Call for Applications: Sudan SME Catalyser to Support Small and Medium Enterprises

Programme Objectives include improving access to finance for enterprises that create economic opportunities across geographies and value chains through employment creation, market linkages, and suppliers of inputs/produce/services along the value chain, and providing targeted business development technical assistance and capacity building for businesses. Eligible businesses must demonstrate their offerings are accessible and affordable, directly create jobs, improve livelihoods, and add value to focus value chains in the renewable energy and agriculture sectors. Proposed initiatives can include market aggregators that provide reliable and new market opportunities for economic development, agro-processors and manufacturing companies creating economic opportunities through employment creation and as suppliers of produce and services along the value chain, innovative digital solution providers, production and distribution models that support local entrepreneurship and SME growth within the applicable value chains, business models that provide incentives for rural areas to adopt improved input use such as renewable energy, seed, fertilizer, soil and water management practices, post-harvest handling, improved technology like irrigation, regenerative agriculture, and integrated forestry management practices. Business models that address climate-smart technology, services, and practices at the manufacturing and farm levels, including solar-powered technologies, biogas, bio-slurry use, and chemical-free grain storage, are also eligible.

Funding is available for private sector companies operating within Kassala, el Gadarif, and Port Sudan. Projects must deliver clear socio-economic impact by demonstrating benefits to households and communities through improved livelihoods, employment creation, inclusivity of women, and stimulation of market growth. Companies must outline strategies to increase access to affordable products and services, demonstrate positive environmental practices, and promote sustainable development outcomes over the funding cycle.

The available support package includes non-repayable grants, targeted technical assistance tailored to business needs, and access to further investment facilitation and advisory support. Funding per grantee ranges from EUR 250,000 to EUR 750,000, based on requirements and project scale. Funding will be non-repayable, provided in USD, Euro, or local currency equivalent, with capital expenses payable directly to external suppliers and operational expenses disbursed locally. Each funding agreement will run for 12 months.

Applications will be assessed based on their commercial sustainability, alignment with priority sectors, technical soundness, past performance, financial health, and environmental alignment. Companies must demonstrate the capacity to access matching funds, effective risk management, and strategies that ensure both economic and social impact. Proposals require detailed documentation of personnel expertise, coordination with local authorities, project risks, and methods for managing waste and environmental impacts in line with global and national requirements.

For more information, visit AECF.