Deadline: January 7, 2026
The FemFocus 2026–2030 programme, launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, is a major funding opportunity designed to strengthen women entrepreneurs in Africa. The programme seeks to enhance both individual capacities and the broader structural environments that enable women’s businesses to thrive.
This €54.8 million initiative will run for five years and supports organisations working to advance gender equality, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion for women across multiple African countries.
About FemFocus 2026–2030
FemFocus 2026–2030 aims to empower women entrepreneurs by funding initiatives that address barriers faced by women in business. The programme will strengthen capacities, improve access to resources, and create an enabling environment that supports sustainable growth for women-led enterprises.
Projects funded under FemFocus are expected to drive measurable change in women’s economic participation, leadership, and entrepreneurship ecosystems in Africa.
Funding Information
- Maximum Grant Amount: €27,417,500
- Minimum Grant Amount: €18,260,055
- Total Instrument Budget: €54,835,000
- Project Duration: 60 months (5 years)
This large-scale funding demonstrates the Netherlands’ long-term commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development led by African women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for FemFocus 2026–2030, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicant Type: Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) legally established in the Netherlands or in eligible low- or middle-income countries (LMICs).
- Experience Requirement: At least five years of experience in capacity strengthening and financing partner organisations in LMICs.
- Financial Capacity: Applicants must demonstrate financial independence and a proven track record in managing large-scale grants.
- Geographic Requirement: Applicants must implement activities in at least two eligible African countries (including Nigeria).
Programme Objectives
FemFocus 2026–2030 is designed to:
- Strengthen women entrepreneurs in Africa through capacity development and leadership initiatives.
- Support systemic and structural change in the environments where women-led businesses operate.
- Foster collaboration among local, regional, and international partners to enhance women’s access to markets, finance, and decision-making.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: 16 October 2025
- Applications Close: 7 January 2026 (23:59 CEST)
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing early, given the complexity and scale of the funding opportunity.
Geographic Scope
The programme targets multiple African countries. To qualify, projects must operate in at least two eligible countries, with Nigeria among those listed. Multi-country partnerships are strongly encouraged to maximise regional impact.
Partnership Opportunities
Because of its large budget and multi-country requirement, FemFocus 2026–2030 promotes collaboration between CSOs. Organisations without the full capacity to apply independently may consider partnering with larger or more experienced entities.
This is also an excellent opportunity for youth and women-focused organisations to expand their scope into women’s entrepreneurship, innovation, and policy engagement.
Strategic Importance
Securing a FemFocus 2026–2030 grant could significantly elevate an organisation’s regional and international profile. Beyond direct financial support, the programme offers a platform to influence policies and contribute to systemic transformation in women’s economic empowerment.
Organisations such as GrantsDatabase and others working on mentoring, leadership, and innovation programmes may find strong alignment with FemFocus objectives—especially in advancing women’s entrepreneurial skills and supporting inclusive growth.
Next Steps for Interested Applicants
- Review the official call documents for full eligibility and submission guidelines.
- Assess organisational fit, ensuring your experience, structure, and operational capacity align with programme requirements.
- Identify partners in at least two eligible countries to strengthen your proposal.
- Develop a robust concept note focusing on systemic change, sustainability, and measurable outcomes for women entrepreneurs.
- Prepare financial and organisational documentation early to meet the strict compliance requirements for large-scale grants.
Need Help Preparing Your Application?
Preparing a strong, competitive proposal is essential for success in high-value programmes like FemFocus 2026–2030.
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