Eligibility Criteria

1. General Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be a citizen or legal resident of a participating African country

• Be a member of the Muslim community or a faith-aligned organization serving Muslim communities

• Be at least 18 years of age (for individual applicants)

• Operate or propose a project within eligible green and environmentally sustainable sectors

• Demonstrate the ability to implement and manage the proposed project responsibly

2. Eligible Applicants

Individual Applicants

• Micro-entrepreneurs and small business owners

• Smallholder farmers and agri-entrepreneurs

• Artisans, service providers, and innovators engaged in green activities

Group and Institutional Applicants

• Community-based organizations and cooperatives

• Faith-based organizations and charitable entities

• Social enterprises and micro-enterprises

• Women-led and youth-led associations

3. Eligible Projects

To qualify for support, projects must:

• Have a clear environmental benefit, such as reducing emissions, conserving resources, or improving sustainability

• Be economically viable and socially beneficial

• Support income generation, employment, or essential community services

• Be consistent with Islamic ethical and financial principles

• Demonstrate measurable community or environmental impact

4. Priority Beneficiaries

Special consideration may be given to:

• Women and youth-led initiatives

• Rural and underserved communities

• Climate-vulnerable populations

• Projects with strong community ownership and participation

Ineligible Activities

The following activities are not eligible for funding under MicroGREEN:

• Businesses involving riba (interest-based lending)

• Activities prohibited under Islamic law, including:

  • Alcohol, tobacco, gambling, or narcotics

  • Pork production or non-halal food processing

  • Adult or unethical entertainment

• Projects causing environmental harm or degradation

• Politically affiliated or partisan activities

• Speculative, high-risk, or non-productive ventures

Compliance Rules

1. Islamic Finance and Shariah Compliance

All grants and supported activities must:

• Adhere to Shariah-compliant financing structures

• Avoid riba (interest), gharar (excessive uncertainty), and maysir (gambling)

• Be reviewed under applicable Islamic finance governance frameworks

• Use funds strictly for approved and lawful purposes

2. Environmental and Social Compliance

Projects must comply with:

• Environmental protection and sustainability standards

• Responsible use of natural resources

• Basic environmental and social risk management practices

• Local and national environmental regulations

Projects with significant negative environmental or social impact will not be approved.

3. Use of Funds

Beneficiaries are required to:

• Use grant funds only for approved project activities

• Maintain basic financial records and documentation

• Avoid misuse, diversion, or misrepresentation of funds

• Return or reallocate funds in cases of proven non-compliance

4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Transparency

Beneficiaries must:

• Submit periodic progress and financial reports

• Participate in monitoring and evaluation activities

• Allow reasonable audits or site visits when required

• Provide accurate and truthful information at all stages

Failure to comply may result in suspension or termination of support.

5. Governance and Anti-Fraud Measures

MicroGREEN applies strict governance standards, including:

• Zero tolerance for fraud, corruption, or misrepresentation

• Conflict of interest disclosure requirements

• Compliance with AfDB integrity and accountability standards

• Whistleblower and grievance mechanisms for reporting misconduct

6. Data Protection and Confidentiality

• Applicant data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws

• Personal and business information will be used solely for program purposes

• Confidentiality of applicants and beneficiaries will be respected

Final Determination

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding. All applications are subject to:

• Technical evaluation

• Shariah compliance review

• Environmental and social assessment

• Availability of funds

The MicroGREEN Project reserves the right to approve, reject, or modify applications in line with program objectives and governance requirements.