The FemFocus 2026–2030 program, administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, offers significant funding to civil society organisations (CSOs) that support women’s entrepreneurship in Africa. The scheme aims to enhance both the individual capacities of women entrepreneurs and the structural environments in which they operate.
Funding Details
- Maximum Grant per Application: €27,417,500
- Minimum Grant Amount: €18,260,055
- Total Budget for this Instrument: Approximately €54,835,000
- Project Duration: 60 months (5 years)
Who Can Apply
- Civil society organizations established either in the Netherlands or in eligible low- or middle-income countries.
- Applicants must have at least 5 years’ experience in capacity strengthening and financing partner organisations in LMICs.
- Applicants must meet financial independence criteria and show ability to manage large grants.
- Proposals must target a minimum of two countries from the specified list of eligible African countries: Egypt, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Benin, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Tunisia, DRC. (Government of the Netherlands)
Application Deadline
Applications open from 16 October 2025 and close on 7 January 2026 (23:59 CEST).
How to Apply
Visit the official FemFocus policy page on the Dutch government website and download the full call documents. Prepare your proposal using the specified formats (annexes, budget models) and submit via the address provided. (Government of the Netherlands)
Women entrepreneurs in Africa often face more obstacles — limited access to finance, informal value chains, and restrictive norms. Through FemFocus, organisations can work to both empower women directly and address systemic barriers surrounding women’s enterprise growth. This is both a funding opportunity and a strategic platform for change.