Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) - Green Fund

The Green Fund facilitates the transition to a green economy where market forces do not adequately value the cost to the environment. It promotes innovative and high impact green programmes and projects, reinforces climate policy objectives and sustainable economic development, builds an evidence base for the expansion of the green economy, and attracts additional resources to support South Africa's green economy development. Focus areas include just transition to a low carbon economy, energy generation and storage technologies, green building technologies, hydrogen fuel cells, transport greening, water sector resilience, waste management, biogas technologies, and youth development within a greening context. Managed by DBSA since 2012 under agreement with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE). Initial funding of R1.1 billion allocated by National Treasury. Provides up to R25m for project preparation/feasibilities and technical support, and up to R70m for investment funding. Supports project funding for up to 15 years.

Typical applicants include private companies, SMEs, M2/3 municipalities, Metros, Provincial governments, SOEs, NGOs, Research Institutions and Universities. Projects must be located in South Africa. Applications must demonstrate commercial viability. Projects should support NDC and/or SDG targets, be within priority focus areas with clear environmental benefits, and demonstrate strong potential to reach bankability. Projects in advanced stages of development and strategically aligned with fund objectives are also considered.

To apply for funding, send an electronic introduction of the project to greenfund@dbsa.org. The introduction should include: Incorporation certificate, Comprehensive business plan, Latest audited annual financial statements, and Financial projections for at least three years. Applications will be assessed through a competitive process and must demonstrate commercial viability. The DBSA has sole discretion in making selections, including consideration of climate and environmental impact and gender mainstreaming potential.