The Ghaith Resilience Fund (GRF) is an innovative financial initiative dedicated to fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and smallholder farmers in Sudan. Focused on post-conflict recovery, this program aims to drive sustainable development across the nation. The GRF serves as a critical financial instrument designed to empower women and young entrepreneurs, fueling their ambitions and facilitating collaboration between vulnerable groups, particularly within women’s associations.
The fund prioritizes projects and companies operating in key sectors, including:
- – Agriculture, livestock, and supply chains
- – Renewable energy
- – Technology and communication systems
- – Handmade crafts and small producers
The Ghaith Resilience Fund is an initiative carried out by the Women’s Empowerment for Resilience, Inclusion, Sustainability, and Environment (WE-RISE!) Delegated Cooperation Programme, funded by the European Union in Sudan and implemented by AICS and UN Women.
The Ghaith Resilience Fund was designed with the Technical Assistance provided by Microfinanza Srl and managed by 249 Startups and the Bank of Khartoum, all partners of the WE-RISE! Program.
Through this initiative, WE-RISE! aims to stimulate the prosperity of the entrepreneurial fabric in the program’s target states – Gedaref, Kassala, and Red Sea State – to respond to local needs and develop innovative solutions to the challenges that Sudan is facing and will face in a post-conflict scenario.
Funding categories
The Ghaith Resilience Fund is structured in three main categories, each adapted to specific beneficiaries with distinct eligibility criteria:
Category 1 – Associations and cooperatives
Target beneficiaries: members of women’s associations, productive organizations, or cooperatives.
Eligibility criteria: applicants must be based in Gedaref, Kassala, or the Red Sea State or willing to relocate. They must engage in income-generating activities, with a counterpart requirement of less than 10% of the grant amount.
Category 2 – Informal SMEs and smallholder farmers
Target beneficiaries: microenterprises, informal SMEs, or smallholder farmers operating on less than 5 feddan.
Eligibility criteria: Applicants must meet similar geographical and operational history requirements, with a matching requirement ranging from 15% to 30% of the grant amount.
Category 3 – Formal SMEs and Larger Smallholders
Target beneficiaries: Formal SMEs or smallholders operating between 5 and 100 feddans.
Eligibility criteria: Applicants must be based in the targeted states, demonstrate at least one year of operational history, and engage in commercial activities. The matching requirement for this category is between 30% and 40% of the grant amount.
Who can apply?
The Ghaith Resilience Fund is designed for applicants based in the targeted states or those who wish to expand their operations there. Eligible applicants must have at least one year of operational history, provide proof of identity, and submit relevant supporting documents. Additionally, the proposed product or service must address local challenges in Sudan and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Use this Link to apply Deadline to apply: 2 December 2023.
Support for Applicants
Recognizing the challenges that applicants may face during the funding process, the Ghaith Resilience Fund provides selected applicants with guidance and technical assistance. This support includes help in developing initial business plans and identifying matching funding requirements. Assistance continues throughout the application process and into the implementation phase, ensuring that funded projects have the resources they need to thrive.
The Ghaith Resilience Fund serves as a beacon of hope for entrepreneurs and farmers in Sudan, driving sustainable economic growth and recovery. With the support of funders, donors, and partners, this initiative aims to transform local businesses and make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s development goals.