Descrição

The SADC TFCA Financing Facility has launched its Third Open Call for Concept Notes, offering grants of up to €950,000 for conservation and green economy projects across Southern Africa’s Transfrontier Conservation Areas.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), through its Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, is managing this call on behalf of the SADC TFCA Financing Facility, a dedicated funding mechanism established to support sustainable conservation and development across Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) in Southern Africa.

About the SADC TFCA Financing Facility

The Facility was created to provide long-term, sustainable funding for conservation and management actions within SADC TFCAs. It was initially capitalised with €44 million from the German Government through KfW Development Bank, with a long-term target of mobilising €100 million by 2026 from a range of international partners. To date, the Facility has allocated €17,085,334 across 23 approved proposals, including 11 COVID-19 Emergency Response Grants and 7 grants from the First Open Call.

This third call is co-funded under the EU’s NaturAfrica programme, which has committed €10 million to biodiversity conservation across Sub-Saharan Africa.

About the Third Open Call

This call introduces a joint funding approach to tackle conservation and development challenges across SADC TFCAs. The key funding parameters are:

• Total funding envelope: €5,700,000 under EU NaturAfrica
• Individual grants ranging from €300,000 to €950,000
• A minimum of 10% co-financing is required from all applicants
• A maximum of two grants per TFCA will be awarded
• Project duration must be between 24 and 36 months

Priority Areas and Eligible Activities

The call focuses on boosting sustainable green economic activities that are directly aligned with conservation outcomes. Eligible activities include:

• Sustainable agriculture and value chain development
• Eco-tourism development and business model innovation
• Sustainable energy solutions
• Innovative financing mechanisms for conservation
• Horizontal measures for inclusive, rights-based implementation

Who Can Apply

The following entity types are eligible to apply:

• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Cooperatives
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
• Public and private sector entities with relevant conservation or development experience

Please note that the following are not eligible: academic research conducted for qualification purposes, projects involving the physical relocation of communities, or any actions that may harm indigenous lands or critical habitats.

Application Requirements

All applicants must ensure their concept note includes:

• A clear problem statement, goals, and measurable objectives
• A detailed and realistic budget
• Evidence of prior consultation with relevant government authorities
• Proof of registration to operate in SADC Member States
• A minimum of 10% co-financing commitment

Application Process and Key Dates

The process runs in two stages, a concept note submission followed by an invitation to submit a full project proposal for shortlisted applicants.

• Concept Note Deadline: 31 March 2026, 5:00 PM SAST
• Full project proposal submissions are expected in August 2026

A webinar for prospective applicants was held on 16 January 2026. Visit the TFCA Financing Facility website for full application guidelines and supporting documents.