About the programme
We are thrilled that you are interested in the GDC Investment Catalyst Facility (ICF) Programme! ICF is the Global Distributors Collective’s flagship initiative to help member companies professionalise and access the financing they need to grow. This programme is designed specifically for GDC members selling clean energy or productive use of energy (PUE) technologies (e.g., solar lighting, SHS, solar appliances, clean cookstoves, e-mobility, or productive use).

ICF is a strategic cooperation between GDC, public and private financiers, with financial support from the Energising Development programme (financed by Germany, Switzerland, Norway and The Netherlands) and the UK government, via the Transforming Energy Access platform. It will provide tailored financial and technical support to 15 high-potential GDC member companies preparing to raise debt investments between €50k and €500k.

Through the ICF programme, GDC aims to strengthen investment readiness, support successful due diligence, and catalyse funding for locally led and women-led enterprises delivering energy access across Sub-Saharan Africa.

To be considered to take part in the GDC ICF programme, you must:

• Be a GDC member. If you're not yet a member and want to apply, please self-evaluate and apply here.
• Sell clean energy products to last mile customers, with at least 75% of turnover from energy access products and services.
• Have annual revenues between €50k and €1m.
• Actively seek debt financing between €50k and €500k.
• Have up-to-date management accounts (2023–2024, 2025 YTD); audited if available, or if not have latest management accounts.
• Not over-indebted or in loan default.
• Have basic financial systems (P&L, cash flow, balance sheet) and a clear plan for loan use.
• Operate in Sub-Saharan Africa, with priority given to locally and women-led enterprises and those in EnDev focus countries (Benin, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda).
• Willing to join benchmarking, diagnostics, and technical assistance activities, with a strong time commitment and active engagement in programme implementation and fundraising for your organisation.
• Locally registered entity, legally allowed to operate and borrow in your country.

What selected companies receive:

• Investment readiness support (up to €10,000, with an average of €7,000 per company) to cover audits, accounting tools, or financial training.
• Tailored one-to-one guidance with GDC’s Access to Finance team.
• Financial screening simulations to prepare for investor due diligence.
• Investor matchmaking connecting you with the right funding partners.
• Catalytic co-financing (up to €15,000) e.g. equity like injection to strengthen cash flow and reduce debt burden once your deal closes. Please note: only companies that go through to financial close will receive this support.

Please note: If selected, you will be expected to fully commit to the programme. Please do not apply if you are unavailable or unable to dedicate the necessary time and effort to the entire programme. To apply, please complete this form by Monday 12th January 2026.
It will take you approximately 45 minutes to complete this form.