Brussels, 14 April 2014/ ACP: The ACP Secretariat finalised an agreement with the European Commission to initiate a call for proposals aimed at enhancing competitiveness, value addition, and viability of the African cotton value chains, so as to maximize their impact on the incomes of producers.

The call for proposals – to be launched within the coming weeks – is financed by the European Development Fund (EDF) and is part of the “Support Programme For The Consolidation Of The EU- Africa Partnership On Cotton”.

The specific objective of the programme is to support stakeholders from value chains, national governments and regional economic integration organisations to carry out sustainable strategies through a participatory approach, and to support and sustainably develop the African cotton sector.

Proposals will be invited from organisations involved in the development of the cotton sector, including regional, sub-regional and national professional associations, inter-branch organisations and national « Cotton Boards », companies, government ministries, research centres, NGOs, or international organisations.

Up to EURO 1.5 million will be made available for this call, with a financing rate of 90% for approved projects.

FOR MORE DETAILS on financing and eligibility criteria, download the full Work Programme for Grants of the ACP secretariat for the Support Programme for the Consolidation of the EU-Africa Partnership on Cotton [Word DOC]