Open until 16 October 2026, 23:59 GMT. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is seeking an eligible lead institution or consortium to implement a US$2 million regional initiative in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. This is an implementation grant, not an unrestricted donation to every applicant. Organizations should assess their experience in the Central Sahel, institutional eligibility and capacity to deliver a multi-country food-systems programme before preparing a submission.
Funding snapshot
- Funder: IFAD
- Funding: US$2 million for the initiative
- Geography: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger
- Deadline: 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT
- Languages: English or French
- Official call: IFAD application details, templates and latest FAQs
What IFAD wants to fund
The initiative targets food-systems transformation in the Central Sahel, concentrating on livestock, cassava and rice value chains. Strong proposals should connect practical bottlenecks from production to markets with commercial viability, climate resilience, jobs, and meaningful inclusion of women and young people. A regional rationale is important: simply describing one local agricultural activity is unlikely to establish why the intervention merits cross-country financing.
Who should consider applying?
IFAD indicates that eligible organizations, governmental agencies, private-sector entities, research institutions and consortia may apply. The official call and self-certification documents determine the precise eligibility conditions. A prospective lead should show institutional capacity, relevant thematic experience and a credible approach to implementing work in the stated countries.
Required submission materials
- The prescribed Grant Concept Note Template.
- The applicable Self-Certification of Eligibility form, including the UN-entity version where relevant.
- A brief institutional profile of the proposed recipient, normally no more than one page, with one additional page allowed for consortium partner experience.
Submit required materials electronically as PDFs through the route specified on the official call page. IFAD also posts a detailed activity-based budget reference and FAQs. Check its 8 October 2026 FAQ update before finalizing: the deadline for submitting questions has already closed.
Practical checks before submitting
Confirm which consortium institution would legally receive the grant, document prior work in the priority value chains, and set out implementation partnerships in all applicable locations. Align outputs with the stated funding envelope and show how the proposal will continue delivering results beyond the grant. Organizations needing an internal review can use the Africads Grant Funding Toolkit to assess their readiness before submission.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a US$2 million award for each applicant?
No. IFAD describes US$2 million as the funding for the initiative and intends to select an eligible implementing recipient or consortium.
Can a private company apply?
The call includes eligible private-sector entities, subject to IFAD’s detailed funding and self-certification rules.
Can a consortium apply?
Yes. The call explicitly contemplates consortia, with supporting information about relevant partner experience.
What languages are accepted?
English and French.
When is the deadline?
16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Allow time for complete PDF preparation and electronic submission.
Conclusion
This IFAD opportunity is best suited to a capable regional implementer or consortium with demonstrable Central Sahel food-systems expertise. Use the official IFAD call as the controlling source for forms and any amendments. For ongoing verified funding updates, subscribe to Africads Grant News.
Last reviewed: 10 October 2026. Opportunity dates and terms may be amended by the donor.
