Application deadline: 31 December

develoPPP Ventures is a financing programme designed to support innovative, early-stage start-ups that aim to scale their impact in emerging markets. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by DEG Impulse gGmbH and GIZ, the programme provides matching-funds financing of up to €100,000 to help young companies grow sustainably and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This call for applications is open to start-ups operating or planning to operate in Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania.

1. About develoPPP Ventures

develoPPP Ventures aims to accelerate the growth of high-potential start-ups with development-relevant and market-ready solutions. Through a blend of catalytic funding and tailored technical support, the programme helps early-stage companies expand their customer base, strengthen operations, and scale commercially.

Key features include:

• Matching-funds financing up to €100,000

• Local expert guidance and advisory support

• Accelerated growth in emerging markets

• Focus on development impact aligned with the SDGs

• Bi-annual calls for applications

2. Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for develoPPP Ventures, start-ups must meet the following requirements:

a. Local Registration

Your company must be legally registered in the target country or be prepared to register before finalising the funding contract.

b. Proof of Concept

Your business must have:

• A validated business model

• Initial revenue

• Demonstrable proof of concept

c. Development Contribution

Your business model must:

• Address social, economic, or environmental challenges

• Contribute to one or more SDGs

• Demonstrate clear development relevance

d. Scalability Potential

Your solution should have strong potential to grow in regional or national markets.

e. Additional Requirements

• At least one annual financial statement

• Total capital raised to date below €2 million

• Ability to provide matching funds equal to the develoPPP contribution

3. Target Countries for the Current Call

Applications are invited from start-ups active in:

• Kenya

• Nigeria

• Rwanda

• South Africa

• Tanzania

Country-specific contact points:

For questions regarding investments in Nigeria or South Africa, please contact: develoPPPVentures@giz.de

For questions regarding investments in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, please contact: develoPPPVentures@degimpulse.de

4. How to Apply

Start-ups must apply through the appropriate digital platform:

Start-ups in Nigeria or South Africa

Start-ups in Kenya, Rwanda or Tanzania

Both platforms allow applicants to upload documents, manage applications, and track progress during the review process.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below is the full FAQ section, structured for clarity and ease of reading.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through either the OAP or VC4A platform, depending on the target country. Start-ups in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, or South Africa use the OAP platform. Those in Kenya, Tanzania, or Rwanda apply via the VC4A platform.

When can I apply?

Calls for applications are issued twice a year:

• At the end of Quarter 2

• At the end of Quarter 4

Each call is open for six weeks. Exact dates and eligible countries are announced on the develoPPP website.

What are the minimum requirements?

Applicants must:

• Be privately owned and profit-oriented

• Be registered (or plan to register) in the target country

• Demonstrate proof of concept and initial revenue

• Present a development-relevant and scalable business model

• Your business model has high development relevance and scalability and thus contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There must be proof of concept  and initial revenues must have been generated. You can find the full list of conditions of participation above.

How does the selection process work? What documents are needed?

Phase 1: Eligibility and Concept Review

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Business model clarity

• Initial traction

• Development impact

• Pitch materials

Phase 2: Due Diligence

Shortlisted applicants must submit:

• A full business plan

• Financial statements and projections

• At least one annual financial statement

• Documentation proving matching funds or investor interest

Our company is not yet active locally. Can we still get funding?

Yes. You may apply while preparing your market entry. However, you must complete local registration before signing the funding agreement.

When is a business model considered relevant to development?

A model is development-relevant if it advances one or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)  by addressing:

• Social issues (health, education, livelihoods)

• Economic challenges (employment, income generation)

• Environmental needs (climate solutions, sustainability)

When is a business model considered innovative?

Your start-up is considered innovative if it introduces new technologies, solutions, or approaches to the local market. Even if similar models exist internationally, they can be innovative if not widely available locally.

When is a business model considered scalable?

In order to achieve the highest possible and sustainable contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the funding is aimed at companies that have the potential to grow.

Scalability means:

• The business can expand its services or markets efficiently

• Growth increases economies of scale

• There is a sufficiently large addressable market

When is the right time to apply?

Ideal timing includes:

• Having at least one annual financial statement

• Demonstrating proof of concept

• Showing initial customer traction

• Having the ability to raise matching funds

In what form are further supporters necessary?

develoPPP Ventures operates on a matching-funds model. Matching funds can come from:

• Angel investors

• Venture capital funds

• Impact investors

• Founders and existing shareholders

• Family and friends

Matching funds must be confirmed before disbursement and valid for up to six months.

Which implementation partner is right for me?

Partners are assigned based on your country:

• DEG Impulse: Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania

• GIZ: Nigeria and South Africa

Depending on the country, develoPPP Ventures is implemented either by DEG Impulse gGmbH or Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. You apply for funding in the desired country and are thereby automatically assigned to one of the two implementing partners.

Start-ups do not need to choose; the programme assigns the partner once the application cycle opens.

6. Related Opportunities

Funding for Start-Ups

develoPPP Ventures is tailored to early-stage companies with development-relevant innovations.

Funding for Established Companies

develoPPP Classic supports more mature enterprises implementing development-impact projects.

Projects and Success Stories

Explore examples of how previous develoPPP-funded initiatives have achieved measurable impact.

7. Contact Information

For general enquiries:

Ulrich Boysen
Senior Consultant, Agency for Business & Economic Development
+49 30 72625698
beratung@wirtschaft-entwicklung.de

Hans-Joachim Hebgen
Senior Consultant
+49 228 44601212
beratung@wirtschaft-entwicklung.de

For project-specific enquiries:

Daniel Thomann
Head of Programme, DEG Impulse gGmbH
+49 221 49861476
develoPPP@degimpulse.de

Anja Meinecke
Head of Programme, GIZ
+49 6196 796555
develoPPP@giz.de

Jonas Naguib
Head of Programme, GIZ
+49 6196 796555
develoPPP@giz.de

Source: https://www.developpp.de/en/application/ventures/