Closing soon: the Expression of Interest form closes on 30 October 2026.
Do you run a horticulture or ecotourism business in Botswana? The Green Value Chain Development for Job Creation Programme — an €8 million programme funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) with the Government of Botswana — is selecting SMEs, farmer groups, cooperatives and tourism operators to receive free business support.
The programme runs from February 2026 to February 2030 and focuses on creating jobs, especially for women and young people in rural areas.
Please note: the €8 million is the total budget for four years of activities. It is not a cash grant for each business. Selected businesses receive training, coaching and market-access support.
Quick Facts
- Funder: European Union
- Implementer: International Trade Centre (ITC), with the Government of Botswana
- Sectors: horticulture (fruit and vegetables, agro-processing) and ecotourism
- Who: registered SMEs, farmer associations, cooperatives, community-based tourism enterprises, tour operators and service providers
- Where: selected districts of Botswana (listed below)
- Cost to apply: free
- Deadline: 30 October 2026
Benefits: Support for Selected Businesses
- business development training in management, marketing and operations
- access to finance — help to become ready for loans and investment
- market access — market intelligence, meeting quality standards, and links to local, regional and export buyers
- green business practices — resource efficiency, circular economy and sustainable production
- ecotourism certification support for tourism businesses
- digital marketing help to reach more customers online
- value chain links — for example, connecting local farmers with hotels and lodges that buy fresh produce
Eligibility
According to the official Expression of Interest form, applicants must:
- be a legally registered small or medium enterprise in Botswana
- operate in Greater Gaborone, Kweneng, Kgatleng, North-West, Okavango Panhandle, Chobe, Nata, Makgadikgadi, Selebi-Phikwe, Bobirwa or Kgalagadi
- work in, or directly support, the ecotourism or horticulture value chain
- show potential to create jobs, raise income, reach markets, increase productivity or add value, and/or adopt green practices
- be willing to take part in programme activities and share monitoring information
Priority goes to women- and youth-owned or led businesses, community-based and rural enterprises, and businesses that create opportunities for women, youth and local communities.
Businesses outside Botswana are not eligible.
What the Form Asks
- your name, gender, job title, email and WhatsApp number, and whether you have a disability
- the share of the business owned by women and by people under 35
- business name, registration number and an upload of your registration documents
- physical address, district and town of operation, social media and website
- the CEO’s age and gender, and further details about your business
How to Apply
- Make sure your business is registered and located in one of the eligible districts.
- Scan or photograph your business registration documents so you can upload them.
- Complete the official ITC Expression of Interest form.
- Submit before 30 October 2026.
- Questions: email [email protected].
Tips
- Be specific about jobs: how many people you employ now and how many you could add.
- Tourism operators: mention any local produce you buy or would like to buy — linking tourism and horticulture is a programme goal.
- Farmers: describe your crops, volumes and buyers, and any processing you do or plan.
- Mention any green practices already in place, such as solar power, water saving or waste recycling.
More Opportunities for African Agribusinesses
- BRIDGE-in Agriculture Pitch Competition 2026 (Ghana)
- ABF Agribusiness Growth Challenge 2026
- Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2026/27
Deadline: 30 October 2026. Free business support for horticulture and ecotourism SMEs in Botswana.
