targeted?
Medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a focus on strengthening their productivity and sustainability.
5. Is prior experience required?
Yes, at least five years of relevant experience supporting medium enterprises is required.
6. What sectors are prioritized?
Projects supporting green and circular economy practices and sustainable production systems.
7. Where must projects be implemented?
Within specified governorates in the West Bank, depending on the funding lot.
Conclusion
The SAWA II Project Call for Proposals is a major funding opportunity to strengthen medium enterprises in Palestine through sustainability, resilience, and innovation. With substantial financial support and a focus on green economic transformation, the programme enables organizations to drive long-term economic growth and stability in the West Bank.
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