Funded activities

Yes, it is possible to combine several types of financing, but a separate application must be submitted for each proposal.

The DECIM Fund will operate over a 4-year period (2024–2028).

The DECIM Fund provides financing across all regions of Madagascar

An Independent Verification Officer (AVI) will be responsible for monitoring field indicators.

No, only companies incorporated under Malagasy law are eligible

All grants from the DECIM Fund will be disbursed in MGA at the equivalent value of the grant amount in USD. Any exchange fees and conversion commissions will be borne by the beneficiary

No. However, the startup grant is intended to support the launch phase of distribution projects, and the DECIM Fund recommends using the startup funds within twelve months of the request.

Refurbished products are eligible for the F4S grant if original manufacturer parts are used and if the principle of “no double funding” is respected, meaning a product that has already received an F4S grant cannot receive another grant after refurbishment. Refurbished products are not eligible for QS and PAYGO grants.

The eligibility criteria for the grant, including the geographic bonus, may change depending on market conditions and the country’s socioeconomic context.

To obtain funding from the DECIM Fund, a properly prepared application must be submitted. However, given the existing relationship with the OMDF, a simplification of the application process may be considered.

In order to disburse loans in Madagascar, the DECIM Fund has established a partnership with BRED Madagasikara BP as its authorized financial partner in Madagascar. Thus, DECIM Fund loans will be granted through BRED Madagasikara BP, in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.

There is no set minimum loan amount. The maximum amount can be up to 2,500,000 USD. However, the amount granted is subject to review based on the financial data provided to us.

Requests will be handled by one of our investment analysts. If you have already been in contact with one of them (even in connection with the grant), you may send your request directly to one of them. If not, you may send your request to the following address: fonds.decim@bamboocp.com

No. The basic FBR grants (QS + PAYGO) and the geographic bonus are grants awarded in exchange for verified product distributions.
Regarding the startup grant, since it is an advance payment of the basic grant and the geographic bonus to enable companies to purchase inventories of SHR products, it must be gradually offset by progressively deducting it from FBR grant payments.
If, as of the closing date of the FBR–SHR Facility, the startup grant has not been fully offset, it must be repaid.

No, the products must be new and come with an adequate warranty and after-sales service.

If the $20 million budget proves to be insufficient, an increase could be considered.

Unlike OMDF, no criteria regarding pricing have been imposed. Companies are free to set their own selling prices, without any intervention by the DECIM fund.

It is still too early to develop a concrete phase-out mechanism at this stage.
The current goal is to demonstrate the model’s effectiveness and potentially secure additional funding in the hope of continuing to support the sector beyond the current timeframe. We also need to see how the market will react and how sales and disbursement figures evolve before defining a mechanism for continuity or phase-out.
Based on our experience, the most effective approach would be to inform companies in advance when the program will end and when funding will be exhausted, and to encourage them, through this clear and transparent communication, to prepare for the end of the support provided.

The company in question is asked to update the relevant appendix in the contract. If the eligibility criteria are met, the product may be added.

The criteria are based on past distribution records under the OMDF fund and on previously awarded grant amounts.

Starting November 28, 2025, a rolling application period will be open on an ongoing basis during which we may accept additional applications, subject to the budget allocation of 20 million USD.
It should be noted that 75% of this budget is earmarked for reserved grants; the remaining 25% will be available to other applicants once the initial commitments have been met.

No, this is not an eligibility requirement. It is an evaluation criteria. This allows new market players without significant experience in distributing SHR products to apply if they wish to develop this business.

Yes. Newcomers are eligible, even without prior experience. However, their status will be taken into account when evaluating proposals.

The warranties offered must comply with those recommended by the manufacturers and/or suppliers of the products. For products financed on a PAYGO basis, the warranty must cover the entire financing term.

Information on the technical specifications of the products is detailed in the presentation materials for the technical workshop held on August 20, 2025, which are available on the Odyssey platform and on the DECIM Fund’s website. This information is also available in the documentation for Window 1 on Odyssey.

Products must have a minimum capacity of 25 Wh and 12 Wp. Other capacities may be offered as long as this requirement is met.

Products must meet both of the following criteria: a minimum capacity of 25 Wh and a minimum power output of 12 Wp.

To ensure your application is processed as efficiently as possible, a complete application package is required.
We encourage you to be as detailed as possible when filling out the application forms and to submit any supporting documents you believe will strengthen your application.

Applicants must be Malagasy companies or Malagasy subsidiaries of foreign companies.

The company may submit its application. However, if the application is approved by the DECIM Fund’s investment committee, the company’s incorporation in Madagascar must be finalized before the contract can be signed.

Submissions must be made exclusively through the Odyssey platform.

Any Category 1 or 2 product eligible for a DECIM Fund grant that is distributed after June 30, 2024, is eligible for DECIM funding, provided it has not already received a grant from the OMDF Fund. This rule also applies to the PAYGO portion.

The verification process has not yet been defined. It will depend on the government’s recruitment of the Independent Verification Officer (AVI). Companies will be notified as soon as there is more clarity regarding the recruitment of the AVI and the procedures for verifying the distributions in question. The goal is to automate this process as much as possible.

No final decision has been made on this matter. The adjustment could be made at the time of disbursements related to distributions funded under the OMDF, subject to the results of the audit.

No date has been confirmed yet, but the goal is to open it as soon as possible.

Yes, a technical workshop will be held to present the specifics of Window 2 and answer questions from companies interested in applying.

No. This is the funding allocated solely to Window 1. Additional funding will be allocated to the new windows.

Businesses are not required to make sales exclusively through the PAYGO model; they may also make cash sales. In that case, they would be eligible for the QS subsidy. If businesses wish to receive a PAYGO subsidy, they must distribute the products using the PAYGO model.

When applying for a grant, companies must submit a distribution plan detailing their distribution targets for the period corresponding to Window 1. The DECIM Fund will evaluate the relevance and feasibility of this plan and may adjust it if necessary. Once the distribution plan is finalized, the amount of the reserved grant will be determined, with a maximum of 4 million USD per recipient. The amount of the reserved grant is based on a calculation of grants related to distribution targets for the first two years following the signing of the contract. It cannot be awarded to another company during the term of your contract.
Furthermore, it should be noted that 75% of the initial budget of 20 million USD is allocated to reserved grants; the remaining 25% is available to other applicants once the initial commitments have been met.

The Fund Manager will conduct a document review based on supporting documentation related to purchases (invoices, purchase orders, etc.). The final list of documents required for this review is currently being finalized. The establishment of milestones may also be considered, depending on the specific circumstances of each company.

Here is the list of the 10 regions eligible for the incentive: Amoron’i Mania, Anosy, Androy, Atsimo Atsinanana, Atsimo Andrefana, Ihorombe, Melaky, Sava, Sofia, and Vakinankaratra.
This list may change depending on market conditions and the country’s socioeconomic context.

Grants are calculated in USD and paid in Malagasy ariary (MGA) at the current exchange rate.

The amounts of credit lines from the DECIM fund can range from 50,000 USD to 2,500,000 USD per company

If you are interested in lines of credit, please send an email to fonds.decim@bamboocp.com. The DECIM Fund team will be happy to provide you with any necessary clarification and send you the documents you need to submit for consideration.

The final monthly payment must be made no later than December 31, 2027.

BRED Madagasikara BP will contribute its expertise in lending and will serve as the primary channel for disbursing funds from the DECIM Fund. Furthermore, as part of this partnership, the DECIM Fund and its beneficiaries commit to adhering to BRED’s compliance rules to ensure the security of financial transactions.

Each company may submit only one project under the catalytic grant program. However, this project may be structured into several milestones, allowing for multiple successive requests for disbursement based on the progress of activities and the achievement of defined results.

The submission deadline remains March 11. Despite the postponement of the kickoff workshop, this deadline remains in effect. It is important to note that the closing date for the SHR Catalytic Grant window is December 31, 2027, and that the time available to meet the objectives is limited.

Proposals will be evaluated according to the evaluation criteria outlined in the evaluation grid. The selection process will take into account the results of the evaluation conducted by the DECIM Fund team.

Yes, the DECIM Fund reserves the right to review the proposed budget amount if it appears to be excessive. It is essential that the requested budget be consistent with the proposed activities and realistically justified in light of the expected results.

The required 25% co-financing does not necessarily have to take the form of equipment or a direct financial contribution. It may also include the value of the working time of the team assigned to the project. However, this contribution must be clearly demonstrated and justified. The company must prove that the time allocated corresponds to an amount equivalent to 25% of the project and that this time is directly related to the project.

Two main categories of companies are eligible. The first category includes companies that are already members of the DECIM Fund’s FBR SHR program. The second category includes companies that are not yet part of the FBR SHR facility. These may be companies already active in the off-grid solar market or companies wishing to develop this business but requiring specific support to structure and strengthen their operations, with the ultimate goal of applying for and potentially joining the FBR SHR facility.

Yes, these companies are eligible and fall under the second category of companies, that is, those that are not yet beneficiaries of the FBR SHR program. However, the catalytic grant requested must be part of a plan for future integration into the DECIM Fund’s FBR SHR program and contribute to the fund’s overall objectives, namely reaching 417,000 connections in Madagascar.

Yes, the purchase of two-wheeled vehicles is considered an eligible activity under the catalytic grant program.

Funding for institutional capacity-building activities refers to any action that enables a company to strengthen its organizational and operational structure. This may include activities aimed at improving its ability to integrate the FBR SHR facility or to increase its future distribution of off-grid solar products. The term is intentionally broad to cover the various strategic needs of companies.

Operating expenses may be eligible provided they are directly related to the project to be funded by the catalytic grant. However, routine expenses not directly related to the submitted project will not be eligible for funding.

Expenses incurred prior to the official submission may be included in the submitted project. However, these expenses are not automatically eligible: during the evaluation of the application, the Fund Manager will determine whether the activities for which expenses have already been incurred are eligible, specifically, how they contribute to achieving the project’s objectives, and, if so, they may be included in the final project.

Yes, it is possible to submit only the documents available at a given stage for activities that have already begun, and the remaining documents may be provided later, once those activities have actually begun.

There is no minimum number of milestones required of companies. The maximum number of milestones allowed is specified in the Excel template made available to companies on the Odyssey platform (maximum of 6 milestones). Companies are free to propose a structure tailored to their proposed activities.

Yes, companies may propose the disbursement rates associated with each milestone. However, the first disbursement, made upon signing the contract, may not exceed 30% of the total grant amount. Subsequent disbursements must be distributed in a manner consistent with the defined milestones and expected results.

Companies may submit only one project for funding through the catalytic grant. A project consists of several activities, which must enable the successful completion of the project in question.

Achieving 100% of a milestone is an absolute prerequisite for the disbursement of the corresponding portion of the grant. In fact, this follows the same model as the OMDF startup grant, where a portion of the grant will be disbursed based on the achievement of a specific milestone leading to the completion of the proposed project. The conditions related to the failure to achieve all proposed milestones will be defined in the grant agreement. Therefore, we recommend that you propose milestones that you consider relevant to achieving the project’s objectives.

As stated in the fact sheet: “Bidding companies must propose a set of contractual milestones for each eligible activity, which will be reviewed and then negotiated with the Fund Manager before being finalized and included in the contract.”

The appendices made available to companies can be found on the Odyssey platform in the “Application” section (this is particularly true for Appendix C – List of Activities). Some of the appendices to the information sheet will be shared only with companies selected by the Fund Manager following the evaluation phase.

Whether a second application window will open will depend on whether the budget has been exhausted, which we cannot predict at this time. In light of this, we encourage you to submit your application during this first window if you would like to take advantage of this catalytic grant.

Whether a second Window will open and what its characteristics will be will depend on the results of Window 1

The target customers are people living in the most remote rural areas who currently lack access to energy and cannot afford to pay more than $3 per month for electricity.

The minimum technical specifications may indeed seem excessive compared to:
(i) the spending power of the target populations;
(ii) of the maximum monthly price set.
The goal of the pilot projects is precisely to test whether the model, as defined, can provide sustainable Tier 1-level access to populations that otherwise would not have the means to access this type of energy. A second key objective is to determine whether this can be done in a commercially sustainable manner, that is, whether, with the grant provided by the DECIM Fund, the model enables the company to generate sufficient revenue to cover the operating expenses (OPEX) associated with deploying the model, as well as the cost of replacing deployed products at the end of their useful life.

Furthermore, if changes were to be made to the specifications and documentation for the EaaS pilot projects, their implementation would be delayed pending approval. Given that the DECIM Fund is scheduled to close in December 2027, any delay in implementing these pilot projects could jeopardize their completion.

This is not a down payment in the strict sense, but rather a deposit, as specified in the information sheet: “Businesses may request a deposit of up to 10 USD, which is refundable if the product is returned at any time in good condition.” The business must set the price it deems appropriate.

The deposit is refunded only if the customer returns the product; therefore, a refund spread out over time should not be factored into the project.

The facility is expected to remain in operation for at least 5 years, which extends beyond the period covered by the project.

Eligible products must be VeraSol / IEC 62257-9-8 certified or in the process of being certified as of the date the application is submitted.

Yes, but if the proposed product is not eligible, it could negatively affect the project’s rating.

The description of the product and the modular components required to meet the minimum technical specifications must be sufficiently detailed in the application to allow for an adequate assessment of its eligibility during the evaluation by the Fund Manager.

Companies must be able to track, collect, and report, for each individual product, whether the product is functional and usable by the customer, as well as any potential malfunctions. This information must then be aggregated and reported for all installed products.

Offering customers the option to make a daily payment when they wish to receive electricity is an eligibility criterion for models supported by this funding window. Models that do not offer this option will therefore not be eligible. Companies are encouraged to factor this cost into the unit subsidy they request if they deem it necessary.

Companies are free to offer customers the option of making monthly payments, provided that the option for daily payments, as mentioned above, is also available. Thus, if a customer wishes to make a payment covering one month of electricity usage after paying the deposit, and the company offers this option, this is permitted. However, it is not permitted to require payment for one month’s usage in addition to the $10 deposit, as this would violate the eligibility criterion requiring the option to make daily payments.

Yes, depending on inflation, the maximum authorized price may exceed $3 per month. However, at the time the pilot projects are launched, the maximum authorized price will indeed be $3 per month.

Yes, the maximum authorized price for end customers of 3 USD per month includes all taxes.

A key objective of the pilot projects is to demonstrate that, with the grant provided by the DECIM Fund, the model can enable the selected companies to generate sufficient revenue to cover the operating expenses associated with deploying products as EaaS, as well as the cost of replacing end-of-life products. Companies are therefore free to propose the grant amount they believe would cover the costs necessary to achieve this objective.

Eligible products are individually distributed SHS products, as specified in the pilot project documentation.

If the project leader wishes to propose an alternative solution that they consider to meet the product eligibility criteria as defined in the documentation, they must provide a concrete and detailed description of the proposed solution and explain how it meets these criteria in the application. The eligibility of the proposed solution will be assessed during the evaluation phase.

SHS products must be distributed in rural areas without access to electricity (whether through the national grid, SHS products, or any other energy access solution). Eligible companies must submit a list of sites for project implementation. The sites must meet the following criteria:
– The current penetration rate of SHS products, or any other energy access solution, must not prevent the achievement of an adoption rate of at least 50% for products distributed as EaaS. The existing penetration rate must therefore not be too high.
– Must not be served by Jirama.
– Must not be part of the areas targeted by the LEAD and DECIM projects’ social solar kit procurement and distribution programs;
– Must not be part of ADER’s priority areas targeted for electrification via mini-grids.

Yes, as long as the areas specifically targeted for the deployment of SHS products as EaaS have a sufficiently low electrification rate and can be clearly delineated, they may be considered eligible. It will also be necessary to demonstrate that the deployment of SHS products as EaaS will not adversely affect the mini-grid’s operations.

Strict criteria regarding the geographic boundaries of the zones, including a fixed minimum radius around existing energy solutions, have not been established. Companies will therefore need to demonstrate that the deployment of SHS products as EaaS will take place outside the effective coverage area of the grid or any other energy solution and that their deployment will not adversely affect existing solutions.

Ideally, SHS products should be distributed in rural areas without access to electricity. However, as long as the existing electrification rate does not prevent an adoption rate of at least 50% for SHS products distributed via EaaS, as long as deployment in these areas is carried out with the consent of the mini-grid operator, and as long as the deployment will not negatively impact existing solutions, these areas may be considered. Companies must demonstrate in their application that these conditions are met.

This information will be provided at a later date, as soon as the data becomes available from the DECIM Fund.

As specified in the application form, the project leader must include the following information regarding the distribution plan in the application:
– Region
– District
– Municipality
– Number of products
– Daily price
– Required deposit
– Timeframe for product installation
– Expected usage rate
– Expected penetration rate

Companies are completely free to propose different fokontany, municipalities, and districts, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for distribution areas as outlined in the fact sheet.

The DECIM Fund will not provide companies with an exhaustive list of eligible areas. It is up to the companies to identify and propose distribution areas that meet the eligibility criteria as defined in the fact sheet. The DECIM Fund will then evaluate the proposed distribution areas to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria.

Guichet 2 – Window 1 “EaaS Pilot Projects” aims to fund a maximum of two pilot projects, as specified in the fact sheet: “A maximum of two (2) projects will be funded through this funding window.” The difference between the two pilot projects is that they will be implemented by two different companies.

It was decided to allocate the funding set aside for EaaS pilot projects to only two pilot projects in order to enable the two selected companies to reach a certain volume of distributions, without which it will be difficult to demonstrate the model’s potential commercial viability.

However, if the proposals submitted by the companies demonstrate that such viability can be achieved with a reduced distribution volume, the Fund Manager may consider allocating the budget to three companies.

However, adding a third beneficiary would require an amendment to the already approved documentation and would delay the implementation of the pilot projects pending approval of the amendments. Given that the DECIM Fund is scheduled to close in December 2027, any delay in implementing these pilot projects could jeopardize their completion.

A key objective of the pilot projects is to demonstrate that, with the grant provided by the DECIM Fund, the model can enable selected companies to generate sufficient revenue to cover the operating expenses (OPEX) associated with deploying products as EaaS, as well as the cost of replacing end-of-life products. To achieve this objective and based on our market research, the DECIM Fund believes it is necessary to reach a certain minimum scale in terms of the number of products installed and the penetration rate. Launching numerous small-scale pilot projects would not, in principle, demonstrate the model’s potential commercial viability (including the grant).

Companies are free to propose a consortium. A maximum of one company or one consortium will be selected per pilot project, with a maximum of 1 million USD per pilot project.

Only one application per company is permitted. Therefore, a company may be awarded only one pilot project.

According to the DECIM Fund, it is imperative that a separate verification process be established to verify distributions made as part of the EaaS pilot projects. Given that the established eligibility criteria differ from those of other funding windows, it is important to develop a verification methodology that takes these criteria into account. The DECIM Fund will consult with the DECIM Fund’s AVI on this matter.

SHS products must be designed to be durable and capable of operating continuously for a minimum of five years. If a company believes that a refurbished product meets this minimum criteria, it may include it in its application and explain how the refurbished product meets this requirement.

The company is free to establish a process for installing the product at the end user’s location, as long as the product is properly installed at the customer’s location (whether by the company or by the customer).

It is up to the company to specify in its application how it will provide follow-up regarding the installation of the product.

There is no deadline for distributions, but the distributions funded under the project are those that will be made through December 31, 2027. In addition, each bidding company is expected to submit a business plan outlining distributions and/or services over a 5-year period.

All submitted distributions will be subject to verification by an independent verification agent. The verification methodology is currently being developed by the DECIM Fund’s AVI.

A product is considered actively used if the customer has made a payment of 0.5 USD during the three months preceding a grant payment milestone, as defined in the application form.

A product is eligible to receive the installation subsidy only once (one serial number = one installation subsidy).

Subsequently, additional subsidy payments may be made for the same reused/reassigned product once the following milestones, which were not met with the original customer, have been met with the new customer.

However, the company must specify prior to any audits that the product has been redeployed to a new customer; this information will then be reported to the AVI.

Yes. In addition, one of the eligibility criteria for products is that they must be designed to be durable and capable of functioning reliably for a minimum of five years.

In addition, the main objective of the pilot projects is to test whether the model can enable the companies operating it to provide sustainable Tier 1-level access to targeted customers. Companies must therefore demonstrate in their applications how they will be able to provide long-term service beyond the DECIM Fund’s lifespan.

The Fund Manager will not be able to conduct an audit once the DECIM Fund has closed. However, companies must demonstrate in their application that their EaaS model is intended for long-term deployment, beyond the DECIM Fund.

If the products are installed in December 2026, the last two payment installments would be paid simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, depending on the exact date of installation of the products

The following response addresses two very similar questions that were asked by two different companies:

Depending on the implementation schedules of the two selected companies, the grant disbursement schedule may be adjusted in the contract between the Fund Manager and the two companies to account for operational constraints and realities, as well as the closing date of the funding window.

The penetration rate is the percentage of households with an eligible SHR product deployed as EaaS in accordance with the terms defined in the documentation, relative to the total number of unelectrified households in the identified distribution area.

If the company recommends a different method for calculating the penetration rate, it may indicate this in its application under the “Monitoring and Evaluation” section.

No minimum amount has been set. Based on the supporting documents provided, the Fund Manager will assess the company’s ability to successfully carry out and complete the pilot project submitted as part of the application.

This is the model contract that will be entered into between the company and the end customer as part of the EaaS pilot project.

There is no specific template or format that must be followed for the project’s financial model. Companies are free to propose the model they deem most appropriate.

It is possible to use certificates for products that were previously imported.

A key objective of the pilot projects is to demonstrate that, with the grant provided by the DECIM Fund, the model can enable the selected companies to generate sufficient revenue to cover the operating expenses associated with deploying products as a service (EaaS) as well as the cost of replacing end-of-life products. This will be an important factor in the evaluation of the submitted projects.

Yes, the requested subsidy can be incorporated into the financial model.

Among other criteria, the DECIM Fund has established the following eligibility criteria for distribution areas to ensure this: “SHS products must be distributed in rural areas without access to energy” (whether through the national grid, SHS products, or any other energy access solution).

The current penetration rate of SHS products or any other energy access solution must not prevent the EaaS-distributed products from achieving an adoption rate of at least 50%. Therefore, the existing penetration rate must not be too high.

It is not yet certain that the proposed technology will include smart meters. In fact, this is unlikely, mainly due to their cost (approximately USD 50 per meter). Verification will instead be carried out through the CRM system, with customer payments simply recorded in the system.

Minimum requirement: The CRM system must be capable of verifying, at a minimum, customers’ payments for packages or fees, in line with the selected pricing model.

Currently, there is no specific regulation for nano-grids in Madagascar. However, the following minimum criteria can be used to define them:
– Each connection must be connected to at least one other connection and share electricity with it (i.e., individual SHS are not eligible).
– The system must provide all households with a minimum electricity access level of Tier 1.
– The system must have the capacity to increase electricity supply in response to customer demand, up to Tier 4, with the ability to provide AC power on demand.

The DECIM Fund does not impose a specific pricing model. Operators are free to determine their preferred payment structure. However, any pricing model will need to be approved by ARELEC once the sector’s regulatory framework is in place.

Eligible areas are those where ADER has not yet launched a call for proposals, a tender, or received unsolicited applications. The geographical coordinates of the proposed projects will need to be submitted to ADER for validation (no-objection). ADER will also share an indicative list of available localities based on the PDRI.

Operators are not required to have a dedicated team at each site. However, they must demonstrate their ability to respond promptly to customers’ technical issues.

Since the model is based on the Energy as a Service (EaaS) concept, a long-term perspective is essential to assess the economic viability of the project and the gradual deployment of the technology on the ground.

The analysis focuses primarily on project costs and negative cash flows. Since the purpose of the pilots is to assess whether the deployment of these technologies can be more cost-effective than conventional mini-grids, we expect them to generate leverage effects and opportunities for scaling up. This aspect is therefore the most critical factor in assessing the viability of the projects for the DECIM Fund.

The operator will be protected against unsolicited applications through its agreement with ADER. However, this protection does not apply to JIRAMA. The operator will retain its exclusivity as long as it achieves a penetration rate of at least 50% in the relevant sites.

This will depend on the methodology used to calculate the penetration rate, which will be discussed and agreed upon with ADER. Some flexibility regarding the timeline may be considered if duly justified. The DECIM subsidy is specifically designed to incentivize operators to reach this target as quickly as possible.

Yes, this is possible. However, even when using the same technology, each operator is expected to develop its own strategy, particularly in terms of pricing and customer engagement.

No
There can be no overlap within the same area. No project can be financed if it overlaps with an area already served or targeted by another innovation project.

The operator must demonstrate proven experience with the proposed technology in other countries, where it has already been successfully deployed. The operator must also demonstrate to the Fund that the proposed solution can be successfully adapted and deployed in Madagascar and is commercially viable in the local context.

There is no specific requirement regarding the split between in-kind and cash contributions. The project sponsor simply needs to demonstrate that the combined value of the in-kind and cash contributions amounts to the required 10% contribution.
However, applicants should note that general overhead costs will not be eligible and therefore cannot be included in the budget.

Expenses incurred prior to the contract date may be considered as part of the project sponsor’s contribution, provided that the sponsor can demonstrate that these costs are an integral part of the budget of the proposed project (e.g., the purchase of meters).
However, expenses such as HR costs incurred before the start of the project are not eligible as part of the applicant’s contribution.

The objective of the catalytic grant is to enable companies to apply for the Results-Based Financing (RBF) grant programs under the DECIM Fund’s Mini-Grids component. Therefore, a clear link must be established between the proposed project and the objective of participating in the RBF grant programs.

The person to be recruited should therefore be included within a specific project submitted to the DECIM Fund under one of the open windows. While this type of recruitment is not in itself ineligible, it may be considered less relevant than a more specific and clearly defined project. As a result, the application may receive a lower evaluation score.

The catalytic grant is not intended to “accelerate” an existing project as such. Rather, it is intended to support projects or activities that would enable companies to apply for RBF grants under the DECIM Fund.

Yes, this type of project is eligible for the catalytic grant. However, given the limited funding available, applicants are encouraged to prioritize projects that are most relevant to the company’s overall situation and needs. In particular, the stronger the project’s contribution to strengthening an application for a Mini-Grids RBF grant, the more favorably it is likely to be assessed.

The financial statements for the last three fiscal years (2021, 2022, and 2023) are sufficient. Where possible, applicants should also provide the unaudited financial statements for 2024.

This refers to partnership and/or consortium agreements established under the program.

This list is useful for identifying the various companies through which your device distributions pass. This is particularly important when verifying distributions, as it is likely that users purchased the phones through these companies and not solely through the recipient’s distribution network.

Rural areas are localities (municipalities, villages, fokontany) located far from major urban centers (such as regional, district, or provincial capitals). We encourage beneficiary companies to prioritize these areas over urban areas in their distribution efforts.
Example: Anosy Region – Betroka District: Beraketa and Tanandava are rural areas.
Underserved areas are the priority regions eligible for the geographic bonus, as already defined in the program overview.

Eligibility for the geographic bonus: The Independent Verification Agent (IVA) cross-checks the information between the list of priority regions and the place of residence reported by the end user (the device user).

=> If the information matches and the region is among the priority regions, the reported device is eligible for the geographic bonus.

QS Subsidy = any reported and verified commercial distribution of new products, according to the categories predefined under the program, and offered with a warranty and after-sales service corresponding to the warranty.

Reporting of distributions for the QS subsidy: quarterly
Example: An entry-level smartphone sold on February 10, 2025, will be subject to the QS subsidy on the Q1 2025 reports.
Payment of the QS subsidy = the AVI will verify the distribution reports. The QS subsidy to be disbursed = compliance rate validated by the AVI

PAYGO Subsidy = Any distribution accompanied by funding from the end consumer through the Pay-as-you-go system.
Conditions:
(1) The distribution must have already been reported to the QS grant
(2) Payment made by the end customer (down payment + total payments received / total sales price) must be ≥ 50% as of the date of submission to the DECIM fund
(3) Financing granted (sales price – down payment / sales price) must be ≥ 50%
(4) The minimum financing term granted to the end customer must be 6 months, and the declaration must be made no more than 6 months after the financing was granted.
Reporting of distributions for the PAYGO grant: quarterly, over a 6-month period.
Example: An entry-level smartphone sold on February 10, 2025, reported in the Q1 2025 distribution:
– QS subsidy payment to be disbursed based on the Q1 2025 audit results.
– Application for the PAYGO grant: when filing the T2 2025 or T3 2025 tax return.
The payment made by the end user must be >50% upon submission for PAYGO.

The gender bonus is granted for each device sold to a woman, subject to the following conditions:
(1) The KYC (Know Your Customer) data reported to the DECIM fund clearly indicates that the sale was made in a woman’s name.
(2) The AVI verifies that the end customer is indeed a woman, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, that she is the one using the device.
Reporting of distributions for the gender bonus: quarterly; verification to be taken into account at T+1 following the QS report.
Example: Ms. Rasoa purchased a smartphone on February 10, 2025. This distribution may be reported in QS for Q1 2025, and then be the subject of a category-based bonus request in Q2 2025.

In accordance with current regulations in the telecommunications sector in Madagascar, end-user identity verification (KYC) is mandatory.
Accordingly, only the national regulatory provisions applicable to telecommunications operators will be applied under the Program. No exceptions may be made.

In fact, the current process is not a tender divided into lots, but a call for proposals. Companies wishing to participate in the RBF grant program will submit their distribution plans by phone category, in accordance with the program’s product eligibility requirements (sales estimates), for the duration of the DECIM fund.

See the distribution plan to be completed in the forms
– A breakdown by category was announced and confirmed in the program presentation.
– Volume projections by category and by year are specified in the program documentation.
– Depending on market feedback, changes may be made to these projections and to the mechanisms.

Without financing: direct cash sale, with no deferred payment terms.
Pay-as-you-go: a progressive financing model that does not involve formal credit. The user pays small amounts on a regular basis. The distributor can technically block use of the terminal in the event of nonpayment.
Microcredit: a loan provided by a microfinance institution to enable the end user to purchase the device. The end user owns the device upon purchase and then repays the loan in accordance with a formal contract entered into with the lending institution.

No. End users are not required to purchase a new SIM card. However, it is the distributor’s responsibility to ensure that the SIM card registered under the program allows for the activation of data plans, in accordance with the DECIM Fund’s requirements.

Eligibility for the “Gender” bonus will be based on verification that the service is being used by a woman, in addition to the purchase having been made by a woman (verified through KYC at the time of purchase of the bundle: phone and SIM card registered in a woman’s name).

All lessons learned and best practices from the OMDF program will be applied to optimize audits under the DECIM Fund.

Distribution reports require that any sales contracts with the end user be provided to substantiate the sale.

Starting with the signing of the contract with the beneficiary.

Grants are disbursed no later than six (6) weeks after the DECIM Fund approves each claim. This timeframe includes the verification conducted by the Independent Verification Agency (AVI).

Note: In the case of a delay in verification by the AVI (beyond 6 weeks), the DECIM Fund may proceed with a partial disbursement of 75% of the approved grant amount. The remaining amount will be adjusted retroactively based on the final disbursement rate communicated by the AVI.

No, each company wishing to participate in the program is invited to submit its own business model as part of the call for proposals.
However, the proposed model must meet the eligibility criteria for the DECIM Fund’s Digital Terminals Program.

The exchange rate used for the payment will be the weighted average rate published by the Central Bank and in effect on the date the disbursement is approved.

No, there is no minimum or maximum data allowance (in MB or GB) required under the program. The purpose of these plans is to introduce users to mobile data and encourage them to top up later. The only requirement is that the plan be renewable for six months.

No minimum price is set under the program. Each retailer is free to set the retail price of the phones based on the subsidy amounts received.
The key is to be able to maintain a sustainable pricing policy, even outside of subsidy periods.

If the question concerns the startup advance, you may apply for it, provided you meet the eligibility requirements. This advance may amount to up to 50% of the basic grant (QS + PAYGO) allocated for the year. The final amount awarded will depend on the DECIM Fund’s evaluation and decision.

No, the program does not set a mandatory minimum quantity. However, a realistic projection of distribution volumes is expected and taken into account when reviewing applications.

Yes. The sale of phones is governed by current regulations. Distributors must refer to the guidelines available on the ARTEC website, the agency responsible for telecommunications regulation in Madagascar. This agency issues the necessary authorizations.

Yes. If the phones are purchased locally, the importer of the devices you plan to distribute must have prior authorization from ARTEC. It is therefore essential to ensure that these certifications are in order before proceeding with distribution.

As for the DECIM Fund, this data is not available. However, it could be requested from the universities in Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa and will be included in the presentation to be distributed to workshop participants.
The pilot program was launched precisely to assess the extent of demand at universities and analyze students’ ability to finance their equipment purchases.

During the pilot phase, since the project targets students from vulnerable communities, only students at the universities of Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa are eligible for the grant. The deans of these universities will announce the priority departments at a later date.

The submission period runs from February 10 to March 9, 2026.

The call for proposals will be posted on the DECIM Fund’s main channels (website, LinkedIn, Facebook), the UCP’s channels, and at least once in the local press. Partners are also invited to share this information through their respective channels.

It is true that laptops are not registered with ARTEC. However, importers and distributors must be authorized. A list of authorized distributors is available from ARTEC.

Yes, the products offered must meet the technical specifications listed for each category.

The technical specifications were defined in advance during workshops with government ministries, regardless of the brands and models currently available on the market.

Therefore, there are no requirements regarding the brand and/or model offered, as long as the product meets the specifications for its respective category.

However, distributors may collaborate with universities if this is necessary for them to offer a suitable product.

No
For now, consortia with MFIs (rather than banks) are encouraged. The bidder must also specify in its application the debt collection procedures to be followed with MFIs, if such procedures are part of the project.

Each recipient must develop its own student selection strategy using its own specific procedures, which will allow it to assess each student’s ability to pay.
The 12-month credit period was specifically established to allow retailers to ensure payment. Each retailer is also authorized to retrieve the laptop if the student has not made any payments after a certain period of time.

In addition, a KYC process will be required for each sale to identify the student in question, even if some sales may be contracted through a guarantor. Furthermore, students receiving scholarships should be given priority during the selection process. It should also be noted that each student is entitled to only one distribution.

Universities are not authorized to make direct deductions from students’ scholarships.
Furthermore, if scholarships are deposited into a student’s personal account, whether at a microfinance institution (MFI) or a bank, it is up to the student to initiate the transactions to make the payments. This is the responsibility of the student recipient.
Feedback and suggestions from distributors participating in this pilot program will be collected to help develop action plans for the future.

The maximum amount is set at $100,000. However, the amount authorized for each distributor will depend on its distribution plan and the evaluations conducted following the project pitch.

Market studies were conducted and validated in 2025.
For this pilot program, the subsidy level will remain at the amounts presented during the workshop. However, comments and feedback from retailers regarding the pilot program will be reviewed as part of the development of the next strategy.

Representatives from the ministries were also present during the workshop to gather initial feedback from distributors regarding the program.

The planned subsidy amount for credit sales is $350. Preliminary studies have been conducted. We will collect the pricing structures shared by distributors, as well as their feedback, to enable us to analyze and reassess the subsidy amount at a later date.

A list of companies that have already benefited from the RBF Digital devices grant program will be made available to facilitate networking and the formation of consortia.

The DECIM Fund will process all requests from grantees. However, during the evaluation phase, the Fund reserves the right to advise applicants on the prioritization of activities, given the strategic importance of having a CRM.
The Fund may, if necessary, recommend that the applicant prioritize a grant request for the acquisition or implementation of a CRM. The relevance of the proposed activities is a key criteria under this call for proposals and will be assessed primarily in terms of their contribution to achieving the distribution objectives of the Affordable digital devices subcomponent.

In accordance with the terms of the Catalytic fund, mandatory co-financing of 25% is required. The company must demonstrate its ability to provide this co-financing. The DECIM Fund grant covers up to 75% of the project cost, with amounts ranging from 30,000 to 150,000 USD. The Fund may request documentation verifying the costs associated with the submitted projects.

Since distributions from the DECIM Fund are scheduled to continue through the end of 2027, recipient companies have until then to carry out their activities. They must demonstrate a coherent and realistic plan that will enable the projects to be successfully completed by the end of 2027.

The disbursement milestones are set by the DECIM Fund based on the project submitted by the company.

Although a monitoring mechanism is in place under Window 1 (RBF Digital devices facility), monitoring could also be applied to funded projects. For example, this could involve the distribution of a specified number of products in a new implementation area prior to the disbursement of the third milestone payment.