develoPPP Ventures 2026 Funding Programme for Start-ups in Africa | Catalytic Growth Funding for Innovative Businesses in Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania

African start-ups are increasingly becoming powerful drivers of innovation, job creation, economic transformation, and sustainable development across the continent. However, one of the biggest challenges facing early-stage and growth-stage businesses remains access to catalytic financing that can help them scale their impact and expand operations sustainably.

To address this challenge, the develoPPP Ventures Funding Programme 2026 is offering an exciting opportunity for innovative start-ups operating in selected African countries to access growth financing and strategic support. The programme is designed to support businesses with scalable and development-oriented business models that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The current call for applications is open from May 15 to June 30, 2026, and targets start-ups operating in Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania.

Implemented on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the programme is supported by implementing partners including DEG Impulse gGmbH and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

Start-ups with innovative and scalable business models that create measurable development impact are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

What is develoPPP Ventures?

develoPPP Ventures is a funding initiative that supports start-ups in developing and emerging markets by providing catalytic funding for growth investments. The programme aims to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and encourage private-sector solutions that address social, environmental, and economic challenges.

The programme specifically targets innovative start-ups that:

• Already demonstrate proof of concept through initial revenues
• Have strong potential for scalability
• Contribute positively to sustainable development
• Create measurable development impact
• Operate with innovative business solutions

Unlike traditional grants, develoPPP Ventures focuses on businesses that combine commercial viability with development relevance.

 

Objectives of the Programme

The programme seeks to:

1. Support innovative start-ups in emerging markets
2. Encourage sustainable and inclusive economic growth
3. Promote business models aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
4. Increase employment and entrepreneurship opportunities
5. Strengthen local economies through impactful innovation
6. Enable scalable businesses to attract further investment

By supporting high-potential start-ups, the programme helps businesses move from early growth stages toward long-term sustainability and expansion.

 

Current Target Countries for the 2026 Call

The ongoing develoPPP Ventures application cycle specifically targets start-ups operating in the following African countries:

• Ghana
• Kenya
• Rwanda
• South Africa
• Tanzania

The programme provides local support teams to guide applicants during the application and selection process.

 

Funding Benefits for Selected Start-ups

Selected start-ups under the develoPPP Ventures programme may benefit from:

• Catalytic co-financed growth investment
• Financial support for scaling operations
• Increased business visibility and credibility
• Access to development-focused investment ecosystems
• Support from international development partners
• Opportunity to strengthen sustainable business impact
• Enhanced potential for attracting additional investors and partners

The programme is particularly valuable for start-ups seeking strategic growth support while contributing to sustainable development outcomes.

 

Participation Requirements

To qualify for develoPPP Ventures 2026, applicants must meet the following participation requirements:

1. Company Registration Requirement

Applicants must:

• Already be registered in the target country
  OR
• Plan to register in the target country before receiving the co-financed investment

 

2. Innovative Business Model

The start-up must pursue an innovative business model and already generate initial revenues.

This means applicants should demonstrate:

• Proof of concept
• Existing customer traction
• Market validation
• Revenue-generating activities

 

3. Development Relevance and Scalability

Applicants must show that their business model:

• Has strong development relevance
• Is scalable
• Contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The programme prioritizes businesses capable of creating broad social or economic impact while maintaining commercial sustainability.

 

What Makes a Business Model Eligible?

The programme considers several important factors when evaluating start-ups.

Development Relevance

A business model is considered development-relevant when it:

• Creates jobs
• Improves livelihoods
• Enhances sustainability
• Solves social or environmental challenges
• Supports inclusive economic growth

 

Innovation

The programme seeks businesses with innovative approaches, products, technologies, or services that address existing market challenges differently and effectively.

 

Scalability

Eligible businesses should demonstrate potential for expansion, replication, and long-term growth within or beyond their current markets.

 

Application Period

The current application window for develoPPP Ventures 2026 is:

May 15 to June 30, 2026

Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

 

How to Apply

Eligible start-ups can submit and manage their applications through the official application platforms depending on their country of operation.

For Start-ups in Ghana or South Africa

Applications are handled through the platform managed by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

Application Platform:

GIZ Application Platform

 

For Start-ups in Kenya, Rwanda, or Tanzania

Applications are managed through the platform supported by DEG Impulse gGmbH.

Application Platform:

develoPPP Ventures Official Website

 

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed through a competitive selection process involving local experts and programme partners.

The evaluation process may assess:

• Business viability
• Innovation
• Financial sustainability
• Development impact
• Scalability potential
• Alignment with SDGs
• Team capacity and leadership

Applicants may also need to provide additional documents during later stages of the evaluation process.

 

Why African Start-ups Should Apply

Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is rapidly expanding, and programmes like develoPPP Ventures provide critical support for businesses seeking to grow sustainably while addressing local and global development challenges.

This programme is particularly beneficial for start-ups that:

• Need catalytic funding to scale
• Already have validated business models
• Want to expand operations in African markets
• Aim to create social and economic impact
• Seek international development partnerships
• Focus on sustainability and SDG-driven innovation

 

Key Advantages of the Programme

Some of the major advantages of develoPPP Ventures include:

1. Strategic Growth Financing

The programme supports start-ups at a critical growth stage where traditional financing can be difficult to access.

2. International Development Support

Selected businesses gain visibility through partnerships with globally recognized development organizations.

3. Strong Focus on Sustainability

The initiative prioritizes businesses contributing to long-term sustainable development goals.

4. Access to Local Expertise

Applicants receive support from local teams familiar with the regional business environment.

 

Contact Information

General Questions About the Programme

For general inquiries regarding develoPPP and BMZ funding programmes:

• Email: beratung@wirtschaft-entwicklung.de

 

Country-Specific Investment Questions

Ghana and South Africa

• Email: develoPPPVentures@giz.de

Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania

• Email: develoPPPVentures@degimpulse.de

 

Official Programme Website

Official Website:

develoPPP Ventures Official Programme Page

 

Final Thoughts

The develoPPP Ventures Funding Programme 2026 represents a major opportunity for African start-ups seeking catalytic financing and strategic support to scale impactful businesses. With a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and development impact, the programme provides an important platform for entrepreneurs building solutions that address real-world challenges across Africa.

If your start-up already has proof of concept, generates initial revenues, and aims to create measurable development impact, this could be the ideal opportunity to secure growth support and strengthen your expansion strategy.

 

• More global Grant opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here