Application Open

23^rd March, 2026

Application Deadline

8^th May, 2026

Application Closed

About the GreenScale Zambia Accelarator & Incubator Programme

The GreenScale Zambia Incubator & Accelerator Programme is a strategic intervention aimed at accelerating the growth of Zambia’s green and circular economy Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Lusaka and the Copperbelt. Funded by the European Union and implemented by CaDev_Catalyst Development and Challenges Zambia, the programme will support 40 high-potential startups leveraging technology to build a greener, more sustainable Zambia.

This initiative seeks to identify and support businesses that are transforming waste streams into valuable products and services, contributing to environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, job creation, and inclusive economic growth. Eligible enterprises should demonstrate an active waste-to-value model, operational capacity, and a commitment to scaling sustainable circular solutions within Zambia.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
a) The business must have been operational for at least 12 months prior to the application date.
b) The business must employ a minimum of two (2) staff members (full-time or part-time combined).
c) The business must be physically based and operating within Lusaka Province or Copperbelt Province.

Only businesses that meet all eligibility criteria and submit complete applications with the required supporting documentation will be considered.
Incomplete applications, applications that do not meet the minimum requirements, or those submitted without mandatory documentation will not proceed to the evaluation stage.

Competitive Grants & Awards
Top performing enterprises will compete for significant cash prizes to support feasibility studies, equipment procurement, and scaling efforts.
10 top winners (5 from Lusaka and 5 from the Copperbelt) will receive grants of:
1) €25,000 (1st place)
2) €15,000 (2nd place)
3) €10,000 (3rd place)

Two enterprises will receive sponsored international conference tickets (valued at €2,500 each) to showcase their innovations on a global stage. The pitch event will bring together banks, MFIs, investors, NGOs, and government representatives, creating strong networking opportunities — including for enterprises that do not win cash prizes. This ensures wider exposure and increased chances of unlocking additional financing.

For any queries or questions about the application, please reach out to our team member via the information provided below:
Themba Mwaanga (Challenges Zambia) themba.mwaanga@thechallengesgroup.com | Chifula Kalisha (CaDev) kalimark89@gmail.com

Contact Details

Business Name

Name of Applicant

Position in Organization / Company

Year of Establishment

Phone Number

Province of Operation

Business Address

Business Information

Stage of Business

Has the business been operational for at least 12 months?

Number of Full-Time Female Staff

Number of Full-Time Male Staff

Number of Part-Time Female Staff

Number of Part-Time Male Staff

What is the age range of the staff?

Number of Youth (18–35) Employed

Total Staff (Minimum 2 Required)

Upload Registration Certificates

Upload TPIN Certificate

Sector & Circular Model

Waste Stream (Select all that apply)

Describe your product or service

Describe your waste-to-value process

Describe your environmental and social impact

Operations & Technical Capacity

Current Monthly Production Capacity

Average Monthly Output

what type of equipments does your company currently use?

Do you have formal supply agreements for waste inputs?

Do you have environmental permits ( In the process if applicable)?

If Yes to the Previous Question, Upload Permit

FInancial Information

Annual Revenue (Last Financial Year)

Current Profitability Status

Does your business have financial records from the previous 6 months of operation?

What is your biggest financial constraint?

Impact

How much waste do you divert per month?

Number of Direct Jobs Created

Number of Women Employed

Do you work with informal waste collectors?

Growth & Support Needs

What is the company's growth plans for next 2 years

Investment size required

Type of support required (Select all that apply)

Declaration

Use of Data
a) All documents and information I share with the programme will be kept securely and not shared with anyone else. The information will be used only to offer support to your business, track impact and determine eligibility, unless you agree otherwise in writing. All information is treated according to the Zambia Data Protection Act, 2021.

b) I understand and give my consent for the information to be used for the purposes detailed above.

c)If my application is successful, I give my consent for my progress to be tracked and for my information to be used to report on the success of the Greentech4ce programme.

I hereby declare that:

The information provided in this application is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. The business meets the minimum eligibility criteria outlined in this call for applications. I understand that any false, misleading, or incomplete information may result in disqualification from the selection process. I confirm that the documents submitted (including PACRA and TPIN certificates and any other supporting documentation) are valid and authentic. I authorize the GreenScale Zambia Project team to verify the information provided and to contact referees, partners, or relevant institutions where necessary for due diligence purposes. I consent to the use of submitted information for assessment, reporting, and program-related purposes in line with project requirements. If I get accepted onto the project then I must attend and engage with all aspects of the programme, including, but not limited to, 2 week capacity building bootcamp. business assessments, trainings, mentorship sessions & networking events, alumni engagement activities. I understand that If I am accepted then I will have to talk to one of the staff of the GreenScale Zambia project at the beginning, in the middle and after the programme has ended to let them know how my business is doing. This feedback will be used to improve delivery and understand impact. I understand the aim of the GreenScale Zambia project is to help my business grow and I need to be committed if my business is to become more profitable, able to create jobs and attractive to investors. My commitment will be measured through my engagement, attendance, communication and follow through of key tasks which upon further evaluation by the project team, will determine my eligibility for the pitch competition