The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), in partnership with UNEP and funded by the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI), has announced a Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to finance nature-positive private sector enterprises in the Congo Basin. This initiative, part of the Pro-Congo Project, aims to unlock private investment for sustainable business models that protect biodiversity, reduce emissions, and foster inclusive economic growth. Through this EOI, UNCDF seeks to support Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in priority sectors such as:

• Sustainable Agriculture & Agro-Industry
• Renewable Energy & Emissions Reduction
• Forest Industry & Sustainable Timber
• Landscape Restoration & Afforestation
• Ecotourism & Protected Area Co-Management

Selected enterprises will receive customized financing packages ranging from USD 250,000 to USD 1,500,000, including concessional loans and reimbursable grants, complemented by technical assistance. The goal is to catalyse scalable, deforestation-free solutions that deliver measurable environmental and social benefits, including job creation for women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples.

Application Deadline: 28 February 2026
Submission: Via UNCDF’s online EOI platform
Pre-Application Q&A Sessions:

• English: 14 January & 11 February 2026
• French: 15 January & 12 February 2026

For full details, eligibility criteria, and application templates, visit the UNCDF EOI online platform.