Background

Purpose

To assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) gain access to institutional funding for biodiesel production in SADC countries with a focus on Zambia, Lesotho and Tanzania.

Main Activities

• Consult with national and regional authorities to establish legislative requirements and policies with regard to biofuels in general and biodiesel in particular;
• Establish a dedicated biofuels website and a business planning helpline for Southern Africa;
• Develop a generic small-scale biodiesel business plan with supporting manual describing how SMEs can customize their business plans;
• Develop a guidebook on how to obtain finance from national and international institutions;
• Organise a workshop enabling a clean energy organization in each of the target countries to support biodiesel business development.

Expected Impact

• Improved quality of life and reduction in poverty in agricultural and peri-urban areas of the target countries through the generation of viable businesses;
• Increased energy security;
• Improved access to finance for small-scale biodiesel producers through better business planning and support systems.