14 September 2007—Philippine Permanent Representative to
the United Nations Hilario G. Davide, Jr. reported to the Department of Foreign
Affairs that the Global Environment Facility (GEF), in partnership with the
World Bank, is pleased to announce the launch of the Lighting Africa Development
Marketplace Grant Competition. The project initiative seeks to address the
off-grid lighting needs of Sub-Saharan Africa, including alternative
distribution models, new clean lighting technology, stronger production chains,
and improvement of the policy environment.
The Development Marketplace
grant is part of the broader Lighting Africa program managed by the World
Bank Group which seeks to reach 250 million customers with a modern and
affordable lighting by 2030.
Proposals are welcome from a
range of development innovators—civil society groups, social
entrepreneurs, private foundations, government agencies, the academe, and the
private sector.
Prizes at stake are US$2.5
million. A typical award ranges from US$50,000 to US$150,000 (maximum
US$200,000), available to about 10-20 winners. Funding for each project will be
for a maximum duration of 18 months.
Deadline
for proposal is on 31 October 2007 at 1800 HRS. For more information and to
access the online application form, please visit www.Iightingafrica.org
At
GEF please contact: Ravi Sharma, Corporate Affairs Program Manager at telephone:
+1 202 458 9736, and e-mail - rsharma@thegef.org.
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