With the SDG Partnership facility (SDGP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with RVO.nl, aims to contribute to the achievement of various sustainable development goals in developing countries. The second opening (call) focuses on improving food security and stimulating private sector development in developing countries through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Companies, public institutions, NGOs and knowledge institution that want to cooperate in a public-private partnership in order to contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs) in developing countries can receive co-financed support from the Dutch government. While the SDGP programme is no longer available, there are several other options to support your market entry and growth.

How partnerships add value

Working in food security and private sector development in emerging markets and developing countries is complex in nature since there are often different interests involved. In such cases, problems cannot be solved by just one party and/or financed by one party. Sustainable Development Goal 17 (development of partnerships for the SDGs) is one crucial goal in international the ambition to reach all goals by 2025. That is why the SDG Partnership facility encourages the establishment of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) for joint initiatives of private sector development for food security. The Netherlands believes in ending hunger by sustainable economic development.

Participation requirements

Initiatives of public-private partnerships (PPPs) may be eligible for support. The initiative must contribute to one or more of the following goals:

• reducing malnutrition;
• promoting growth in the agricultural and fisheries sector;
• creating sustainable and ecologically sound food chains;
• creating better labour conditions and efficient working procedures;
• causing an increase in private investments.

In the first call, PPPs can submit project proposals with one of the following themes:

1. Efficient value chains
2. Nutrition value
3. Circular economy – agri-sector
4. Better work and income for youth and women

Eligibility

The partnership must consist of a maximum of 6 partners and include 1 Dutch organization, 1 local organisation, 1 NGO or knowledge institution, 1 company and 1 government organization. A local government organization is preferred. SGP is open to activities in the countries included in the SDGP country list. This list can be found on this page after publication in the Government Gazette. The available budget for the second opening is € 30 million. Per project, a co-financing subsidy of at least € 500,000 and at most € 3 million can be granted.

Larive can add value across all phases of SDGP

The SDGP programme consists of three consecutive phases:

1. Project development – Development of a project idea that has to be translated into a concept note.  Upon submission of the concept note, you will receive follow-up advice from an RVO advisor on your project idea and next steps for the full proposal.
2. Subsidy application – A full project proposal and subsidy application have to be written following RVO templates and regulations. After an assessment, the subsidy can be granted to your project. Please note this is a tender process.
3. Implementation and follow-up – After an official approval, you may carry out the project under the supervision of RVO.

Larive International has extensive experience with the FDOV facility, the facility for PPPs for food security and private sector development prior to SDGP. Larive has successfully initiated FDOV projects during previous tenders (2012, 2014). This includes the development of the project concept, building and brokering the partnership and submission of the full proposal and subsidy application. At current, Larive International coordinates FDOV projects in East Africa (FoodTechAfrica – aquaculture) and India (FoodTechIndia – horticulture). Larive has (partner) offices in most of the SDGP applicable countries, a strong track record in the agro-food sector, extensive experience with initiating and coordinating projects with consortia of public and private partners and an excellent relationship with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We add value by being an experienced project developer in the application phase. Moreover, we act as a neutral project broker in the partnership, aligning individual interests while ensuring the successful realization of project results. Submission of concept notes for subsidy application is closed indefinitely. We would be happy to support you through the different programmes the Dutch government has on offer