About

The European Commission has launched the Borderlands V – West Africa programme to strengthen stability and resilience in fragile border regions of Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Guinea. The initiative seeks to prevent and reduce instability and conflict spillover while complementing national programmes and the African Great Green Wall initiative.

The total budget of EUR 25 million is divided into two lots: EUR 15 million for the Mali–Guinea–Côte d’Ivoire tri-border zone and EUR 10 million for the Guinea–Côte d’Ivoire forest zone. EU funding will cover 70% to 95% of eligible project costs, with the remainder contributed by non-EU sources. Projects must run for 48 to 60 months, and the contracting authority reserves the right not to allocate the full amount of available funds.

The programme prioritizes socio-economic opportunities for border communities, particularly women, youth, and mobile populations. It promotes inclusive and sustainable access to natural resources (land, water, pasture, mining, and forest products) and strengthens efforts against cross-border trafficking, including human trafficking and violent extremism. Key thematic areas include private sector development, land and resource governance, social cohesion, displacement of populations and livestock, anti-trafficking capacity building, and conflict prevention.

Eligibility

Eligible lead applicants must be non-profit legal entities such as NGOs, public operators, local authorities, or international organisations established in an EU Member State or an eligible NDICI country. Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience in West Africa, including operations in at least two target countries, prior implementation of EU-funded regional or cross-border programmes, operational capacity in fragile contexts, and a strong commitment to human rights and gender equality.

Applications must be submitted in consortiums, with at least one co-applicant per intervention country. All partners must meet the same eligibility requirements as lead applicants and collectively demonstrate expertise across multiple thematic priorities.

The application process follows a two-stage procedure: submission of a Concise Note via the PROSPECT system by 6 October 2026, followed by Full Applications from shortlisted candidates. Proposals will be assessed based on eligibility, organisational capacity, relevant experience, thematic expertise, and alignment with programme objectives. Lead applicants may submit only one application per lot and may receive only one grant under this call. Co-applicants and affiliated entities are subject to participation restrictions.

Post Date: August 03, 2026