The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and German Development Cooperation, through KfW Development Bank, have called for an urgent need for Malawi to transition to a sustainable and climate-resilient economy.
The two are among key stakeholders implementing the Green Economic Transition Facility (GETF)—a multi-partner initiative which provides catalytical matched-grant finance and on demand technical assistance to de-risk investment into innovative green products, businesses, and industries to help drive the Malawi climate-resilient economy.
The two institutions launched the call for applications under GETF Window two Round three on November 26, 2025. They are encouraging private enterprises to apply for the facility focusing on innovative, inclusive, and commercially viable responses to climate challenges.
Speaking at the launch of the GETF Window Two (Round Three) recently in Lilongwe, UNDP Resident Representative, Fennela Frost, called on the private sector players to take an active role in the initiative, rating the industry as a critical engine of economic transformation.
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“Beyond job creation and innovation, the private sector has the agility and creativity required to bring climate solutions to market at scale, whether through sustainable infrastructure, clean energy systems, r e generative agriculture, or digital green technologies,” Frost said.
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According to Frost, the GETF aligns with national priorities, including the Malawi 2063 Implementation Plan and National Climate Change Management Policy.
Frost then called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to develop home-grown solutions contributing to national development through responsible investments.
KfW Country Director Lilongwe Office, Daniella Base, encouraged applicants to submit bold, evidence-based, inclusive, and commercially viable proposals that address environmental pressure points and demonstrate tangible green innovation, emphasizing Germany’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s climate action and economic transformation.
“From the first two rounds, we also learned that Malawi’s private sector possesses enormous potential for green innovation. However, we observed a concentration of proposals around a few familiar areas,
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particularly organic fertiliser production,” she said.
The specific focus areas of the window under round three include waste management solutions, technologically- advanced soil conservation, biodiversity conservation and restoration, green financial solutions, crop and seed technologies, livestock and fisheries technologies, eco-tourism and nature-based enterprises, digital green solutions, e-mobility and green transport. Hence, private sector companies operating in these sectors with new innovative commercially driven projects are encouraged to apply.
Funded by the Germany government through KfW Development Bank, round three of window two of the GETF is implemented under the theme ‘Accelerating Green Business Solutions.”
It is likely to attract a record number of applications judging from the over 300 patrons who attended the recent launch event.
According to GETF Project Manage Tambulani Chunga, the Expression of Interest process will close on January 10.
The GETF provides successful applicants with on-demand technical assistance and matching grants of between $40,000 and $300,000.
According to GETF eligibility criteria, a lead applicant must be a private for-profit company or financial institution operating or willing to operate in Malawi; and companies should not match GETF funding with another donor’s financing.
“Applicants must demonstrate their capacity and sound financial performance and clear corporate governance,” state the rules.
