The develoPPP Ventures programme, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has launched new funding calls for startups in seven African countries. Applications are open until December 31, 2025, for companies based in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire.

The programme offers selected startups €100,000 in non-dilutive funding. However, this capital is provided through a “matching-funds” model. This stipulation requires the chosen company to secure an equivalent amount of external investment from other sources to unlock the €100,000 grant.

According to the programme, this model is designed to “effectively double the capital injection” without forcing founders to dilute their equity further.

Beyond the grant, startups gain access to tailored technical and strategic support, a network of other portfolio companies, and the potential for performance-based top-up funding of up to €200,000.

The Implementers

develoPPP is implemented by two arms of German development cooperation: DEG Impulse, a subsidiary of the German development finance institution DEG, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

The programme uses local partners to manage the calls in different regions:

• Nigeria and South Africa: Calls are supported by GreenTec Capital Partners, The Delta, and Mesh Venture Partners.
• Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania: Calls are managed through the VC4A platform.

The programme is aimed at companies that have moved beyond the ideation stage and have a proven business model.

“The €100,000 in catalytic funding is designed to be a decisive push to ensure founders can accelerate growth and attract substantial follow-on investment,” said Sven Witthoeft, Senior Manager at DEG Impulse.

Thomas van Halen, Programs Director at VC4A, added that the investment serves as “validation for East Africa’s most promising founders.”

Since its inception in 2019, develoPPP Ventures has supported approximately 100 companies. Eric Onchonga, co-founder of Irri-Hub, a 2024 beneficiary, described the programme as a “key catalyst” in their growth. “Through the program, we refined our business model, expanded into new markets, and enhanced our technology, which helped us secure additional funding from new investors.”

Who Can Apply?

The programme is focused on viability and readiness. To be eligible, startups must be privately owned, profit-oriented, and demonstrate a sustainable business and financial plan.

Key eligibility criteria include:

• Stage: Must have achieved proof of concept and be able to provide at least one annual financial statement.
• Funding Status: Must not have acquired more than €2 million in total funding to date.
• Financials: Must show high growth potential and a path to reach break-even within a maximum of three years.
• Registration: Must be registered in the target country or plan to be registered prior to the investment.

The programme states that women-led startups and those promoting gender equality are “strongly encouraged to apply.”

Applications for all open countries are due by December 31, 2025. For more information, visit https://www.developpp.de/en