FAQ's
Question
We have constructed a feedlot in the ASAL region of Kilifi with the intention of opening up the area in Kilifi to the business and to employ the people in the area.
We also wish to support the pastoralists in the area by buying their livestock. We have three phases of the business:
- To start operations on the feedlot by purchasing animals and creating the correct feed formula with grains for excellent growth
- To invest in an arbatoire and packing plant to sell the livestock after packaging
- To grow the investment to include the export potential.
Since Agriculture in particular livestock is included in your USAID-ERRA PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY, we need to see if we would be considered for the same.
Response
Livestock value chain is part of eligible sectors. Please proceed and make a formal submission after careful review of all information in the APS and Call for Applications. If successful at the concept stage, there will be co-creation phase where you will be paired with a technical expert to take you through the process, including responding to all the questions and clarifications.
Question
We are a local NGO in Kenya that has been spearheading adoption of Bt. Cotton in Kenya in close collaboration with local Ginneries in Kenya East of Rift Valley for job creation and income generation at the farm, Industrial and marketing levels- with special focus on youth and women. We also realized the wealth in banana fiber and initiated small industries that are making beautiful products for local markets and also with aim of making sanitary pads using waste banana and cotton fibers.
We have formed a partnership between Ginneries, Cotton Farmers and Banana Farmers to invest on a well-crafted sustainable production line for various product at respective Ginnery level for jobs and income generation along the entire value chain. We also intend to export some of these products to USA and hence benefit from the AGOA Market.
Before we make our application for funding to you, we would be pleased to know if we can advise us if this is proposal would be a good fit for your funding .
Response
We are unable to engage on an open call for proposal, please review the APS and call for proposals documents to assess eligibility and formally submit your application through the portal. If successful, you will proceed to the co-creation phase and be supported to complete the full proposal.
Question
Under the 3.0 Eligible activities, kindly clarify when you say ‘We will not fund existing operations or ‘business as usual’
Does that mean loans already on our portfolio do not qualify?
Response
Existing loans taken by firms for other activities and operations not within this Call for Applications will not be considered. Applicants must demonstrate additionality of the proposed project. The overall aim of the call for proposal is to catalyse private sector innovation and investments and as such we will only provide support for interventions that would not have been possible without the funding.
Question
Our firm with its mission to elevate Africa’s logistics technology by implementing proven North American solutions, aligns well with the USAID Economic Recovery & Reform Activity (USAID-ERRA) program’s objectives for job creation in Kenya’s agribusiness export sectors. Here’s how the firm can contribute to the overarching goals of the USAID-ERRA initiative, particularly in enhancing Kenya’s trade and investment in agricultural sectors, increasing productivity and value addition in agricultural processing, and expanding access to new and existing markets.
- Enhancing Trade and Investment: the firm expertise in logistics technology can significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of agricultural exports. By adopting North American logistics solutions, the firm can streamline supply chain processes for Kenyan agribusiness exporters, reducing delays and costs associated with the transportation of goods. This improved efficiency can attract more investment into the agricultural sector, leading to increased exports and job creation.
- Increasing Productivity and Value Addition: The application of advanced logistics technologies can enhance the productivity of agricultural processing companies in Kenya. The firm can introduce innovative solutions for tracking, warehousing, and transporting agricultural products, which can lead to better management of the supply chain, reduced waste, and higher quality exports. This value addition is crucial for expanding regional and international exports, thus creating more jobs at the processing level and along the supply chain.
- Expanding Market Access: firm’s logistics innovations can open new markets for Kenyan agribusiness by improving the competitiveness of Kenyan exports. Enhanced logistics solutions can ensure that Kenyan products meet the stringent requirements of international markets, including timely delivery and product integrity. Furthermore, our firm technology can facilitate better market intelligence, enabling exporters to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities in both regional and international markets.
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact: our Firm can support the introduction of green logistics technologies that contribute to environmental sustainability in the agricultural sector. This aligns with USAID-ERRA’s priority of introducing new green technologies or innovations. By implementing solutions such as fuel-efficient transportation and renewable energy-powered warehousing, our firm can help reduce the carbon footprint of the agricultural export supply chain.
- Empowering Women and Youth: our firm’s approach can be inclusive, ensuring that logistics solutions empower women and youth within the agribusiness sector. By facilitating access to training and technology, our firm can help create jobs for these groups, aligning with USAID-ERRA’s emphasis on creating equal opportunities.
- Innovation and Scalability: firm’s proposition to adapt and implement logistics technologies not only introduces innovation in Kenya’s agribusiness sector but also has the potential for scalability. This scalability can extend the impact of USAID-ERRA’s objectives across East Africa, further advancing sustainable economic growth and competitiveness.
In conclusion, our firm’s contribution to Kenya’s agribusiness export sectors through advanced logistics technology solutions directly aligns with the objectives of the USAID-ERRA program. By increasing efficiency, productivity, and market access, while also supporting sustainability and inclusivity, the firm embodies the innovative partnership approach that USAID-ERRA aims to foster for substantial economic recovery and growth in East Africa.
Do you qualify for this funding opportunity?
Response
The firm is encouraged to make a decision after careful consideration of all the information in the APS and Call for Please review the APS and call for proposal document to assess eligibility and formally submit a proposal. We are unable to engage unless a proposal is submitted through the portal.
Question
Under the eligibility requirements it is mentioned that the applicant needs to have a “Minimum of five years experience in the priority sectors as per the Call for Application in Kenya”. Does this mean the applicant/company needs to be registered at least 5 years ago?
- In case the applicant is a newly formed joint venture, but the shareholders have 5+ years of experience in the sector, can they be eligible to apply?
- Aquaculture mostly has domestic market potential in Kenya due to a large supply gap and domestic prices that are higher than export prices. However, aquaculture companies can contribute to significant job creation and import substitution. Can import substitution be considered as trade potential in this case?
Response
The company needs to have been in operation and registered in Kenya for at least 5 years and must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the priority sector as per the APS and Call for Applications instructions. Additional information may be required at appropriate stage.
Yes. Import substitution and job creation are other important considerations.
Question
Does a debt term-sheet towards a greenfield agro-processing plant qualify as or towards the 50% matching funds requirements?
Would the experience of an existing institution/firm running the greenfield project under a new company or a different company, count towards the” organization capacity” score?
We have filled in the account creation page, but I am unable to register my account so that I can make the application on the site. May I please get assistance?
Response
Yes, the debt will count as part of own/firm contribution (50%) to the investment as long as the debt/loan was taken as part of the co-investment in the project and is part of the overall cost of investment to support activities within ERRA Call for Applications guidelines and instructions.
Yes, the relation between the two entities would have to be reviewed at the due diligence phase. Applicants are advised to clear define roles of all parties in the event that the project is to be implemented by more than one entity.
We experienced some downtime on the system, the system is now fully operation, please proceed with your submission on the portal.
Question
I was curious to find out about the following eligibility criteria:
- Minimum of 5 years experience in the priority sectors as per the Call for Application in Kenya
For the concept we are currently developing, we have a candidate that 4.7 years experience in the priority sector. Does this automatically disqualify them or is their some flexibility with this regard?
Response
The company needs to have been in operation and registered in Kenya for at least 5 years and must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the priority sector as per the APS and Call for Applications instructions. Additional information may be required at appropriate stage.
Question
I’m writing to inquire if your recent call for concept notes includes private companies operating in the grain sector?
In your LinkedIn advert (Screenshot attached), you encourage applications from this sector.
Response
Yes. Private companies in the grains sector/agribusiness sector are eligible to apply if they meet the eligibility criteria and other requirements in the APS as well as in the Call for Applications.
Question
Our goal is to provide farmers with forecasts that are twice as accurate as global models, accompanied by crop-specific climate-smart advisories accessible through various channels such as SMS, WhatsApp, apps, or web portals. With a substantial reach of 2.7 million subscribers across nine West African markets and strategic partnerships with six leading Mobile Network Operators, we are keen on contributing to the program’s objectives, particularly in introducing innovative technologies for the agricultural sector. I’ve identified an exciting opportunity to expand our services into the Cotton Value Chain. We already have found potential partners interested in piloting our service, tailored to the specificities of cotton production. To move forward, I would appreciate clarification on the following points:
- Could such a project be considered eligible under the APS?
- Given our incorporation in Ghana, and while we provide services in Kenya, where we are not a registered business, is it possible for us to be the lead partner? Alternatively, would it be a requirement for our cotton producer partner to take on the lead role to be eligible?
Response
ERRA will fund eligible projects that are in line with ERRA objectives such as direct job creation, exports, investments, resilience against shocks, creativity, innovation, and additionality etc. Review both APS and Call for Application guidelines.
The applicant must be registered in Kenya.
Question
The call for proposal stipulate a ‘’Minimum of 5 years experience in the priority sectors as per the Call for Application in Kenya’’ For the concept we are currently developing, we have a candidate that 4.5 years experience in the priority sector. Does this automatically disqualify them or is there some flexibility with this regard? Would be happy to hear your guidelines on this and if possible, also arrange for a call and we can discuss your interest following the webinar held last year on digitizing the Tanzanian avocado value chain.
Response
The applicant MUST have 5 years operating experience in Kenya as per the requirements. As regards a call, this can be arranged after closure of the current window
Question
We are in processing Gluten free, Organic Nutritious, using Climate resilient Agri-Foods crops, cassava, Pearl millet, chic pea and orange fleshed sweet potato, to combat shocks. Are we eligible.
Response
ERRA welcomes applications from firms that meet eligibility criteria as outlined in the APS
Question
- The co-financing model, is it only equated to monetary value, or if one has a commercial plot for development of the project or labour for the project, can it be counted in?
- In the call, you talk of the textile industry, can banana fibers be counted in this category?
- Lastly, do you provide a list of potential implementation partners or it’s up to the grant makers to look for their own?
Response
Co-financing is monetary contribution into the project;
Yes, Banana fibre can be counted in this category;
Applicant will source their own partners for this call.
Question
Please clarify the date of submission for ERRA Kenya. Your website and downloadable advert say 29 March, and the APS says 19 March. Could you confirm what is the correct date?
Response
The deadline submission for the call for applications will be 29 March 2024
Question
I have submitted an application after which I realised that the attachment that I uploaded for “Applicants Code of Conduct” was the wrong one. Is there a way I can modify my application once submitted?
Response
Yes-you can modify and re-submit but this should be within the time of the Call for Applications
Question
We are a local NGO in Kenya that has been spearheading adoption of Bt.Cotton in Kenya in close collaboration with local Ginneries in Kenya East of Rift Valley for jobs creation and income generation at the farm, Industrial and marketing levels- with special focus on youth and women. We also realized the wealth in banana fiber and initiated small industries that are making beautiful products for local markets and with aim of making sanitary pads using waste banana and cotton fibers.
We have formed a partnership between Ginneries, Cotton Farmers and Banana Farmers to invest on a well-crafted sustainable production line for various product at respective Ginnery level for jobs and income generation along the entire value chain. We also intend to export some of these products to USA and hence benefit from the AGOA Market.
Before we make our application for funding to you, we would be pleased to know if we can advise us if this is proposal would be a good fit for your funding.
Response
The Application will be reviewed against eligibility criteria and instructions as issued in the APS and Call for Applications
Question
We are in the process of signing up on your portal so as to submit a concept under USAID-ERRA partnerships opportunity. We cannot proceed because our account is inactive.
Response
Please Activate your account and submit as per instructions
Question
I am making an inquiry on the USAID-ERRA Call for application. The application process has a section of submitting a signed grantee’s conflict of interest form, but I can find that annex on the downloads.
Kindly guide on where I can download the Grantee’s Conflict of interest form.
Response
When you log into the portal, you will be able to see the Conflict-of-Interest form, among other relevant documentations.
Question
On February 27 we submitted the below questions on behalf of two applications to the Kenya Call for Proposals. A kind reminder to any feedback you can give to those questions.
Questions:
- Under the eligibility requirements it is mentioned that the applicant needs to have a “Minimum of five years experience in the priority sectors as per the Call for Application in Kenya”. Does this mean the applicant/company needs to be registered at least 5 years ago?
- In case the applicant is a newly formed joint venture, but the shareholders have 5+ years of experience in the sector, can they be eligible to apply?
- Aquaculture mostly has domestic market potential in Kenya due to a large supply gap and domestic prices that are higher than export prices. However, aquaculture companies can contribute to significant job creation and import substitution. Can import substitution be considered as trade potential in this case?
Response
All the clarifications received from grantees were responded to. Please check on the Clarification matrix 1,2,3 & 4 as earlier updated in the portal.
Question
Does this call have to be an enterprise in exports? Or would you cover local businesses in the grains sector that create jobs and enhancing value addition but not for export market?
Response
Review eligibility criteria and instructions/suggested guidelines notes both in the APS and Call for Applications documents, which comprehensively give indicative information on what can be funded.
Question
We are licensed in Kenya and work with coffee farmers, and we provide actionable insights to mitigate different types of risk. We do this through ICT technology. We have a proof of concept and have successfully completed our pilot with 1000 coffee farmers in one county in Kenya. We have not yet generated revenue. Are we eligible to apply please?
Response
Review eligibility criteria and instructions in both APS and Call for Applications. This call is particularly for eligible firms registered in Kenya, with proven business model, in exports and with significant job creation and investment impact.
Question
Kindly confirm that the submission deadline is 19th March as I have seen another post stating end March.
Response
Closing date for this particular Call for Applications is March 29, 2024.
Question
I am writing to seek clarification on the submission deadline if it is 19th March or 29th March 2024. Thank you.
Response
Closing date for this particular Call for Applications is March 29, 2024.
Question
just made an application for the ERRA grants last week and I would like to make some slight changes. Please can you advise how to proceed to edit the application?
Response
Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis. The applicant is at liberty to withdraw the document, amend/edit etc and re-submit as long as it is within the window of Call for Applications.
Question
Can an applicant submit 2 completely different applications in their name on the assumption that in any event only one will be selected
Response
Yes
Question
We have registered but are unable to open the concept note template to fill. When we press the button for it, it directs us to a blank web page. Please advise if there is another link for it.
Response
There was a systems problem which has since been sorted and the application process is fully on.
Question
I have signed up for an account on the platform to submit an ERRA Grant, however I am unable to download the concept note template – are you able to share a copy with me here?
Response
There was a systems problem which has since been sorted and the application process is fully on
Question
I am writing to clarify if our company does not have minimum 5 years’ experience in the priority sector. Are we welcome to submit our application to present our idea that will create jobs, increase food security and resilience through investment if we do not have 5 years? Please advise.
Response
Review eligibility criteria and ensure your company meets ALL the required experience
Question
Is there a maximum duration of the proposed projects/interventions? We can’t find reference to this in the APS or Advert.
Response
Duration of 2 years
Question
I just made an application for the ERRA grants last week and I would like to make some slight changes. Please can you advise how to proceed to edit the application?
Response
Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis. The applicant is at liberty to withdraw the document, amend/edit etc and re-submit as long as it is within the window of Call for Applications.
Question
Do you know the market trend of furniture industry?
Our company specializes in the production and sales of furniture industry, has twenty years of experience, has its own mature production line.
We also have a professional design team and after-sales team to solve your personalized demand for the products and the subsequent problems.
Our main product series: leisure sofa, matching TV cabinet, household dining table and chairs, doors and other products.
Factory direct, make your profit again. I would like to send you a catalog, do you need an electronic version or a paper version?
Response
ERRA has not carried out a study on Market trends in furniture industry.
Question
I’m currently facing a challenge accessing the code of conduct and declaration of conflict-of-interest form to be attached and submitted with the concept note, Kindly share with me the procedure of accessing the forms or alternatively share the soft copy of the documents for downloads.
Response
The systems had some disruptions which have since been sorted.
Question
We are able to login now. The other question is are we allowed to attach concept note in word format?
Response
The systems had some disruptions which have since been sorted. Bidders are free to submit using the template provided.
Question
With reference to the above opportunity for USAID grant funding, you have indicated that applicants need to download and sign the two forms below:
- ANNEX 1: GRANTEES’ CODE OF CONDUCT.
- ANNEX 2: GRANTEES’ CONFLICT OF INTEREST FORM
Kindly share the link to enable us to access the two forms.
Response
The site is now accessible and all the documents available
Question
Regarding the call for proposal on Job creation in agribusiness Export sectors in Kenya. If an organisation has an MOU with you TradeMark Africa and has been for long does it still qualify to apply?
Response
Yes, it is free to apply. An MOU with TradeMark Africa does not disqualify an organisation from the ERRA grant making process.
Question
I submitted a grant application for the Job Creation in Agribusiness Export Sectors. The page says published, do I need to do anything else? Or is that now submitted?
Response
There is nothing else to be done.
Question
I am writing to enquire about the deadline to submit concept notes for the USAID-ERRA/Trademark project.
Some of the communication shows 29th March 2024 as the deadline while others show April 15th as the deadline.
Response
Deadline submission date was extended to 15 April 2024.
Question
I wanted to confirm that my full submission (including the supporting documents) has been received? I submitted it on March 28th, however I just received this email today (April 9th). I just went into my account, and I can see the cover description of my application but no additional documents, and the status says ‘Private’. I’m a bit confused on the status of the application, and why I received an email today.
Please let me know if the submission is complete.
Response
Deadline submission date was extended to 15 April 2024. Concept Notes to be submitted according to instructions provided in the APS and call for proposal.
Question
We submitted our concept, my question is, is there
another application apart from this concept that I should submit before the 15th of April?
Response
The Concept note submitted in accordance with APS and call for application instructions is enough for now.
Question
Please advise on academia-based (Start-ups) application to Erra grants opportunity.
Please let me know if the submission is complete.
Response
Please review eligibility criteria on start-ups.
Question
Please advise on how we can submit our application for the subject matter we are being told there is an application portal, but we cannot find it.
Response
Please follow instructions on applications and submission of concepts as per APS and Call for applications guidelines.
Question
I would like to request for a copy of the conflict-of-interest form. I do not seem to find it online
Response
The document is available on the website.
Question
I just submitted an application for grant.
The reply says that the Application deadline is: April 15th, 2024, 11:59 PM, EAT.
In my application is says that the deadline is today, 29th March at 11.59 EAT. What is correct?
Response
Deadline submission date was extended to 15 April 2024.
Question
On 28/03 we (Maxim Agri) have submitted our application to the USAID ERRA Kenya call for proposals. We have a question. Is it possible to check if our concept notes and documents were uploaded/received in good order? When we log on, we can only view the descriptions of our and other applications, but not the complete submission with attachments.
Response
Documents uploaded according to instructions provided will be received by relevant persons. If in doubt, feel free to upload again as along as it is within the allowable application date and time.
Question
I wish to request for an extension of the deadline for submission of the applications for the USAID- ERRA Partnership opportunity by 14 days. We have requested for this extension to enable them finalize their applications. We look forward to your kind consideration.
Response
Deadline submission date was extended to 15 April 2024.
Question
Please confirm the deadline for application been extended to 15th April 2024.Have seen below excerpt from the website:
Applications under this addendum must be filled out in English using the application form/template provided in Annex.
Applications and any other required supporting documentation should be submitted through the application portal: www.trademarkafrica.com/erragrants/ in an electronic zipped format by 11:59 PM
Response
Deadline submission date was extended to 15 April 2024.
Question
Can I resubmit my Concept Note as I have revised the document?
Response
Yes, bidders are at liberty to resubmit their revised concept notes as long as this is done within the application window
Question
I hereby wish to forward my concept document to your email due to your portal refusing to load and attach all the documents. kindly forward them to the relevant authorities.
Response
Bidders are encouraged to strictly follow instructions on how to submit the concept notes.
Question
Since I sent my concept note I not yet received any update.
Response
All bidders who submitted concept notes as per instructions will receive appropriate communication in due course.
Question
I have never seen any update since I sent my concept kindly any update.
Response
All bidders who submitted concept notes as per instructions will receive appropriate communication in due course.
