FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

EDF offers a range of financing solutions tailored to support export-oriented and strategic projects. These include:

• Debt financing
• Equity investments
• Bank guarantees
• Project Preparation
• Advisory services

These facilities are designed to address different business needs across various stages of growth, investment and export readiness.

EDF prioritizes sectors aligned with Malawi’s national development agendas such as MW2063 and the National Export Strategy. The sectors include agriculture, tourism, mining, manufacturing, and digitalisation.

To be eligible for EDF financing, applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Be a registered entity in Malawi
• Have ownership or access to land, especially for products like ConFarm, PPF, CoNEM, and HOCFA
• Submit a business concept and pre-feasibility study for new projects seeking PPF support
• Provide a feasibility study for project finance applications
• Demonstrate an owner’s contribution of at least 20%
• Provide acceptable collateral (e.g., assets, guarantees, stock)

Detailed requirements are available via our Facility Application. Key requirements include:

• Application letter detailing funding needs, use of funds, repayment source, and period
• Business registration certificate
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (for limited liability companies)
• Board resolution authorizing borrowing (for limited liability companies)
• Company profile and comprehensive business plan
• IDs and CVs/Profiles of shareholders, directors, and key management
• Audited financial statements (last 3 years) and latest management accounts (for established businesses)
• Financial projections (Income Statement, Cash Flow, Balance Sheet) in Excel
• Bank statements (last 6 months)
• Contracts or letters of intent from potential off-takers
• Feasibility study and approved ESIA or ESMP (where applicable)
• Relevant trading, export, or industry-specific licenses
• Title documents and valuation reports for pledged collateral
• Copies of existing loan agreements with other financiers

The minimum loan amount offered by EDF is K200 million or its equivalent in US Dollars. This ensures that financing is directed toward high-impact, growth-oriented projects aligned with EDF’s development mandate.

Malawian businesses operating in strategic sectors and aligned with EDF’s mandate, particularly those with export potential, can apply. This includes both new and existing enterprises.

Yes. EDF can co-finance projects alongside other financial institutions, development partners, or private investors. This helps leverage additional resources for large and/or complex projects.

The processing time varies depending on the complexity of the project and completeness of submitted documentation. On average, it can take 30 to 60 days from submission to final approval, subject to internal reviews and due diligence.

Yes. EDF can structure financing in foreign currency for eligible export-oriented projects, depending on the nature of the business and its revenue streams. This option is subject to the availability of foreign currency and will be made clear at the start of discussions.

Unlike commercial banks, EDF:

• Finances projects with strong development impact
• Provides catalytic capital where market gaps exist
• Takes a long-term investment perspective
• Supports early-stage and high-impact sectors
• Combines financial sustainability with development outcomes

However, all investments must remain commercially viable.

Catalytic funding refers to early or risk-tolerant capital that enables projects to move forward and attract additional investors. EDF often supports projects at critical stages to de-risk them for broader participation.

EDF evaluates impact through indicators such as:

• Jobs created
• Production growth
• Export generation
• Import substitution
• Innovation
• Creation of new markets
• Local value addition
• Climate mitigation/adaptation benefits
• Inclusion of women and youth

Yes. All investments undergo Environmental and Social (E&S) screening to ensure compliance with national laws and international best practices.