A DFI request is not a funding application in the usual sense. It is a structured proposal that has to survive commercial, technical, environmental and governance review at the same time.
A clear development case
DFIs exist to finance development. The proposal must explain the development impact in concrete terms: additional capacity, access, jobs, emissions avoided or import substitution. Vague statements are not enough.
Bankable cash flows
The lender will test the revenue case, the cost structure and the debt service cover. Contracted revenue is stronger than projected demand. A sensitivity analysis should show what happens if volumes, prices or costs move against the project.
Risk allocation
Every project carries construction, offtake, currency, regulatory and operating risk. The request should show who carries each risk and why. Gaps in the allocation are usually where a proposal stalls.
Sponsor capacity
DFIs look at the sponsor team, its track record, its equity contribution and its ability to manage the project through construction and operation. Governance and decision-making matter as much as the balance sheet.
ESG and reporting
Environmental and social standards are part of the credit decision. Expect questions on land, resettlement, labour, biodiversity, governance and reporting. A credible action plan is better than a claim that no issues exist.
A complete information pack
- Project summary, location and sector.
- Sponsor and ownership structure.
- Capex, operating costs and funding plan.
- Revenue, offtake or demand evidence.
- Permits, land and construction arrangements.
- Financial model with sensitivities.
- ESG screening and action plan.
A well prepared pack does not guarantee approval, but it shortens the path to a first review. If you are preparing a DFI submission, talk to EACDA about the structure and the gaps.
