Application Process
Under the demand driven approach, potential beneficiaries submit unsolicited proposals to the AWF for consideration. These are initially screened by the Facility for overall eligibility, and place in the pipeline for processing. Under the thematic approach, competitive calls for proposals will be issued and projects which best meet the stated terms of reference and eligibility requirements will be selcted for funding.
The AWF undertakes the responsibility of continuous dialogue with the potential beneficiaries to modify and adjust proposals to fulfill overall eligibility requirements. Nevertheless, some project proposals are found to be non-compliant due to various reasons such as ineligible funding organizations, decisions to submit for funding elsewhere, or unwillingness to modify the project to meet AWF selection criteria or add more value.
Specific selection criteria for investment projects have been developed in order to ensure that they clearly contribute to the objectives of the Facility. In addition to falling under one or more of the AWF areas of intervention under meeting water needs, desirable water investment projects should:
- Offer a clear indication that they will serve to catalyze larger investments from other donors or the private sector
- Focus on innovation and change through the introduction and piloting of new or improved technologies or implementation of new approaches.
- Have a strong focus on knowledge generation and dissemination.
Given the large number of projects received under the demand driven approach, prioritisation is necessary given shortages of resources. Fullfilment of the objectives and merits of the AWF are the key criteria in this regard. Other factors are also important, such as ensuring national and regional balance, or establishing the desired allocation of resources across all areas of intervention. There are also factors specific to a type of intervention which must be taken into account-for example, the investment project selection criteria noted in the previous paragraph.
A floor of Euro 50,000 and a ceiling of about Euro 5,000,000 have been established under the Operational Procedures for accommodating the financing of various categories of activities.
All applicants are requested to read the instructions carefully and submit sufficient documentation of their submitted projects.
Applicants are also requested to first check their eligibility as well as the eligibility of the submitted project.
Please send the completed form(s) to the general AWF email address: africanwaterfacility@afdb.org
