Kenyan businesses are under increasing pressure to reduce waste, improve sustainability, and remain competitive in global markets. The Circularising Scale-Up Project Kenya 2026 offers structured executive training, certification support, and export-readiness guidance for medium to large enterprises ready to transition toward circular business models. If your company is serious about growth and long-term impact, this is a strategic opportunity worth considering.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: Kenya
- Program Type: Business Acceleration & Sustainability Support
- Funding Type: Fully Supported (Training, Coaching & Technical Assistance)
- Eligible Countries: Kenya (legally registered enterprises only)
- Deadline: 3 March 2026 (11:59 PM EAT)
About the Opportunity
The Circularising Scale-Up Project Kenya 2026 is designed to help high–waste–producing medium and large enterprises integrate circular economy practices while strengthening gender inclusion and export competitiveness.
The programme is implemented by Bopinc in partnership with the WE4D programme (Employment Promotion for Women for the Green Transformation in Africa), commissioned by the German Government and co-funded by the IKEA Foundation. While this project focuses on Kenyan SMEs, if you are a student or professional looking for other global opportunities, you might want to check the American Express Leadership Academy 2026 for leadership training.
Kenya generates approximately 22,000 tons of waste daily. However, recovery, recycling, and circular practices remain limited. At the same time, gender gaps persist across leadership and employment in many sectors. This project addresses both challenges through structured technical support.
At least 25 companies will receive tailored support, with a maximum of 30 enterprises onboarded.
The programme runs from May 2026 to March 2027, combining training, coaching, certification guidance, and market access support.
This opportunity is officially offered by Bopinc, and applicants should apply through the official VC4A application portal.
What the Program Offers
Successful enterprises will receive structured support, including:
1. Executive Training & Capacity Building
Targeted sessions on circular economy principles, gender inclusion, and core business fundamentals.
2. Strategic One-on-One Coaching
Personalized coaching to implement circular models and gender-inclusive action plans.
3. Circularity & Gender Roadmap Development
Customized action plans aligned with business growth objectives.
4. Certification Support
At least 5 selected companies will receive hands-on support to achieve certifications such as ISO 14001, strengthening export readiness.
5. Market Access & Financial Linkages
Connections to financial institutions and international market opportunities.
6. Peer Learning & Industry Collaboration
Structured peer sessions to accelerate adoption of best practices.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, businesses must:
- Be legally registered and operating in Kenya
- Be medium to large enterprises
- Generate at least KES 15,000,000 (~USD 115,400) in annual revenue
- Have operated for at least 3 years
- Employ a minimum of 50 employees
- Produce high levels of waste in their operations
- Be currently exporting or preparing to enter export markets
- Be willing to adopt circular economy practices
- Be open to incorporating gender inclusivity in leadership and value chains
Preferred:
- Women-led enterprises
- Businesses with a majority female leadership
- Companies serving low-income communities
Compliance & Transparency
- Due diligence will be conducted on shortlisted enterprises.
- Successful companies must sign a Letter of Agreement before onboarding.
- The programme has zero tolerance for fraud, bribery, or corruption.
- Businesses engaged in illegal or environmentally harmful activities are ineligible.
- All applicant data will be treated confidentially.
Who Should Apply
This program is ideal for:
- Established Kenyan SMEs seeking export growth
- Companies facing sustainability compliance pressure
- Manufacturing, textile, agro-processing, packaging, and industrial firms
- Enterprises ready to align profitability with environmental responsibility
If you want to build a sustainable business that is ready for international export and respected globally, this is the right opportunity for you.
Programme Timeline
- Call Opens: 11 February 2026
- Deadline: 3 March 2026 (11:59 PM EAT)
- Evaluation & Due Diligence: 4 March – 15 April 2026
- Onboarding: 30 April 2026
- Training & Coaching: May 2026 – March 2027
- Graduation: March 2027
Application Process
- Visit the official VC4A portal.
- Complete the online application form between 11 Feb and 3 March 2026.
- Ensure all business information is accurate and verifiable.
- Submit before 11:59 PM EAT on 3 March 2026.
- Await email confirmation and selection communication.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
How to Apply
If your enterprise is ready to reduce waste, strengthen gender inclusion, and expand export potential, submit your application before the deadline.
Only complete applications submitted through the official portal will be considered.
