As there is a currently an open call for applications for Czech Challenge Fund 2022, we would like to introduce you all the priority countries to make your decision making easier.

Republic of Zambia is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central, Southern and East Africa. It has a population of 19,5 million people and it is divided in six districts with a capital city in Lusaka.

Zambia has been one of the priority countries of Challenge Fund since 2020. So far, there were 2 projects implemented so we look forward to having more of them for the upcoming year. Zambia is a country with a great potential for new projects and innovation possibilities.

Projects that were implemented in the past were so far focused on two main areas – youth empowerment and livelihood. Challenge Fund projects provided a youth community center in Mongu, which offers a safe environment for kids to gather. The center also provides educational activities and aims to help kids with further development. Second project in Zambia aimed to connect Zambian small and medium sizes agricultural centers to global value chains. This project provided the transfer of Czech know-how and skills to the key areas of agribusiness methods in Zambia. You can find the detailed list of implemented projects here.

Zambia has various interest in different innovations beyond the above mentioned topics both in the capital city and countryside, that is why the priorities of UNDP office in Zambia for 2022 call for applications are as follows:

1. Good Governance: with focus on e.g., Access to education, including innovative ways to produce and fund school equipment and education activities, Youth employment, Job creation, Focus on creation and support of youth and women-led enterprises and livelihoods, Local development including promotion of local enterprise development, and development of new value chains. 
2. Nature Resources Management and Renewable Energy with focus on e.g., Innovative green solutions and energy affordability, solar energy and mini-grid systems. 
3. Climate Change with focus on e.g., Climate resilience, Climate Change adaptation and mitigation, Sustainable agriculture and diversification including forestry (and production of timber), fishery (with support of sustainable river fishing and fish farming) beekeeping, and support of cooperatives. 

About the Czech-UNDP Partnership – Challenge Fund and Expertise on Demand

Through the Challenge Fund and Expertise on Demand, the Czech-UNDP Partnership for SDGs brings innovative solutions from the Czech Republic’s private sector, NGOs, universities, state institutions, research centres and individuals to tackle specific developmental challenges in the priority countries. The implementation of projects and expertises is financially supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Currently a new call for application is open, deadline is on 31^th July 2022!