Funding

Successful applicants will receive a subsidy amounting to 65% of the total funding required to implement their investment ideas. The remaining 35% of the investment will be covered by the project promoter. Project promoters will be required to produce proof of viable investment planning and availability of funds for the remaining 35% of the funding before any disbursements of the subsidy can take place. In addition, project promoters will NOT be permitted to raise the remaining 35% from any other publicly available subsidy schemes (should they exist). This is intended to ensure commitment from promoters. Promoters will however be allowed to benefit from public concessionary loans for their 35% contribution should they be available.

Minimum and Maximum Subsidy Amounts

65% subsidies will be made available for investments with a total cost of between BWP50,000 to BWP400,000 i.e. the subsidy per investment will vary between BWP32,500 and BWP260,000.

Requirements and eligibility criteria for applicants

• Applicant must be over 18 year.
• Companies must provide valid Company Extract from CIPA.
• Proof of Land Rights for the farm e.g. Title Deed, Certificate, Tribal Land Lease Agreement.
• All types of Agricultural enterprises will be eligible for assistance including those involved in non-primary agriculture production. E.g. Agri-processing.
• All equipment purchases and installations should adhere to the criteria set out in “eligibility criteria for equipment suppliers/installers.”
• All solar equipment installations must carry a Care and Maintenance contract of 6 months.
• Applicants applying for the solar water pumping should have Borehole Certificate showing ownership of the borehole and Applicant who lease the borehole must have signed a lease not less than 5 years.
• Applicants applying for Solar Water Heating must already have running water installed.
• Applications must be accompanied by at least three quotations from contractors/suppliers and service providers in line with “eligibility criteria for equipment suppliers/installers.”
• For all irrigation equipment applications, irrigation water must be tested for quality in order to comply with set standards (BOS 463 of 2011).
• Applicant should meet credit criteria as set at NDB or should be able to contribute from savings.
• Valid trading license for businesses or farming enterprise and/or proof of agricultural production from the Ministry of Agriculture.
• Evidence of 35% of funds to augment subsidy or positive loan assessment.
• Final Approval by NDB will be based on the project’s alignment to overall Project objectives.
• Start-up farming ventures will NOT qualify for the subsidy.
• Beneficiaries may only benefit ONCE from this program.
• Vulnerable groups such as people living with disability, youth owned businesses and women will be given priority.
• Projects showing the greatest adaptation, mitigation and social impact will be at an advantage.

Eligibility Criteria for Equipment Suppliers/Installers

Compulsory:

• Equipment suppliers and Installers are required to provide proven experience.  
  • 3 x traceable references 
  • Company profile
  • Supplier confirmation letter or registration or equal supply chain evidence.
• Equipment installers should provide Quality assurance in the form of 
  • Codes of practice
  • Professional Standards
  • Maintenance plan + warrantee (6months)
  • Warranty certificates 

Added Advantage

• Registration with Solar Industries Association of Botswana, Engineers Registration Board, Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (with relevant codes)
• Installers with additional training certificates