SECTION A: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1. Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

• Be a Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise (MSME) legally registered and operating in an eligible African country

• Be at least 6–24 months in operation (country-specific minimum may apply)

• Be independently owned and managed

• Operate within sectors aligned with green growth, climate resilience, or environmental sustainability

• Demonstrate potential for scalable impact, job creation, and environmental benefit

Eligible applicants include:

• Sole proprietorships

• Partnerships

• Cooperatives

• Limited liability companies

• Social enterprises and green startups

2. Eligible Sectors (Illustrative List)

The following sectors are prioritized under the MicroGREEN Project:

• Renewable energy (solar, biogas, mini-grids)

• Climate-smart agriculture and agri-processing

• Waste management and recycling

• Clean water and sanitation solutions

• Energy-efficient manufacturing and services

• Green construction and eco-housing

• Sustainable transportation and mobility

• Environmental technology and green innovation

3. Ineligible Applicants

The following are not eligible:

• Individuals without a registered business entity

• Government institutions and political organizations

• Large enterprises outside MSME definitions

• Businesses engaged in illegal, harmful, or environmentally destructive activities

• Entities under bankruptcy, liquidation, or serious legal dispute

• Organizations linked to fraud, terrorism financing, or money laundering

4. Environmental & Social Safeguards

Applicants must:

• Comply with AfDB Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS)

• Avoid activities that cause significant environmental or social harm

• Commit to ethical labor practices, gender inclusion, and community impact

Projects with high environmental or social risk may be excluded or subject to enhanced review.

5. Financial & Compliance Requirements

Applicants must:

• Maintain an active bank account or approved digital wallet

• Provide accurate financial and operational information

• Demonstrate capacity to manage grant funds responsibly

• Agree to audits, monitoring, and reporting obligations

SECTION B: APPLICATION GUIDELINES

1. Application Process

• Applications must be submitted online via the official MicroGREEN Project website

• Only one application per MSME is permitted per funding cycle

• All fields must be completed truthfully and accurately

• Required supporting documents must be uploaded before the deadline

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

2. Required Documentation

Applicants may be required to submit:

• Certificate of business registration/incorporation

• Valid government-issued ID of business owner(s)

• Tax identification or compliance certificate (where applicable)

• Business profile and operational history

• Green project proposal or sustainability plan

• Financial records or basic cash-flow statement

• Bank or digital wallet details for disbursement

3. Evaluation & Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Eligibility and compliance

• Environmental and climate impact potential

• Business viability and scalability

• Job creation and inclusive growth

• Financial management capacity

• Innovation and sustainability

Only applications meeting minimum technical and compliance thresholds will be approved.

4. Grant Size & Use of Funds

• Grant amounts vary based on project scope and funding window

• Funds must be used strictly for approved project activities

• Misuse or diversion of funds will result in disqualification and recovery actions

5. Beneficiary Obligations

Successful beneficiaries must:

• Sign a formal Grant Agreement

• Participate in onboarding and training sessions

• Submit periodic financial and progress reports

• Allow monitoring visits and audits

• Comply with all AfDB and program policies

6. Transparency & Anti-Fraud Policy

The MicroGREEN Project operates a zero-tolerance policy for:

• Fraud

• Misrepresentation

• Corruption

• Conflict of interest

Any violation may lead to immediate disqualification and legal action.

7. Dispute Resolution & Appeals

Applicants may submit inquiries or appeals within the timeframe specified in the application portal. Decisions of the Grant Evaluation Committee are final, subject to AfDB oversight.

SECTION C: IMPORTANT NOTICES

• Submission of an application does not guarantee funding

• The Program reserves the right to verify all information provided

• The Program may modify eligibility criteria or guidelines without prior notice

• All communications will be conducted via official channels only