The Global Environment Facility (GEF): Environmental Funding for Togo Businesses

What is the GEF?

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is an international fund that finances projects addressing global environmental challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and persistent organic pollutants. Since 1992, the GEF has provided more than USD 22 billion in grants and mobilized over USD 120 billion in co-financing.

Unlike the GCF, which focuses exclusively on climate, the GEF covers a broader range of environmental issues. This makes it especially relevant to Togo businesses in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and natural resource management.

GEF Funding Windows Relevant to Togo

GEF-8 (the current funding cycle, 2022–2026) includes several focal areas directly relevant to Togo businesses and organisations:

Climate Change Mitigation

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in energy, transport, and industry.

Land Degradation

Supporting sustainable land management in agricultural areas.

Biodiversity

Protecting Togo's forests, coastal zones, and wildlife corridors.

Food Systems

Sustainable food production that reduces environmental impact.

The GEF Small Grants Programme

For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and community organizations, the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) offers grants of up to USD 50,000 for grassroots projects. SGP is implemented by UNDP and is accessible to Togolese civil society organizations, cooperatives, and SMEs.

The SGP is one of the most accessible GEF windows for local actors — with a simpler application process, shorter timelines, and no requirement to work through a large implementing agency.

How to Access GEF Funding

GEF works through a network of 18 GEF Agencies, including UNDP, UNEP, FAO, the World Bank, and African Development Bank. Togo businesses and organizations must work with a GEF Agency or a national implementing entity to develop project proposals. The process involves four key steps:

1. Identify a Relevant GEF Agency

Contact a GEF Agency operating in Togo — such as UNDP, FAO, or the African Development Bank — that aligns with your project's focus area.

2. Develop a Project Identification Form (PIF)

Work with the GEF Agency to complete a PIF, which describes the environmental problem, proposed approach, expected outcomes, and estimated budget.

3. Submit for GEF CEO Review

The GEF Agency submits the PIF to the GEF Secretariat. The CEO reviews and either approves or requests revisions before full project development begins.

4. Develop a Full Project Document

Upon CEO approval, a full project document is prepared including detailed implementation plans, budget breakdowns, risk assessments, and monitoring frameworks.