A total of 590 funding applications for potential sustainable-development projects worth R10.9-billion have been received following the issuance of request for proposals (RFP) under the South African government’s newly established Green Fund.

The RFP closed on October 24, with funding applications having been received for projects across all nine provinces.

The fund is being administered by the Development Bank of Southern Africa and has been established to support the country’s transition to a lower-carbon, resource-efficient and climate-resilient development path.

The applicants, which include nonprofit organisations, private enterprises and government departments, would receive feedback by December 31.

Projects would only be considered if they fell within the realm of one of three funding windows, which cover greening of cities and towns, low-carbon-economy initiatives, or natural resource management.