Request For Applications (RFA): Partnership For Productivity(P4P) Catalytic Fund – Co-Investment Opportunities for Livestock Businesses

RFA Number: P4P-CF-001-2026

Target Regions: South Ethiopia, Sidama and Oromia

Maximum Grant Amount: Maximum USD 50,000 per company

Grant Types: Cost Reimbursement or In-Kind 

Co-Investment: Minimum 40%

Number of Awards: One award per company

Grant Period:  January 2027 to September 2027

 Are you a business working in the livestock sector?

The Partnership for Productivity (P4P) project, funded by USDA and implemented by Global Communities, invites eligible businesses and other livestock value-chain actors to apply for the Catalytic Fund for co-investment support.

The fund is intended to help businesses expand, improve or introduce commercially viable solutions that address important challenges in Ethiopia’s livestock value chains.

What is the Catalytic Fund?

The Catalytic Fund provides co-investment support—not full financing—to businesses that are investing their own resources in a viable business solution.

P4P support is intended to help businesses:

• Expand or improve an existing business solution;
• Introduce new products, services or technologies;
• Overcome important market constraints;
• Reach more livestock producers and other market actors; and
• Demonstrate solutions that can continue commercially beyond project support.

What types of businesses and solutions are eligible for?

The RFA welcomes applications from eligible businesses and market actors working in livestock value chains, including:

• Private companies and businesses, Cooperatives and cooperative unions
• Financial institutions licensed by the National Bank of Ethiopia and Microfinance institutions
• Artificial Insemination Service provider, producers.
• Private veterinary clinics and animal health service providers.
• Feed mills and agricultural input suppliers, Dairy processors and milk collection centers
• Poultry businesses and processors
• Livestock technology and service companies
• Other eligible businesses and market actors working in livestock

What areas can the Catalytic Fund support?

Applications may address one or more of the following areas:

1. Livestock Productivity and Services (Improved breeding and, Animal health and veterinary services, Productivity-enhancing technologies and services, Improved livestock breeds and poultry production 
2. Artificial insemination services
3. Feed and Fodder (Feed and fodder production, Processing and distribution, Feed quality and standardization, Improved availability and affordability of feed)
4. Market Access and Value-Chain Linkages (Collection and aggregation systems, Producer–buyer linkages, Formal market channels, Market information and digital platforms)
5. Processing and Value Addition (Dairy processing, Meat and poultry processing, Hatcheries and feedlot/fattening businesses, Cold-chain systems, other livestock-related processing and value addition)
6. Technology and Innovative Business Solutions (Digital solutions, new technologies, Innovative and commercially sustainable business models

How much can a company receive?

The Catalytic Fund will provide a maximum grant of USD 50,000 per company.

Applicants are expected to contribute a minimum of 40% Co-investment toward the overall investment.

The applicant’s contribution may include eligible cash, equipment, infrastructure, staff time, technical expertise or other verifiable resources, as permitted under the RFA.

What makes an application competitive?

A strong application should:

• Clearly identify an important livestock market problem or opportunity;
• Present a practical and commercially viable solution;
• Demonstrate real market demand or growth potential;
• Show how P4P support will accelerate or expand the investment;
• Demonstrate the applicant’s own investment and commitment;
• Generate measurable benefits for livestock producers and other market actors;
• Promote meaningful participation of women and/or youth where relevant;
• Demonstrate potential for sustainability beyond P4P support; and
• Present realistic activities, budgets, and expected results.