Window 3, Accelerating Sustainable and Scalable Climate Change and Adaptation Solutions, funded by the Flanders International, is now open for investment support. In order to qualify for a matching grant and on-demand technical assistance support under window 3 the lead applicant and, or its collaborators need to propose a project which will focus at catalyzing market-led, demand-driven approaches in accelerating green solutions whilst creating jobs and improving the livelihoods of the bottom of the pyramid. The applicants need to propose to set up project(s) that will promote nature-based solutions products, services and business models encompassing sustainable forest management, or watershed management, or land conservation, or waste management to address pressing climate change adaptation challenges and also promoting green initiatives through local partnerships, behavioral change campaigns, new distribution models, etc. Hence, the private sector companies are being challenged to set up projects that shall front-load the necessity for job creation and livelihood improvements as the green solution is articulated along the triple-A paradigm of Affordability, Accessibility, and Acceptability among the targeted households who will benefit from the project as suppliers or consumers of the product/service/technology/business model to be promoted under the project.
Window 3
Accelerating Climate Change
Adaptation and Mitigation
Window 3 Challenges
To qualify for the GETF Window 3 Matching Grant and On-Demand Technical Assistance, applicants must propose a business project that accelerates climate change adaptation and mitigation, while creating jobs and improving livelihoods for low-income populations. Projects should tackle specific environmental pressure points (e.g., wetland restoration or tree planting) to reduce community vulnerability to climate shocks, promote nature-based solutions, and build climate-resilient value chains. Private sector applicants must emphasize job creation and livelihood enhancement through climate solutions that meet the "Triple A" criteria—Affordability, Accessibility, and Acceptability—for the target households, whether as consumers, suppliers, or beneficiaries. Proposals must align with at least one specified thematic area under Window 3.
1. Climate-Resilient Agricultural Systems
Agriculture in Malawi remains vulnerable to droughts, erratic rains, and soil degradation. Private sector-led innovations are needed to: Develop and expand drought-resilient crop varieties suitable for low rainfall areas. Promote greenhouse technologies and precision farming tools (e.g., soil sensors, irrigation controllers) to enhance productivity and conserve water. Enhance soil fertility using composting and mulching to lessen reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Set up resilient agro-processing units near production areas to reduce losses and maintain value and, Advocate for technologies that support climate-smart agriculture, soil conservation, and watershed management.
4. Climate Risk Financing and Advisory Services
Many farmers and rural businesses lack access to financial tools to manage climate shocks. This theme supports:
● Inclusive insurance schemes (e.g., weather index-based or livestock insurance) that cushion smallholders from weather-related losses.
● Digital platforms offering real-time weather alerts, market access tips, via SMS or radio.
● Access-to-finance models tailored for adaptation businesses including low-interest loans and credit guarantee schemes.
2. Sustainable Forestry and Ecosystem Enterprises
3.Water Resources and Catchment Management
Malawi’s heavy reliance on forest resourcesfor energy and livelihoods has accelerated deforestation. This theme promotes: Forestry enterprises that restore degraded areas through community reforestation and sustainable timber plantations. Viable alternatives to charcoal such as bamboo-based fuels, or carbonized briquettes. Eco-enterprises that protect biodiversity hotspots and promote ecotourism or sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products.Business models supporting Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) aligned with Malawi national strategies.
Climate change has intensified water scarcity and erosion in Malawi. Window 3 seeks:
● Solutions for rainwater harvesting to ensure year-round food production.
● Restoration of wetlands and natural water bodies to improve water retention and recharge groundwater.
● Enterprises delivering innovations for water efficient farming, such as drip or gravity-fed systems adapted to smallholder needs.
5. Circular and Regenerative Business Models
Climate adaptation in Malawi requires better use of resources and regeneration of degraded land. This challenge invites:
● Models that use post-harvest waste for packaging or bio-based inputs to reduce pressure on forests.
● Businesses that rehabilitate degraded land or promote soil health as a central part of their value proposition
These challenges are cross-sectoral in nature and not limited to the areas listed above— many more innovative ideas within the broader climate change adaptation and mitigation ecosystem are welcome.