The Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Franz Fayot, and the Director of International Affairs at the Chamber of Commerce, Cindy Tereba, presented the 2022 edition of the Business Partnership Facility (BPF) on 20 April.
The BPF provides co-funding in the form of grants aimed at encourage partnerships between Luxembourg or European companies and partners (companies, administrations or civil society) based in developing countries.
The co-funding can cover up to 50% of the total project budget with a maximum of €200,000. The BPF is initiated and financed by the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Action of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and managed by Lux-Development, the Luxembourg agency for development cooperation, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of the Economy and Luxinnovation.
Improved support
“Projects supported by BPF co-funding contribute to achieving sustainable development objectives through green and inclusive growth, job creation and technology transfer. Project leaders are also required to demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding social and environmental rights,” stressed Minister Fayot.
Cindy Tereba, Director of International Affairs at the Chamber of Commerce, reiterated the support of the Chamber of Commerce to the BPF, before underlining the excellent collaboration between the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Action, Lux-Development, the Ministry of the Economy and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as Luxinnovation, which offers support to Luxembourg companies wishing to implement a project.
Since its launch in 2016, the BPF has supported 34 projects, mostly in Africa.
The 2022 edition includes a few new features
– instead of one call per year, there will be two: a first one with a closing date in May and a second one with a submission date in October.
– the scope of eligibility criteria has been broadened: all projects that can contribute to achieving the 17 sustainable development objectives are now eligible.
– improved support is now offered by Lux-Development in order to facilitate the formation of partnerships: a digital matchmaking platform helps the various players who register to present their offer or needs and to organise bilateral meetings.