The EU’s European Development Fund (EDF)

We are informed that the EU’s EDF is keen to fund South African SME businesses in various sectors, including the digital economy. EFSA has been approached asking if we know of companies which might be interested. We understand that in order to apply there are the SA representatives to the EDF which act as conduits for submission of a business plan and for payment processing and remittance of the Fund. The EU’s special relationship with South Africa was reinforced in 2007 with the establishment of a strategic partnership – one of the 10 strategic partnerships the EU has worldwide and the only one it has with an African country. The partnership’s purpose is to strengthen political dialogue and pursue strategic cooperation and shared objectives in specific sectors and on regional, African, and global issues. We are told that applicants need to submit a business plan which must contain an explanation of the project to be funded, how the funds will be utilized, how it will increase business growth within a 2 to 3 years period. If any readers have more details on how to apply please let me know ([email protected]).