In partnership with the International Development Research Centre, TrustAfrica operates a special fund to promote enterprise and livelihoods in Africa through research and advocacy. Known as the Investment Climate and Business Environment (ICBE) Research Fund, it uses competitive research grant mechanisms, training workshops, and institution-building partnerships between business schools and private-sector organizations to contribute to a better investment climate and business environment in Africa. The ICBE Research Fund, which operates in English and French and includes all regions of the African continent, has allocated US$2.7 million for 39 competitive research grants during its second phase, with two distinct rounds of funding in 2010 and 2011.

First Phase
In its first phase, from 2007 to 2009, the ICBE Research Fund awarded US$2.8 million in research grants to 53 research teams (comprising more than 150 researchers) at 33 institutions in 16 African countries. Some explored issues of entrepreneurship, fiscal policy, human resource development and labor markets, land tenure, housing and urban development, investment and corporate governance, and commercial justice. Others analyzed marketing and corporate social responsibility, information and communication technologies, financial and capital markets, environmental management, public-private partnerships, regulation and reform in procurement, supply chains and the informal sector, capital markets and foreign direct investments, energy and poverty in rural areas, and the creation and growth of youth and women enterprises.

Second Phase
In its second phase, from 2010 to 2012, the ICBE Research Fund is broadening its focus to incorporate the framework known as “making markets work for the poor.” In doing so, it is prioritizing research that examines forms of private-sector development in Africa that are sustainable, local and contribute to long-term economic development and livelihood creation in ways that enhance social, human or ecological capital. This emphasis recognizes the need to mainstream sustainable values in the production and consumption of goods and services, so that enterprises can maximize their profits without exhausting the natural resources.

Read the 2010 Call for Proposals (PDF).

To apply for a Small or Intermediate grant, follow the instructions outlined in the 2010 research proposal guidelines (PDF).

Dear Applicants: We would like to inform you that the deadline for small grants applications and intermediate grants applications has been extended to July 15 and July 25 respectively.

To apply for a Large grant, complete the 2010 Large Grant Application template (doc).

Read our fact sheet about the ICBE Research Fund (PDF).

See a complete list of ICBE grants to date.