Small-scale projects financed by the German Embassy in Zambia

The fund for micro-projects of the German Embassy was established as a part of the technical cooperation between Germany and Zambia and is part of Germany's overall development co-operation that contributes to poverty alleviation and improvement of living standards, to cover the basic needs of the poorest social classes, especially in rural areas. It gives quick and efficient help where no funds from government institutions, other co-operating partners or civil society organizations are available.

Our microprojects 2024

Sewing Empowers! - Tadala Multipurpose Organization
Tadala Multipurpose Organization operates in Gwembe district, particularly hard hit by climate change – both droughts and floods. Women suffer disproportionately from the consequences of climate change due to performing affected tasks (fetching water, procuring food, cooking etc.) and often have fewer participation and decision-making rights than men. Tadala´s activities aim to promote a more gender-inclusive community and empower women and strengthen their (economic) rights. We supported Tadala´s efforts to provide alternative income generation though sewing and tailoring with five new sewing machines - 2 electric ones and 3 operating without power.

Support of the palliative care program at Ranchhod Hospice
At 12%, HIV prevalence among adults in Zambia is extremely high. Ranchhod Community Services and Hospice provides free medical treatment for people living with HIV and social, psychosocial, spiritual, and material support to those affected by HIV. As the only organization providing palliative care in Zambia's Central Province, RCSH relies on donations, which are often insufficient to finance urgently needed upgrades to medical equipment. We supported RCSH with new equipment including a waiting bench for out-patients coming on a daily basis, bed side lockers, new beds and additional folding beds to be able to cater for additional patients when RCSH is at full capacity.

Demonstration site for renewable energy systems at Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation
Mindolo has been offering education and training in more than 25 different fields of study for the past 65 years. In more recent years, sustainable and climate change resilient agriculture including use of renewable energy systems has become a focus area. Technologies like biogas and solar systems are rarely used in the Kitwe region and public awareness about renewable energy systems and their benefits is limited. We supported Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation with the installation of a solar energy system and biogas systems for the kitchens at both, Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation and Mindolo Training Farm sites. Using these practical examples, MEF will demonstrate and train students, small scale farmers, the community and visitors on the advantages, feasibility, versatility, economic and environmental benefits of such systems in everyday use.

Dairy production project with Madalitso Mtendere Women´s club
Madalitso Mtendere Women´s Club seeks to create employment and income generation for the women of Mtendere compound grappling with persistent poverty and gender inequality. We supported MM Women´s Club in the start-up of their own dairy production. This included the building of milking and milk storage facilities, the fencing of pastures including an irrigation system, the planting of forage crop as well as purchasing 3 dairy cows.

Basic guidelines for applications:
• Micro-projects have to be independent and not related to any other running project within German-Zambian Bilateral Cooperation.
• They target mainly at community groups/organizations that would like to engage in developmental activities like income-generation or provision of basic services. Projects, that cannot be financed by the body responsible itself (e.g. Community Based, Non-Government and Faith Based Organizations registered in Zambia) can be supported.
• Projects, that are primarily of advantage to Government agencies, business people or individuals seeking support in order to establish or improve their services or private businesses do not qualify for the micro-project scheme.
• Micro projects should be supervised by a local authority/responsible person and after completion be continued independently by the beneficiary.
• Generally, up to EUR 8.500,00 can be granted per project. In special cases the amount of support can be increased. However, labor, administrative costs and travel expenditure cannot be borne.
• The applicant organization has to contribute financially or by labor (self-help).
• Semi-financing of projects, e.g. by several donors, is not permitted, and the project may not be financed from other German sources, such as GIZ etc.
• A project can only be financed once.
• Gender issues will receive preference during the selection process.

Examples of projects:
Bore holes, garden projects, shelters for vulnerable children, toilets, construction/renovation of school classrooms, income-generating articles (sewing machines, tools/machines for a joinery or a locksmith's trade) etc.

Projects/items that cannot be funded include:
Consumables, vehicles, computers, printers, television sets, private business start-ups, labor and administrative costs, travel expenditure etc.

Funding procedure:
Before the final approval of the application can be granted, a representative of the German Embassy visit the site of the project. In order for any funds to be released, a contract has to be signed by two representatives of the applying organization and the Head of the German Embassy.

After completion:
After the project has been completed, a “Proof of Employment of Funds” with a written report have to be presented to the German Embassy together with a list of the expenses and the original invoices. Unused funds or expenses without original invoices have to be refunded to the German Embassy. A representative of the German Embassy will visit the project again to assess its success.