develoPPP Funding Programme 2026: Up to €2 Million in Support for Sustainable Business Projects in Developing and Emerging Countries
Opportunity Overview
The develoPPP programme, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), provides financial and technical support to private-sector companies seeking to implement sustainable business projects in developing and emerging countries.
For more than 25 years, develoPPP has supported businesses that combine commercial opportunities with development-policy impact. The programme is designed for companies that want to invest sustainably, expand their activities in developing or emerging markets, strengthen local expertise, improve environmental and social standards, or introduce innovative solutions that contribute to better living conditions.
Through the programme, eligible businesses can receive significant public financial support while also benefiting from technical expertise and access to local networks.
The current develoPPP Classic call for applications is open until September 30, 2026.
What Is the develoPPP Programme?
develoPPP is a development cooperation programme that brings together the interests and capabilities of the private sector and international development cooperation.
The programme recognises that sustainable development cannot be achieved through public-sector action alone. Businesses operating in developing and emerging markets can create jobs, introduce new technologies, develop skills, improve supply chains and provide products and services that address important social and environmental challenges.
develoPPP therefore supports projects where there is both:
- A genuine business interest for the participating company; and
- A measurable contribution to sustainable development.
Rather than functioning as a conventional business loan, develoPPP provides public funding and technical support for qualifying development-oriented private-sector projects.
The programme operates in more than 60 countries worldwide, providing companies with opportunities to implement projects in a broad range of emerging and developing markets.
How Much Funding Is Available?
One of the major attractions of develoPPP is the scale of support available.
Under develoPPP Classic, suitable projects can receive up to €2 million in public funding.
The public contribution can cover a maximum of 50% of the total project costs.
This means the participating company must also make a substantial financial contribution to the project. The programme is therefore structured as a partnership in which the private sector and public development cooperation share responsibility for achieving the project’s objectives.
The funding can be particularly valuable for businesses that have a strong development-oriented project but require additional financial resources, technical expertise or local partnerships to implement it effectively.
Who Can Benefit From develoPPP?
The programme is particularly relevant to companies that want to combine commercial expansion with measurable economic, social or environmental benefits.
Potential areas of interest include businesses seeking to:
- Expand sustainable operations in an emerging market.
- Establish or strengthen local business activities.
- Train local employees and develop skilled workers.
- Improve working conditions and labour standards.
- Strengthen environmental and social standards.
- Make international supply chains more transparent and sustainable.
- Introduce innovative business models.
- Improve living conditions through commercially viable solutions.
- Build local expertise and technical capacity.
- Develop sustainable production processes.
The programme is not limited to one specific industry. Instead, the suitability of a project depends heavily on whether it meets the programme’s development and business criteria.
develoPPP Classic
New Call for Applications
The current develoPPP Classic call focuses on private-sector initiatives that contribute to the sustainable transformation of economies in developing and emerging countries.
Companies interested in obtaining funding for suitable projects can submit applications to one of the programme’s implementing partners, DEG Impulse or GIZ.
Deadline
September 30, 2026
Companies considering an application should therefore begin preparing their project proposal, supporting documentation and financing information well before the deadline.
What Is develoPPP Classic?
develoPPP Classic is designed for companies that want to invest sustainably in an emerging market and expand their operational activities locally.
The programme can provide qualifying projects with:
- Financial support of up to €2 million in public funding.
- Technical support and expertise.
- Access to local networks.
- Assistance in addressing development-related challenges.
- Support for sustainable business expansion.
The emphasis is on projects where the company’s commercial activities can contribute to broader development outcomes.
For example, a company entering or expanding in an emerging market could potentially use a develoPPP-supported project to develop local employees, improve production standards, strengthen environmental performance or introduce a solution addressing a development challenge.
develoPPP Ventures
In addition to develoPPP Classic, the programme offers develoPPP Ventures, which is targeted at younger companies with innovative business models.
This funding instrument is designed for startups and young businesses that are already active in an emerging market and are ready to take their business to the next stage.
Under the matching-funds model, a public early-stage investment of up to €100,000 is possible.
This makes develoPPP Ventures particularly relevant to innovative businesses that have moved beyond the earliest stages of development and are looking for additional capital to scale their operations.
The key distinction between the two instruments is therefore:
| Funding Instrument | Main Target Group | Potential Public Support |
|---|---|---|
| develoPPP Classic | Companies investing sustainably and expanding operations in emerging markets | Up to €2 million |
| develoPPP Ventures | Young companies with innovative business models active in emerging markets | Up to €100,000 |
Selected Focus Area: Sustainable Supply Chains
One of the programme’s highlighted focus areas is sustainable supply chains.
Modern supply chains often involve businesses, suppliers, manufacturers and workers across multiple countries. As consumers, regulators and international markets increasingly demand responsible production, companies are facing growing pressure to understand and improve their supply chains.
The develoPPP programme identifies this challenge as an opportunity for businesses to create positive development impacts while strengthening their own operations.
Companies may be interested in develoPPP support if they want to:
- Increase supply-chain transparency.
- Improve sustainability standards.
- Strengthen oversight of suppliers.
- Improve production processes.
- Support compliance with international standards.
- Improve environmental performance.
- Strengthen social standards among suppliers.
- Create more sustainable production systems.
For businesses operating internationally, improving supply-chain sustainability can provide benefits beyond compliance. It can also improve resilience, reputation, product quality and long-term competitiveness.
Selected Focus Area: Vocational Training
Another highlighted area is vocational training and skills development.
Access to appropriately trained workers remains an important challenge for businesses operating internationally, particularly in developing and emerging markets.
Companies may face difficulties finding workers with the technical knowledge and practical skills required for their operations.
At the same time, vocational training can create significant development benefits by improving people’s employability and helping local economies build a stronger skilled workforce.
The develoPPP programme therefore highlights opportunities for companies that want to:
- Train local workers.
- Develop skilled employees.
- Improve technical and professional competencies.
- Recruit talent fairly.
- Address local skills gaps.
- Create pathways into employment.
- Strengthen the long-term availability of qualified workers.
Businesses interested in expanding in an emerging market may therefore consider incorporating employee training and skills development into their broader investment strategy.
Why the Programme Is Important for Developing and Emerging Markets
The develoPPP model is based on the idea that private-sector investment can contribute substantially to sustainable development.
When businesses invest responsibly in developing and emerging economies, the potential benefits can extend beyond the company itself.
These may include:
Job Creation
Business expansion can create employment opportunities and generate income for local communities.
Skills Development
Training programmes can equip workers with technical and professional skills that remain valuable beyond the individual project.
Improved Standards
Companies can help strengthen environmental, social, labour and production standards within their operations and supply chains.
Technology and Innovation
Businesses can introduce new technologies, products and processes that address local challenges.
Economic Development
Sustainable private investment can contribute to stronger local businesses, supply chains and markets.
Improved Living Conditions
Where projects address important development challenges, commercial activity can contribute to improvements in people’s living conditions.
What Makes a Project Suitable?
A strong develoPPP project should demonstrate a clear relationship between the company’s business objectives and its development impact.
Applicants should therefore consider whether their proposed project can clearly explain:
- The business opportunity
What commercial opportunity is the company pursuing? - The development challenge
What economic, social or environmental problem does the project address? - The proposed solution
What activities will the company undertake? - The development impact
How will the project benefit workers, communities, consumers, suppliers or the wider economy? - The company’s contribution
What resources will the company provide? - The public contribution
How would develoPPP funding help make the project possible or significantly improve its scale or impact? - Sustainability
How will the benefits continue beyond the funding period? - Local relevance
Why is the project appropriate for the specific developing or emerging market?
Benefits of Participating in develoPPP
For qualifying companies, participation can provide several important advantages.
1. Significant Financial Support
Eligible develoPPP Classic projects can receive up to €2 million in public funding, subject to the programme’s conditions and the maximum public contribution of 50%.
2. Technical Expertise
Companies can benefit not only from funding but also from technical support relevant to development-oriented projects.
3. Local Networks
The programme highlights access to local networks as one of its advantages. This can be particularly valuable for companies entering unfamiliar markets.
4. Support for Sustainable Expansion
Businesses can use the programme to strengthen sustainable operations while expanding in developing and emerging economies.
5. Development Impact
A successful project can generate measurable benefits for workers, suppliers, communities and local economies while supporting the company’s commercial objectives.
6. International Opportunities
With the programme available in more than 60 countries, companies can explore opportunities across a wide geographical range.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The opportunity is primarily intended for private-sector companies, rather than individual applicants.
The exact eligibility requirements depend on the particular develoPPP funding instrument and project. Businesses should therefore review the official programme requirements carefully before submitting an application.
The programme is particularly relevant to:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Larger companies.
- Young companies and startups with innovative business models, particularly under develoPPP Ventures.
- Companies already operating in or planning sustainable activities in developing or emerging markets.
- Businesses seeking to develop local talent and skills.
- Companies working to improve environmental and social standards.
- Businesses seeking more sustainable international supply chains.
- Companies developing innovative solutions with development potential.
The programme is not a scholarship, individual fellowship, internship or conventional employment opportunity. Individuals cannot normally apply simply as individuals for the business funding described here.
Countries and Geographic Eligibility
develoPPP operates internationally and is available in more than 60 developing and emerging countries.
The programme is therefore not restricted to applicants from one particular continent or nationality. However, eligibility is determined according to the programme’s list of eligible countries and the specific requirements applicable to the proposed project.
This means that companies interested in implementing projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America and other eligible developing or emerging markets should verify whether their intended project location is covered by the relevant develoPPP instrument.
For applicants from Ghana and other African countries, the most important consideration is not simply nationality. The proposed business project and its intended country of implementation must satisfy the applicable programme requirements.
Companies should therefore confirm the current eligible-country and project criteria directly through the official develoPPP programme before investing substantial time in an application.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The opportunity could be particularly relevant to a company that can answer “yes” to several of the following questions:
- Does your company want to expand into or strengthen its activities in an emerging market?
- Are you planning a sustainable investment project?
- Do you want to train local employees?
- Are you addressing a shortage of skilled workers?
- Do you want to improve environmental standards?
- Are you working to improve social standards?
- Do you want to make your supply chain more sustainable?
- Does your business have an innovative solution that could improve living conditions?
- Can the project generate both commercial and development benefits?
- Is your company prepared to contribute financially to the project?
If several of these apply, develoPPP may be worth investigating further.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Companies should avoid treating the application simply as a request for money. The strength of the proposal will depend on how convincingly the project connects business interests with sustainable development impact.
A strong preparation process should include the following steps:
Step 1: Define the Business Problem
Clearly explain what the company wants to achieve commercially and why the project is important.
Step 2: Identify the Development Challenge
Explain the broader challenge affecting workers, communities, suppliers, consumers or the local economy.
Step 3: Design the Project
Set out the activities, timeline, location, beneficiaries and expected outcomes.
Step 4: Establish Measurable Results
Where possible, identify measurable indicators such as:
- Number of people trained.
- Number of jobs created.
- Number of suppliers reached.
- Reduction in environmental impacts.
- Number of workers benefiting from improved standards.
- Improvements in production efficiency.
- Number of businesses or communities reached.
Step 5: Prepare the Financial Model
Clearly establish:
- Total project cost.
- Company’s financial contribution.
- Requested public contribution.
- Other financing sources, where applicable.
- Expected use of funds.
Because the public contribution under develoPPP Classic can cover a maximum of 50% of project costs, companies should be prepared to demonstrate their own financial commitment.
Step 6: Demonstrate Sustainability
Explain how the project will continue generating benefits after the public funding ends.
Step 7: Review the Eligibility Requirements
Before submitting, carefully check the official requirements for the applicable funding instrument and intended project country.
Application Deadline
The current develoPPP Classic call for applications closes on September 30, 2026.
Applicants should not wait until the final days to begin preparing their proposals. Business projects involving international operations, financial contributions, development indicators and implementation partners can require significant preparation.
Official programme: develoPPP – German development cooperation with the private sector
All information on the funding programme, current project examples and the conditions of participation can be found on the programme website www.develoPPP.de
Visit the OFY Website HERE for more funding programmes
Early preparation allows companies to:
- Confirm eligibility.
- Develop a realistic project concept.
- Prepare financial information.
- Identify implementation partners.
- Establish measurable development objectives.
- Collect supporting documents.
- Address potential weaknesses before submission.
Programme Partners and Implementation
The develoPPP programmer is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The programme is implemented through development and financial-sector partners, including:
- GIZ – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
- DEG Impulse gGmbH
The programme’s official information also provides separate contacts for general questions and for questions concerning concrete projects.
For general questions concerning develoPPP or other BMZ funding programmes, the programme lists Hans-Joachim Hebgen, Senior Consultant at the Agency for Business & Economic Development.
For questions concerning concrete projects, applicants can contact the relevant implementing partner.
The official programme lists:
DEG Impulse gGmbH
Daniel Thomann, Head of Programme
Email: develoPPP@degimpulse.de
GIZ GmbH
Anja Meinecke, Head of Programme
Jonas Naguib, Head of Programme
Email: develoPPP@giz.de
Important Things Applicants Should Understand
Before applying, businesses should keep several points in mind.
This Is Business Funding
develoPPP is designed for private-sector activities. It is not a general personal grant for individuals.
Development Impact Matters
A project must demonstrate more than commercial potential. Its contribution to sustainable development is an important part of the programme’s purpose.
Co-Financing Is Required
For develoPPP Classic, public funding can cover a maximum of 50% of the project costs. Companies therefore need to demonstrate their own financial participation.
Country Eligibility Matters
Not every country or project will necessarily qualify under every funding instrument. Applicants should verify the current rules for their intended location.
Funding Is Not Automatic
Meeting the general description of the programme does not guarantee funding. Projects must be assessed against the relevant programme requirements.
develoPPP Classic vs develoPPP Ventures
Although both instruments operate under the wider develoPPP programme, they address somewhat different business situations.
develoPPP Classic is more appropriate for companies seeking to implement substantial sustainable investment projects and expand their operational activities in emerging markets. It can provide up to €2 million in public funding.
develoPPP Ventures focuses on young companies with innovative business models that are active in an emerging market and ready for their next stage of development. Under its matching-funds model, a public early-stage investment of €100,000 is possible.
Businesses should therefore determine which instrument best matches their stage of development, business model and proposed project.
Why Companies Should Explore This Opportunity
The combination of financial support, technical expertise and local networks makes develoPPP particularly relevant to companies that want to enter or expand within developing and emerging markets responsibly.
Rather than viewing development and business growth as separate objectives, the programme encourages companies to design projects where both can reinforce each other.
For example, a company can potentially expand its operations while simultaneously training local workers, improving supplier standards, strengthening environmental performance or introducing solutions that address local needs.
This creates a model in which private-sector investment can contribute to broader economic and social progress.
Conclusion
The develoPPP programme offers an important opportunity for companies seeking to combine sustainable business investment with measurable development impact in developing and emerging markets.
Through develoPPP Classic, eligible projects can receive up to €2 million in public funding, with the public contribution limited to a maximum of 50% of project costs. Companies can also benefit from technical support and local networks.
The programme’s highlighted areas, including sustainable supply chains and vocational training, demonstrate the broad range of projects that can potentially connect commercial objectives with development priorities.
For younger innovative businesses, develoPPP Ventures provides a separate pathway, with a public early-stage investment of up to €100,000 under a matching-funds model.
With opportunities available across more than 60 countries, develoPPP can be particularly valuable to businesses that are serious about sustainable international expansion, skills development, responsible supply chains, environmental and social standards, and innovative solutions to development challenges.
Companies interested in the current develoPPP Classic call should begin preparing early and ensure that their proposed project meets the programme’s detailed requirements.
Deadline: September 30, 2026.
For complete eligibility requirements, application procedures, country information and official programme guidance, applicants should consult the official develoPPP website before submitting a project.
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