About the project The Grant Mechanism (GMS) is a strategic initiative of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, implemented as part of the Trade Facilitation and Integration Project in the Great Lakes Region (PFCIGL) with the support of the World Bank. The GMS aims to improve the productivity of agricultural value chains, particularly those with good export potential, and to support more sustainable cross-border trade by strengthening the capacities and market access of actors involved in these value chains. The GMS aims to encourage investment in long-term growth projects that improve quality, technological upgrading, diversification, and the creation of sustainable jobs. The GMS is an inclusive initiative for women and young people who play a central role in cross-border trade. The GMS operates in the province of South Kivu, targeting in particular the cross-border trade areas of Uvira, Sange, Luvungi, Kamanyola, Kiliba, Bukavu, and Idjwi.
Contact information Phone number and WhatsApp: +243 846 490 000Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Email address: gms@pfcigl.cd
Who this program is for The Subsidy Management Mechanism (SMM) is aimed at three key categories of cross-border trade players, each with a tailored support pathway: Small cross-border traders (ACT/PCT): organized groups of small traders, including women and young people, involved in the marketing of agricultural products in targeted value chains and located at border crossings supported by the PFCIGL. Associations and cooperatives of agri-preneurs: Formal structures or those in the process of being formalized, made up in particular of young people and women, active in the light processing and export of agricultural products and demonstrating a potential for structuring around the value chains supported by the project. Commercial service providers: Companies or organizations that facilitate economic activities in border areas, particularly in the fields of transport, logistics or other essential supply chain services. Two separate calls for applications are open under this grant opportunity: Call for applications 1: Subsidy scheme for Cross-border Traders’ Associations (ACTs), Agripreneurs’ Associations and Service Providers. Call for applications 2: Subsidy scheme for Cooperatives.
Who benefits? Eligibility criteria The MGS sets out specific eligibility criteria for each type of beneficiary, based on their legal status, economic activity, and involvement in value chains. To be eligible for the project, beneficiaries must meet the following criteria:
What we offer Technical assistance including: A quick diagnosis and definition of support areas based on each beneficiary’s development objectives A group training program tailored to the beneficiaries’ profiles, based on interactive and innovative approaches that promote peer learning. Individualized support, supervised by a dedicated coach, to help beneficiaries structure their legal, organizational, financial, and technical aspects Networking activities to promote commercial connections with other actors in the value chain, encourage inter-company cooperation, and facilitate access to new opportunities in the Great Lakes region. Financial assistance including: Grants to finance the development of light infrastructure, the acquisition of essential equipment for processing, transport, or logistics, as well as certification and technical upgrading procedures. Supervised support for the use of funds, with monitoring throughout the support process, to ensure alignment with performance objectives, transparency of expenditure, and the sustainability of investments made.
Next steps General launch Official launch of the GMS (all zones): August 15, 2025 Zone A: Uvira, Sange, Luvungi, Kiliba Call for applications – ACT and service providers: September 1 to October 31, 2025 Call for applications – Cooperatives: November 1, 2025 to January 4, 2026 Announcement of winners – ACT and service providers: January 2026 Announcement of winners – Cooperatives: March 2026 Zone B: Bukavu, Idjwi, Kamanyola (subject to the security situation) Call for applications – ACT and service providers: October – November 2025 Call for applications – Cooperatives: December 2025 – January 2026 Announcement of successful applicants – ACT and service providers: February 2026 Announcement of successful applicants – Cooperatives: March 2026 All zones Implementation – ACT and service providers: May 2026