SADC TFCA Financing Facility – Third Open Call for Concept Notes (Green Economy Focus)

Botswana
Green Economy

The SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Financing Facility (TFCA FF) has launched its Third Open Call for Concept Notes, inviting proposals that scale green economy solutions within selected Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) in Southern Africa.

The TFCA Financing Facility is a regional financing mechanism supporting sustainable conservation, ecological connectivity, and inclusive local economic development across SADC TFCAs. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank, with additional funding from the European Union through the NaturAfrica initiative 

Strategic Objective

This call aims to:

  • Scale green economy initiatives that generate sustainable livelihoods
  • Strengthen conservation outcomes in TFCAs
  • Develop viable value chains and tested business models
  • Promote landscape-level sustainability
  • Align economic development with biodiversity conservation

The approach integrates the three core dimensions of:

  • Species
  • Habitat
  • People

Funding Structure

This call introduces a joint funding model with two complementary work packages:

1. EU NaturAfrica Funding Envelope

  • Total allocation: EUR 5.7 million
  • Grant size: EUR 300,000 – EUR 950,000
  • Minimum co-financing required: 10%
  • Target: 6–12 projects across six eligible TFCAs
  • Focus: Scaling green economy solutions aligned with NaturAfrica Pillar 2

2. German Government Match-Funding Envelope

  • Selected NaturAfrica grantees may access up to 100% match funding
  • Designed to scale or complement approved green economy packages
  • Must be included as a distinct work package in the concept note

Eligible Thematic Areas & Activities

Sustainable Agriculture & Value Chains

  • Climate-smart agriculture
  • Agroforestry and soil conservation
  • Sustainable fisheries & aquaculture
  • Organic farming and specialty crops
  • Market access and certification
  • Value addition and post-harvest processing

Eco-Tourism Development

  • Nature-based tourism
  • Community-managed tourism enterprises
  • Eco-certification adoption
  • Off-grid solutions for tourism operators
  • Agri-ecotourism and cultural tourism models

Sustainable Energy

  • Community-owned renewable energy systems
  • Solar-powered agro-processing
  • Energy solutions for MSMEs
  • Fuelwood reduction measures

Innovative Financing Mechanisms

  • Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
  • Carbon credits
  • Biodiversity credits
  • Blended finance and impact investment models

Horizontal Measures

  • Human-wildlife conflict mitigation
  • Participatory land-use planning
  • Gender equality & women’s empowerment
  • Rights-based approaches
  • Environmental and social safeguards

Geographical Scope (Eligible TFCAs)

Projects must focus on one of the following six Transfrontier Conservation Areas:

  1. Chimanimani TFCA (Mozambique/Zimbabwe)
  2. Great Limpopo TP & TFCA (Mozambique/South Africa/Zimbabwe)
  3. Kgalagadi TP (Botswana/South Africa)
  4. Kavango Zambezi TFCA (Angola/Botswana/Namibia/Zambia/Zimbabwe)
  5. Malawi-Zambia TFCA (Malawi/Zambia)
  6. ZIMOZA & LOZAMAP TFCAs (Mozambique/Zambia/Zimbabwe)

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

  • SMEs
  • Cooperatives
  • Social enterprises
  • NGOs
  • Public or private sector entities
  • Entities operating in the six eligible TFCAs
  • Organisations with minimum 3 years operational history
  • Private companies working in partnership with local communities

Projects must:

  • Demonstrate tested, viable business models
  • Show clear value chain development
  • Include community-based organisations (CBOs)
  • Provide at least 10% co-financing
  • Demonstrate scaling potential and sustainability beyond grant period

Project Duration

24 to 36 months.

Application Process

Two-stage process:

Stage 1: Concept Note Submission
Submit via the Grants Management Portal:
https://sadctfcaff.praxisgms.co.za

Applicants must submit:

  • One concept note
  • Two work packages (EU + German Government)
  • One consolidated budget (with separate tabs)
  • Logframe
  • Environmental & Social Risk Screening Questionnaire

Deadline for Concept Notes:
31 March 2026 at 17:00 SAST

Late submissions will not be accepted.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full proposals.

Click HERE to visit the official website

Closing date
Industry
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
​Transportation and storage
​Other service activities
Website link
https://sadctfcaff.praxisgms.co.za/xaLogin/IUCN/RegLogin.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f

Brochures and other documents

instructions-to-applicants-3rd-call-nov-2025.pdf8.82 MB