PURE Growth Fund Opens Call for Proposals for Clean Energy and Agribusinesses in Tanzania

Strategic Insights -

The PURE Growth Fund, a transformative initiative to accelerate the Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) within Tanzania's agri-food systems, has opened its first Call for Proposals. The initiative aims to unlock low-emission development pathways for the country, with a focus on the intersection of agriculture and energy, two sectors that employ over 70% of the labor force in sub-Saharan Africa. The funding window will provide EUR 2.5 million of incentive capital, technical assistance, and policy engagement to support the sustainable growth of clean energy SMEs and agribusinesses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PURE Growth Fund targets the intersection of agriculture and energy, two sectors that employ over 70% of the labor force in sub-Saharan Africa and account for nearly 20-30% of the continent's GDP.
  • The funding window will provide EUR 2.5 million of incentive capital with ticket sizes of EUR 250,000 - 1,000,000 per company.
  • Eligible clean energy SMEs and agribusinesses operating in Tanzania are invited to apply for funding and support under the PURE Growth Fund.
  • The application guidelines, including eligibility criteria, funding priorities, and submission instructions, are available for download on REEEP's website at www.reeep.org.
  • The funding window will be open until 1 August 2025, with the implementation phase expected to begin in January 2026.
  • The PURE Growth Fund is funded by a generous donation from the Government of Austria and developed by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP).
  • The initiative will increase the share of domestically produced food, reduce food waste, and strengthen resilience to climate and financial shocks.
  • The PURE Growth Fund will break the silos between agriculture and renewable energy by incentivizing those services that maximise the impact of PURE technology on agri-food value chains.

Statistics:

  • Eur 2.5 million: The amount of incentive capital provided by the funding window.
  • EUR 250,000 - 1,000,000: The ticket sizes of the incentive capital provided.
  • 24.3%: The percentage of GDP contributed by agriculture in Tanzania.
  • 55%: The percentage of total employment accounted for by agriculture in Tanzania.
  • 70%: The percentage of labor force employed in agriculture and energy sectors in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • 75%: The target share of renewable energy in the generation mix by 2030.
  • 2030: The year by which Tanzania aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the generation mix.

Sources:

  • The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) (www.reeep.org)
  • M2 PressWIRE
  • Federal Republic of Austria
  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • Government of the United Republic of Tanzania
  • APO Group