Other
The Sustainable Private Sector in Forestry (SPSF) Programme, supported by SIDA and UNDP, hereby invites eligible entities to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Briquette Market Development Challenge Fund.
Description
CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)
Briquette Market Development Challenge Fund, Ethiopia
Overview
The Sustainable Private Sector in Forestry (SPSF) Programme, supported by SIDA and UNDP, hereby invites eligible entities to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Briquette Market Development Challenge Fund.
This initiative seeks to stimulate innovative, market-driven solutions that convert forestry residues and organic waste into clean, sustainable fuel, power green industrial growth, and create sustainable green jobs. The target geographical implementation area for biomass briquettes is the Afar Region (Amibara).
Key Tender Details
- Issuance Date: October 28, 2026
- EOI Submission Deadline: November 28, 2026
- Target Value Chain: Biomass and tree-based briquettes
- Submission Email: [email protected]
- Email Subject Line Requirement: Must state Briquette Market Development Challenge Fund without modifications
Funding Windows & Cost-Sharing Requirements
The fund offers three competitive grant windows:
| Grant Window | Funding Amount (USD) | Target Applicants | Indicative Focus | Minimum Co-Financing Requirement |
| Micro Grant |
Up to $10,000 |
Start-ups, Cooperatives, MSMEs |
Piloting and validating innovations; strengthening proof of concept |
30% of total project cost |
| Medium Grant |
$10,001 – $20,000 |
Growing MSMEs, Private Firms, Consortia |
Scaling tested innovations; expanding market reach; strengthening operations |
50% of total project cost |
| Large Grant |
$20,001 – $30,000* |
Established Enterprises, Lead Firms, Anchor Buyers, Processors |
Systemic innovations with strong crowd-in potential; market transformation |
50% of total project cost |
*Under special circumstances with international partners, higher amounts may be considered under separate criteria.
Disbursement Schedule
Grants are performance-based and disbursed across three tranches within 12 months:
- Tranche 1 (30%): Disbursed upon signing the contract and proof of matching fund availability.
- Tranche 2 (40%): Disbursed upon reaching mid-term milestones (e.g., equipment purchased/installed or 50% of staff hired).
- Tranche 3 (30%): Disbursed upon completing and submitting an impact report demonstrating market traction or sales.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Eligible Applicants
- Registered Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
- Cooperatives and Unions
- Legally registered producers, processors, and traders associations
- Private companies (national or international)
- Consortia led by a private sector or market-oriented organization
- Social enterprises and startup innovators
2. Minimum Eligibility Requirements
- Legal Status: Must be a legally registered entity.
- Geographical Focus: Must have a plan to implement the project in the programme district (Amibara and across Afar) and along the value chain.
- Job Creation & Income: Must demonstrate how the innovation creates jobs and increases community income levels.
- Proof of Concept: Must be piloted or tested with demonstrable results (primarily for Medium and Large grant windows).
- Commercial Viability & Systemic Impact: Clear business model with a pathway to revenue generation and broader market transformation.
- Inclusion & Environment: Inclusion strategy for women and youth, combined with strict adherence to national environmental and forestry regulations.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions are reviewed by a Selection Committee using the following weighted scoring system:
| Criteria | Description / Focus Area | Weight (%) |
| Inclusion and Social Impact |
Jobs and income enhancement for youth, women, and marginalized groups |
20% |
| Innovation and Technical Soundness |
Feasibility, robustness, novelty, and relevance of the proposed solution |
15% |
| Commercial Viability & Market Systems Impact |
Business case profitability and systemic change potential |
15% |
| Experience & Team Track Record |
Technical capacity and organizational track record |
15% |
| Sustainability |
Post-grant continuity, adoption incentives, and scalability |
10% |
| Co-Investment |
Proportion of matching funds committed by the applicant |
10% |
| Environmental Impact |
Promotion of forest conservation and climate benefits |
5% |
| Budget Realism |
Cost alignment with proposed activities and outputs |
5% |
| Financial Sustainability |
Long-term operational and financial model |
5% |
| Total |
100% |
Application Process & Timeline
- Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Deadline: November 28, 2026
- Length: Maximum 3–5 pages.
- Requirements: Completed EOI form, brief description of innovation, proof of concept/early sales evidence, estimated budget, co-financing plan, organizational registration documents, and key project indicator framework.
- Stage 2: Full Proposal (Invitation Only)
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a detailed 10–15 page proposal including a comprehensive business plan, financial model, and environmental/social safeguards plan.
Submission & Contact Information
- Submission Email: Send applications electronically to [email protected].
- Subject Line: Must be exactly Briquette Market Development Challenge Fund.
For Inquiries & Application Support:
- Management Team Lead: B. Teshome
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +251 911 93 45 84
- Office Address: Gurdshola, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tender details
- Deadline: 2026-11-28
- Bid closing time: 17:00
- Bid opening: 2026-11-28 17:00
- Bid opening (note): No Specific Opening Date and Time
- Region: Addis Ababa
- Publishing entity: International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
- Buyer TIN: 0004800917
- Buyer's registered address: CMC road near Gurd shola
- Published on: Qelal Tenders (Oct 28, 2026)
- Posted at: 2026-10-28T12:37:18.000Z
- Buyer website: https://www.ilri.org/
- Source: Qelal Tenders