Grant Awards & Technical Assistance for Circular Economy Businesses in Plastic Packaging & E-Waste Value Chains (East & Southern Africa)

Deadline: 16 March 2026, 14:00 (Paris time)

The SWITCH to Circular Economy in East and Southern Africa (SWITCH-2-CE in ESA) programme has launched a major Call for Projects to strengthen circular economy entrepreneurship across the region. The initiative aims to expand access to finance and tailored technical assistance for businesses innovating in the plastic packaging and e-waste value chains, with a strong focus on supporting women-owned and women-led enterprises.

This regional programme is co-financed by the European Union and BMZ, and jointly implemented by GIZ and Expertise France, targeting 16+ countries across East and Southern Africa. It supports inclusive and sustainable approaches to waste management, recycling, and circular business models.

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About the Call

This Call for Projects supports the creation, growth, and scaling of circular economy Start-ups and MSMEs by partnering with Entrepreneurial Support Organisations (ESOs) who will design and run programmes that include both grant funding and customised technical assistance.
The intervention directly contributes to the programme’s goal of improving access to finance for circular economy businesses.

Two Funding Lots

Lot 1 – Innovation
Supports early or pre-seed stage solutions requiring help to develop, test, and validate circular business models and products.

Lot 2 – Scaling
Targets post-revenue Start-ups and MSMEs needing support to grow, scale, and reach financial sustainability or investment readiness.

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Objectives

The Call aims to:

• Strengthen technical, operational, and financial capacity of circular economy businesses.
• Provide flexible grants to develop, test, or scale circular solutions.
• Strengthen ecosystem linkages with investors, corporates, financial institutions, and value-chain actors.
• Promote inclusive entrepreneurship, with priority for women and youth.

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Funding Available

A total indicative envelope of EUR 6,000,000 is allocated for grants, technical assistance, and associated management costs under this call.

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Geographic Scope

Eligible countries include Angola, Burundi, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia, and others across East & Southern Africa (full list in official tender notice).

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Who Should Apply?

Entrepreneurial Support Organisations (ESOs) with experience in:

• Circular economy value chains
• Incubation/acceleration programmes
• Supporting Start-ups and MSMEs
• Delivering technical assistance and managing grant schemes

Start-ups and MSMEs are not directly applying; they will be supported through selected ESOs.

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Key Dates

• Call opening: 10 February 2026
• Submission deadline: 16 March 2026 at 14:00 (Paris time)
• Reference: 26-24EDI0C063-APR-01

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How to Apply

Applicants must follow the restricted “Appel à projets” procedure via Expertise France.
(Include link or portal if you have it; otherwise it remains as per organisational instructions.)

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