The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, as an international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development, supports the German Government in achieving its development-policy objectives. GIZ provides innovative and forward-looking solutions for political, economic, ecological, and social development, fostering complex reforms and change processes to improve people’s living conditions on a sustainable basis.

Call for Expression of Interest

LOT 1 & 2

GIZ Office Kosovo invites companies and non-governmental/non-profit organizations to respond to this call for Expression of Interest (EOI) to implement a grant scheme under LOT 1 and 2. The primary objective of the grant is to provide support for small and medium-scale investment projects (in the value of: LOT 1 from 1,000 to 5,000 EUR and LOT 2 from 5,000 up to 50,000 EUR per eligible investment) with public benefit character, targeting farmers, farm households, and rural micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Kosovo.

1. Background

The Entrepreneurship Promotion project, financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ, supports the competitiveness of MSMEs in Kosovo. In line with Kosovo's rural development policies, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD) and GIZ have partnered to implement the “Support for the Sustainable Development of the Agricultural Sector in Rural Areas through the Diversification of Activities” program (Law No. 08/L-252, National Gazette, December 8, 2023). This initiative, aligned with Measure 7 of the Rural Development Program, aims to foster job creation, income generation, economic stimulation, gender equality, innovation, and environmental sustainability.

Parts of the program are implemented by service providers (e.g. PR, coaching). Needs-based collaboration with these is foreseen. The identification of beneficiaries follows GIZ’s standards.

2. Scope of the Grant (LOT 1 and 2)

LOT 1 and 2 focuses on farm diversification and business development, offering financial support to existing farms, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as young, female, and vulnerable entrepreneurs.

LOT 1 is designed for small-scale projects that serve as an entry point for individuals and start-ups with limited experience and financial resources. It is aimed at those just beginning to diversify their economic activities, such as small farmers, household members, and new micro-enterprises, encouraging initial steps beyond agricultural production.

LOT 2 supports beneficiaries with more established experience in managing projects. This level is suited for individuals and businesses with a moderate degree of technical and financial capacity, including farmers and small to medium enterprises, who are ready to grow or further develop existing economic activities.

The targeted sub-sectors include:

• Processing of agricultural products (on-farm & off-farm): Supporting value-added processing, prioritizing traditional and origin-linked foods, using local raw materials, and improving market access.
• Agri-tourism: Helping farms diversify into accommodation, food services, and recreational activities.
• Honey production: Increasing the efficiency and professionalism of beekeeping businesses.
• Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFP) & Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (MAP): Enhancing collection, processing, and marketing of NWFP, MAP, mushrooms, and ornamental plants.
• Growing of poultry for meat & egg production: Poultry farming for meat and egg production in rural areas, aiming to increase productivity and quality while ensuring compliance with public health, food safety, and animal welfare standards, along with support for packaging, storage, and marketing.
• Aquaculture: Expanding freshwater fish production, improving quality standards, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Non-agricultural activities and services in rural areas: Support is targeted at enhancing rural economies by promoting traditional crafts, using materials from the region and improving services for agriculture and rural communities, as well as encouraging the use of renewable energy technologies such as biogas and solar power.

3. Responsibilities of the Awarded Entity

Public benefit activities in the targeted sub-sectors to reach third party beneficiaries to contribute to rural development and farm diversification

3.1. Grant Implementation:

- Managing fund distribution efficiently and transparently.

- Overseeing project execution, monitoring progress, and evaluating outcomes.

3.2. Documentation & Reporting:

- Maintaining detailed records of activities and progress.

- Submitting comprehensive reports on implementation, challenges, and achievements.

4. Application Process

The selection process consists of two phases:

4.1. Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission:

- General eligibility assessment.

- Positively assessed applicants proceed to full application submission.

4.2. Full Proposal Submission by using GIZ templates:

- Shortlisted applicants submit a detailed project proposal and budget.

- Applications undergo commercial and legal eligibility checks and evaluation.

5. Eligibility & Selection Criteria

5.1. Legally registered non-governmental/non-profit organizations or companies in Kosovo.

5.2. Consortiums/partnerships are eligible (at least one of the partners must meet all eligibility criteria).

6. Selection Process & Evaluation Criteria

6.1. Shortlisting based on minimum eligibility criteria.

Eligibility and Documentation Requirements

6.2. Fraudulent Practices

The highest standard of ethics shall be observed during the filing of response to EOI. The organization shall not be eligible to participate if it has been established that it is or has been engaged in corrupt or fraudulent practices. In this regard the decision of GIZ will be final and binding on the organizations.

Only applications meeting all criteria will advance to the second stage.

7. Submission Details

• Deadline: 25.03.2025, until 23:59h (local time)

• Email submissions: [email protected]

• Subject line: "LOT 1 & 2 - 2025"

Important Notes:

• PDF format only (max 20MB per email). Larger files must be sent via filetransfer.giz.de with a provided password.

• GIZ reserves the right to accept, reject, or annul applications at any stage without justification.

• The project documents, guidelines, and templates will be sent only to short-listed applicants

Disclaimer: Following the evaluation of expressions of interest, selected companies or organizations will be invited to submit a project proposal, including a budget. GIZ bears no responsibility for any costs incurred during this process and reserves the right to accept or reject any offer, annual, or repeat the procedure without liability or obligation to provide reasons. This EOI is not a solicitation, nor does participation guarantee selection or future engagement. GIZ retains full discretion to discontinue the process at any stage without any commercial or consequential liability.