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Hivos East Africa Green Entrepreneurship Programme Grants

Hivos East Africa · NGO / Non-profit
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TanzaniaRenewable EnergyAgricultureEnvironmentCircular Economy

About this opportunity

Hivos East Africa gives grants of $10,000–$100,000 to green startups and SMEs in Tanzania, plus mentorship. Women and youth-led businesses get priority; you must be registered and have a clear environmental or social impact model.

Hivos East Africa supports green and sustainable enterprises in Tanzania through grants and business development services targeting SMEs and startups in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy sectors. Grantees receive both financial support and mentorship to scale climate-positive business models. The programme prioritises women-led and youth-led enterprises.

Who can apply

  • Registered businesses or social enterprises operating in Tanzania
  • Startups and SMEs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, environment, or circular economy sectors
  • Women-led enterprises (priority)
  • Youth-led enterprises (priority)
  • Organisations or businesses with a demonstrable environmental or social impact model

Not eligible

  • Unregistered businesses or sole traders without formal registration
  • Enterprises outside Tanzania
  • Businesses in sectors other than renewable energy, agriculture, environment, or circular economy

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Documents you will need

  • Completed application form
  • Business plan or proposal
  • Proof of business registration (certificate of incorporation or equivalent)
  • Description of environmental or social impact and how it will be measured
  • Company or personal identification documents
  • Bank account details for fund transfer

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How to apply, step by step

  1. Confirm your business is registered in Tanzania and operates in one of the four priority sectors
  2. Prepare your business plan, registration proof, and written description of your green or sustainable impact
  3. Visit the Hivos East Africa website and locate the application portal for this grant programme
  4. Complete the online application form with all required documents attached
  5. Submit your application before the deadline (this programme uses rolling applications, so check the website for current intake windows)
  6. Wait for Hivos to conduct due diligence on your business; you will be notified of approval or rejection in writing
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

Hivos reviews all applications for completeness and eligibility, then conducts due diligence on shortlisted applicants. Due diligence typically includes background checks on the founders, verification of registration, and assessment of the business model's viability and environmental impact. Approved applicants are notified and funding is released according to the grant agreement terms.

What reviewers look for

  • Emphasise measurable environmental or social outcomes, not just intentions—e.g. 'we will reduce carbon emissions by 40 tonnes per year' rather than 'we are eco-friendly'
  • If you are a woman-led or youth-led enterprise, make this clear in your application; it is actively prioritised
  • Show proof of traction: existing customers, revenue, partnerships, or pilot results if you have them
  • Demonstrate that you can use the grant to scale, not just to stay afloat—funders want to see realistic growth timelines
  • Be specific about how you will measure and report on impact; vague promises will be rejected

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a 'youth-led' or 'women-led' enterprise for priority consideration?

Usually this means the founder, co-founder, or majority shareholder is under 35 (for youth) or a woman. Hivos may ask for proof of ownership or governance. Check the application form for their exact definition.

Can I apply if my business is less than a year old?

Yes. The programme targets startups, so early-stage businesses are eligible. You must still be formally registered.

Is there a deadline, or can I apply anytime?

The programme uses rolling applications, meaning there is no single closing date. However, Hivos may open and close application windows; check their website regularly or contact them to confirm when the next intake begins.

What happens after I submit my application?

Hivos will perform due diligence, which includes checking your registration, reviewing your business model, and verifying information about your team. This typically takes 4–8 weeks. You will be informed of the outcome by email.

If I receive a grant, do I have to repay it?

No, this is a grant, not a loan. However, you will be expected to report on how you used the funds and the environmental or social impact you achieved.

Guide written from the official programme page on 15 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

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