About

The German Missions in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini have opened applications for their 2026 Micro-Project Scheme aimed at strengthening community-led initiatives that foster sustainable development and social inclusion across the region.

The focus of the scheme includes measures supporting the Just Energy Transition, local economic development and alternative livelihoods especially in communities with phased-out revenues from fossil fuels, women’s rights, access to equal education and health care, women’s resources and representation, and anti-discrimination of any kind including gender equality, and anti-discrimination of sexual orientation and physical disabilities.

This funding opportunity supports registered civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and other not-for-profit community actors in South Africa, Lesotho, or Eswatini that design and implement self-contained projects within one calendar year. Eligible projects must address the needs of rural or transition-affected communities, contribute to income generation or poverty reduction, and promote local participation and innovation. The program places particular emphasis on applications from Mpumalanga and Limpopo, ensuring that projects target regions most affected by economic and environmental transitions.

Eligibility

Successful applicants may receive a grant of up to €25,000, with all projects required to be completed within the same year the funding is awarded. The grant covers project-specific expenses but excludes costs such as salaries, recurring overheads, travel, land acquisition, and operational fees. Applications must present a clear budget, quotations for materials or services, proof of the organisation’s own contribution, and documentation verifying registration or legal status. Before disbursing funds, a representative from the German Mission may conduct an on-site verification, and at project completion, recipients must provide a final report with original invoices to confirm expenditure.

Post Date: October 24, 2025