Request for Application: Inclusive Digital Innovations for women and youth in Nepal

Application Window Opens: 26 April 2021, 00:00 (EST)
Application Closing Date: 10 May 2021, 23:59 (EST)

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The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 46 least developed countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development.

UNCDF is bringing its expertise in promoting access to finance through its Leaving No one Behind in the Digital Era Strategy in Nepal. The objective of our strategy is to accelerate economic recovery after COVID-19 and promote economies and societies more inclusive and resilient to external shocks through increasing digital payments, preparing MSMEs for digital transformation and developing a digital-ready workforce.

Through this RFA, UNCDF is looking for partners, including private sector, to develop/scale up human-centred digital innovations that accelerate the economic recovery after COVID-19 and support women and/or youth’s economic empowerment, school to work transitions, and/or increase resilience from external shocks. Solutions to be supported may include development of digital financial services that go beyond digital payments (i.e., savings, insurance, credit, etc.), development of innovative digital tools that increase access to finance for youth and/or women (i.e., crowdfunding platforms) ensuring continuity of learning for youth, supporting digital innovations developed by youth and/or women entrepreneurs to contain the pandemic.

Selected applicants will be signing a Performance-Based Agreement (PBA) with UNCDF. The foreseen budget assigned by UNCDF for each applicant will be. between USD 50,000 and USD 100,000. Applicants are l expected to fund at least 30 percent (30%) of the total project cost in cash (for costs such technical resources, staff, and operational expenses). The solution proposed must be implementable in 2021, with a project duration of 6 months and ending by December 2021.

In case of questions write at [email protected]