General Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the MicroGREEN Project?

The MicroGREEN Project is a green finance initiative supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in partnership with an Islamic financial institution. It provides Shariah-compliant financial grants to support environmentally sustainable projects and livelihoods within Muslim communities across Africa.

2. Is MicroGREEN a loan or a grant?

MicroGREEN provides grants, not loans. Beneficiaries are not required to repay the funding, provided that all program rules and compliance requirements are met.

3. Is the funding interest-free?

Yes. All MicroGREEN support is fully Shariah-compliant and does not involve interest (riba) or any prohibited financial practices.

4. Which countries are eligible?

Eligibility depends on participating African countries under the program. The list of eligible countries will be published on the website or communicated during application calls.

Eligibility and Application

5. Who can apply for MicroGREEN funding?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Muslim entrepreneurs and micro-business owners

  • Smallholder farmers and agri-entrepreneurs

  • Community-based organizations and cooperatives

  • Faith-based and social enterprises

  • Women-led and youth-led initiatives

Applicants must meet environmental and Shariah compliance requirements.

6. Do I need to be Muslim to apply?

Yes. The MicroGREEN Project is designed to support Muslim individuals and communities or organizations serving Muslim communities and operating in line with Islamic ethical principles.

7. Can women and youth apply?

Absolutely. Women and youth-led projects are strongly encouraged and may receive priority consideration.

8. Do I need a registered business to apply?

Not always. Informal micro-enterprises, cooperatives, and community initiatives may apply. However, applicants must demonstrate the ability to manage funds responsibly and may be required to formalize their operations during implementation.

9. Can I apply as a group or cooperative?

Yes. Groups, cooperatives, and associations are eligible and encouraged, especially where projects have strong community impact.

Eligible Projects and Use of Funds

10. What types of projects are supported?

MicroGREEN supports environmentally sustainable projects such as:

  • Sustainable agriculture and agro-processing

  • Renewable energy and clean cooking solutions

  • Clean water and sanitation initiatives

  • Waste management and recycling

  • Eco-friendly small businesses

11. What activities are not supported?

The program does not fund:

  • Interest-based financial activities

  • Alcohol, tobacco, gambling, or non-halal businesses

  • Environmentally harmful projects

  • Political or partisan activities

  • Speculative or high-risk ventures

12. How much funding can I receive?

Grant amounts vary depending on:

  • Project type and scale

  • Environmental and social impact

  • Available funding

Specific funding ranges will be communicated during application calls.

13. Can I use the funds for personal expenses?

No. Funds must be used only for approved project-related expenses as outlined in the grant agreement.

Application and Selection Process

14. How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the online application portal. Applicants must complete the form and provide required project information and supporting documents.

15. Is there an application fee?

No. Applying to the MicroGREEN Project is free of charge. Any request for payment should be reported immediately.

16. How are applications evaluated?

Applications are assessed based on:

  • Environmental sustainability

  • Community and economic impact

  • Feasibility and cost-effectiveness

  • Alignment with Islamic finance principles

17. How long does the selection process take?

The review process duration may vary. Applicants will be notified of outcomes through official communication channels.

After Approval

18. How will the funds be disbursed?

Funds are disbursed according to agreed milestones and may be released in phases to ensure proper use and impact.

19. Will my project be monitored?

Yes. Beneficiaries are required to submit progress reports and may receive monitoring visits or technical support during implementation.

20. What happens if I do not follow the rules?

Failure to comply with program rules may result in:

  • Suspension of funding

  • Termination of the grant

  • Recovery of misused funds

Transparency and Support

21. How does MicroGREEN prevent fraud?

The program follows strict governance, transparency, and anti-corruption standards aligned with AfDB policies. Misconduct is not tolerated.

22. How is my personal information protected?

All applicant data is handled in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy laws and used only for program purposes.

23. Who can I contact for support?

Applicants can contact the MicroGREEN support team through the official website contact form or helpdesk details provided on the platform.

Final Note for Applicants

Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding. All decisions are made based on program objectives, compliance reviews, and available resources.

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