Can registered cooperatives or women farmer groups compete?
No, not as lead applicants. Only international or national NGOs may lead. Cooperatives are encouraged to participate as partners or consortium members.

Are grassroots NGOs qualified to submit stand-alone applications?
Yes, though a consortium is highly prioritized. Standalone grassroots NGOs must meet the strict threshold requirement of having previously managed a single project worth EUR 4 million or more.

Can for-profit consulting companies participate?
For-profit companies are not eligible as lead applicants. They may participate in a consortium as partners, provided the lead applicant is a non-profit organization that meets the eligibility criteria.

Is the government seeking local grantees or global partners?
We are open to both. We value consortia that combine international expertise with local presence and contextual knowledge.

Are private sector entities registered in Uganda eligible?
Yes, they are eligible to join a consortium as partners. The lead applicant must remain a non-profit organization.

What is the requirement for experience in seed sector interventions?
Specific seed sector experience is mandatory for the lead. The lead partner must have a proven track record in both specialized seed sector development and general smallholder market development at a comparable financial scale. Broad agricultural experience alone is insufficient for the lead role.

Can we work with refugees and their host communities?
The ToR does not explicitly mention refugees. However, if they are smallholder farmers within the preferred regions (Kigezi, Rwenzori, Busoga, Lango, Elgon), they fit the target group criteria.

Is it helpful to propose partnerships with local cooperatives and research institutions?
Yes. The ToR identifies local cooperatives, farmer organizations, and research bodies like NARO/MAAIF as key potential collaborators. Proposing these links directly assists in the qualitative capacity evaluation.

Is there an expectation to include a strategy for access to finance?
Yes. Access to finance is a critical systemic bottleneck. Applicants should address this in their intervention logic. Note that the grant cannot be used to provide direct cash grants to farmers or the private sector.

Is applicant co-financing required?
There is no mandatory co-financing percentage or explicit matching fund requirement. The maximum EKN contribution is EUR 10 million. Mobilizing private sector finance is viewed favorably.

Will a formal template be provided?
No. You must follow the section requirements outlined in the ToR.

Will there be information dissemination sessions?
No. The deadline for email inquiries was June 29, 2026.

Is this a grant or a contract?
This is a grant-based intervention. It follows standard Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BZ) grant regulations regarding financial management and reporting.

What are the guidelines for the budget and commercial evaluation?
The budget must be realistic and aligned with proposed activities. Evaluation centers on cost-effectiveness and organizational capacity to manage funds at this scale.

What is the status of the award issued last year?
This is not relevant to the current call. Please focus your proposal on the objectives set out for this specific intervention.