Pretoria: Africupdate – News Desk
The Embassy of Finland in Pretoria hereby invites Botswana civil society and private sector organizations to submit project proposals to apply for funding from the Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC). The objectives of this call are two-fold: 1) to support the digitalization transformation in Botswana, and 2) strengthen democratic and accountable society that promotes human rights, with a particular focus on prevention of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and strengthening the rights of women and girls.
In its development policy, Finland focuses on the strengths that provide good opportunities to support sustainable development. The objectives of development cooperation are based on the Sustainable Development Goals and widely shared priorities, such as strengthening the rights of women and girls, sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, and climate action.
Finland promotes mutually beneficial trade opportunities with developing countries. Finland aims to increase private sector participation in development cooperation and funding and to strengthen developing countries’ own domestic financing.
Finland continues its long-term human rights policy of promoting and defending the rights of women, girls, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples and gender and sexual minorities, and other people in particularly vulnerable positions. The work to promote and defend human rights also helps the efforts to tackle human trafficking.
In line with Finland’s development policy and identified development challenges in Botswana, the Embassy of Finland welcomes funding proposals in the following focus areas:
Strengthening digital transformation in Botswana
A democratic and accountable society that promotes human rights
Funding for focal area 1: Strengthening digital transformation in Botswana
Botswana and the European Union recently started cooperation within the project EU Support to Digital Transformation in Botswana. Finland, through the Finnish Public Management Institute – HAUS is one of the three main implementors of the project. The Embassy’s FLC funding call supports the objectives of the EU project, and the Government of Botswana
ambition to broaden the economic base and accelerate digitalisation as a key to move towards a Knowledge-Based Economy (KBE) and transition to a high-income status by 2036.
The Embassy welcomes proposals that contribute to the strengthening of the digital innovation ecosystem and/or promote digital inclusion in Botswana. The thematic focus can include piloting of new digital solutions (e.g. in fintech), acceleration of innovative digital startups, strengthening of digital skills and inclusion, bridging digital divide, etc.
Applicants can be private sector companies, innovation support organizations, universities, and civil society organisations. Further details on eligible applicants on chapter 3 Eligibility.
Embassy’s funding per project will range between 80 000 – 100 000 EUR and can be granted for a duration of 12- 15 months.
Funding for focal Area 2: A democratic and accountable society that promotes human rights. By preventing Gender Based Violence (GBV) and/or strengthening the rights of women and girls
This focal area focuses on strengthening the role of civil society in advancing human rights. The projects sought for funding can address human rights issues faced by vulnerable groups in Botswana.
Finland enhances the position and rights of women and girls by financing gender equality measures. Funding proposals are welcomed that Facilitate access to support services for victims of gender-based violence and support the prevention of gender-based violence, projects that raise awareness among all women and girls of their rights and their capability to claim them, such as the right to bodily autonomy and self-determination. In addressing factors that weaken the position of women and to transform social norms, it is vital to involve men and boys in the processes.
Embassy’s funding per project will be between 70 000 – 80 000 EUR and can be granted for a duration of 12 – 15 months.
To register or for more information: sanomat.pre@gov.fi
