Subsidy Programme for Standards and Trade Development Mechanism Projects in Cape Verde
The Mechanism for the Development of Standards and Trade (MDPC) is a crucial initiative for sustainable development in Cape Verde. Through a well-structured subsidy programme, the MDPC aims to boost projects that promote economic growth, environmental protection and social inclusion. This article explores in detail the subsidy programme, its objectives, eligibility criteria, expected impact and examples of successful projects.
The MDPC grant programme is designed to address the specific challenges Cape Verde faces on its path to sustainable development. The main objectives include:
- Promoting Fair Trade: Support initiatives that guarantee fair prices for local producers and decent working conditions.
- Development of Quality Standards: Encourage the adoption of international quality standards to increase the competitiveness of Cape Verdean products.
- Environmental protection: To finance projects that promote the conservation of natural resources and the mitigation of climate change.
- Social inclusion: Support initiatives that benefit marginalised groups such as women, young people and rural communities.
To be eligible for the grant programme, projects must meet a series of strict criteria. These criteria ensure that funds are directed towards initiatives with the greatest potential for positive impact. Some of the most important criteria include:
- Alignment with MDPC Objectives: The project must demonstrate a clear alignment with the programme's objectives, as detailed above.
- Technical and financial feasibility: The project must be technically sound and financially viable, with a well-defined business plan.
- Social and environmental impact: The project must demonstrate a positive social and environmental impact, with measurable performance indicators.
- Sustainability: The project must be sustainable in the long term, with a plan to ensure its continuity after the funding ends.
- Management skills: The project team must demonstrate management skills and relevant experience in the field.
The MDPC grant programme has the potential to generate a significant impact in Cape Verde. The projects funded are expected to contribute to:
- Job Creation: Supporting the development of new companies and the expansion of existing ones.
- Increased Income: Improving the income of local producers and rural communities.
- Improving Quality of Life: Promoting access to basic services such as drinking water, sanitation and energy.
- Strengthening the local economy: Diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on imports.
- Environmental protection: Conserving natural resources and mitigating climate change.
Several projects funded by the MDPC have already shown promising results. One notable example is the project to support the production of artisanal sea salt on the island of Sal. This project helped local producers improve the quality of their salt, obtain quality certifications and access new markets. As a result, producers' incomes have increased significantly and the local economy has been strengthened.
Another example is the project to promote organic farming on the island of Santiago. This project helped farmers adopt sustainable farming practices, reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers and increase the productivity of their land. In addition, the project promoted the commercialisation of organic products in local and international markets.
A recent study showed that the projects financed by the MDPC generated a return on investment of 3:1, which means that every dollar invested generated three dollars in economic, social and environmental benefits.
The MDPC grant programme is a powerful tool for promoting sustainable development in Cape Verde. By supporting projects that promote fair trade, the development of quality standards, environmental protection and social inclusion, the MDPC is helping to build a more prosperous and equitable future for all Cape Verdeans. It is crucial that the government, the private sector and civil society continue to support and strengthen the MDPC in order to maximise its positive impact.
The success of the programme depends on the active participation of all stakeholders. We encourage organisations and individuals with innovative and impactful projects to apply for the MDPC grant programme.
The MDPC grant programme represents a unique opportunity to boost sustainable development in Cape Verde. By investing in projects that promote economic growth, environmental protection and social inclusion, MDPC is helping to build a more prosperous and equitable future for all Cape Verdeans. The key to success lies in collaboration between the government, the private sector and civil society, as well as the active participation of organisations and individuals with innovative and impactful projects.
The deadline for submitting applications is **1 August 2025**.
Apply now for the Standards and Trade Development Facility Project Grants Programme! Find out more and apply here.