Deadline Date: June 30, 2026
The German Society for International Cooperation is offering applications to promote the sustainable development of export value chains and strengthening the competitiveness of Malagasy small and medium-sized enterprises.
The initiative focuses on sustainable export value chains, SME competitiveness, local workforce development, knowledge transfer, skills training, resilient production systems, market access, export capacity enhancement, environmental sustainability, social sustainability, labor standards and organic certification.
Selected projects can receive up to €500,000 in public funding, along with technical and financial support on the ground and access to local networks. The initiative seeks to foster cooperation between European and Malagasy companies in sectors such as food, textiles, and luxury goods while supporting local economic development.
One of the key challenges in Madagascar is the shortage of adequately trained workers capable of producing internationally competitive goods. Projects can address this issue by providing targeted training and knowledge transfer, helping to close skills gaps, create quality employment opportunities, and strengthen resilient production systems.
Another important area is improving market access and export performance. Projects that support compliance with international environmental and social standards can help Malagasy businesses enhance sustainability practices and strengthen their ability to access international markets, including the European Union.
To be eligible, applicants must be majority privately owned and profit-oriented companies registered in the European Union, a member country of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), or Madagascar. They must demonstrate positive net income, sufficient equity and liquidity, provide at least two audited annual financial statements, have an annual turnover of at least €400,000, employ a minimum of eight staff members, and contribute at least 50% of project costs.
Projects must be implemented in Madagascar, demonstrate clear economic benefits for the company, contribute to environmental, social, and/or economic sustainability, maintain a link to an EU country or the EU market, present realistic objectives and activities, ensure long-term sustainability of results, provide measurable outcomes during the project period, demonstrate additionality by requiring develoPPP support, and comply with European state aid regulations.
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