[{"bbox": [82, 146, 1167, 1081], "category": "Table", "text": "<table><tr><td>2 – planning, processes and systems</td><td>Low number of qualitative applications from Agriculture MSMEs to the Challenge Fund and limited capacity of MSMEs to absorb funding</td><td>Medium</td><td>Medium</td><td>Technical assistance will be provided to interested value chain actors prior application and during implementation. In-kind contributions eligible as part of the own contribution. Will be also differentiated between larger and smaller SMEs and/or loan size. Young and female entrepreneurs will have higher share of in-kind contribution;</td></tr><tr><td>2 – planning, processes and systems</td><td>Agriculture MSMEs fail to implement their business plan</td><td>Medium</td><td>High</td><td>Close gender/age/disability monitoring and technical support will be provided through implementation of business plan. Correction/reduction of EU financing will be considered.</td></tr><tr><td>3 – People and the organization</td><td>Women, youth and people with disabilities integration in VCs can result in increased workload and challenge to gender/social norms which may generate resistances.</td><td>Medium</td><td>Medium</td><td>Technical assistance with expertise on gender equality as well as youth and people with disabilities will facilitate regular and inclusive community consultations which can ensure that the project adapts to local needs and perceptions, thus reducing resistance and increasing awareness on women, youth and people with disabilities' rights</td></tr><tr><td>4 – Risks related to legality and regularity aspects</td><td>Staff turnover and low ownership at agriculture MSME</td><td>Low</td><td>High</td><td>Project Managers to be appointed within the existing structure of the agriculture MSME prior award of grant.</td></tr></table>"}, {"bbox": [92, 1083, 266, 1108], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## Lessons Learned:"}, {"bbox": [92, 1110, 1163, 1227], "category": "Text", "text": "The lessons learned come mainly from the experience of implementing the EU-funded Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund (EZCF) project, currently the predecessor of the future Enterprise 2.0 project. A mid-term evaluation²⁹ has generated findings and recommendations which have been used in the preparation of Enterprise 2.0 and which will also be used for its implementation. These lessons emphasise the following."}, {"bbox": [130, 1229, 1163, 1286], "category": "List-item", "text": "* Companies need significant technical and business development support to equip them with the business management and ESG-focused capabilities to mitigate risks and deliver results."}, {"bbox": [130, 1288, 1163, 1345], "category": "List-item", "text": "* Many companies underestimate the rigor and depth of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting required for access to the Challenge Fund."}, {"bbox": [130, 1347, 1163, 1431], "category": "List-item", "text": "* Invest in a readiness facility and potentially an incubation period with companies (with strong links to the business development support ecosystem) to de-risk the companies and ensure mindset and commitment."}, {"bbox": [130, 1435, 1163, 1523], "category": "List-item", "text": "* Addressing Operational Challenges: The evaluation reveals administrative and reporting burdens on companies. Developing effective grievance redress mechanisms, leveraging stakeholder feedback, and streamlining reporting templates can help ease operational challenges."}, {"bbox": [130, 1525, 1163, 1582], "category": "List-item", "text": "* Future support to the agribusiness sector, should have greater clarity around what problem the fund wants to solve, e.g. not only inclusive smallholder agriculture but also a stronger, more competitive,"}, {"bbox": [85, 1619, 1074, 1646], "category": "Footnote", "text": "²⁹ Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund. Midterm Evaluation Report. Prepared by Enabling Outcomes Ltd. January 2023."}, {"bbox": [1026, 1680, 1142, 1705], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 18 of 32"}]