develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition: Your Guide to €100,000 in Catalytic Funding

The develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition offers a transformative opportunity for early-stage businesses in emerging markets. Backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this competition provides non-dilutive capital to help innovative start-ups scale their operations while contributing to sustainable development goals.

About the Program

The develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition is designed to support high-potential businesses that have moved beyond the initial start-up phase and are ready to scale. This program specifically targets companies operating in developing nations that demonstrate both operational maturity and significant development potential.

Implemented by DEG Impulse gGmbH and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition focuses on ventures that align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program seeks businesses with innovative solutions that create meaningful ecological, economic, and social impact in their target markets.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition, your company must meet specific operational, financial, and impact criteria:

Operational Prerequisites

Legal Status: Your company must be privately owned and operate for profit
Registration: Must be registered in the target country or commit to registration before contract conclusion
Financial Track Record: At least one annual financial statement must be available
Proof of Concept: Your business model must be operational with a technical proof of concept and initial revenues
Market Innovation: Your business idea must be new to the local market, though it may be established in industrialized countries

Financial Criteria

Total Funding Cap: Your company should not have acquired more than €2 million in total funding to date
Matching Funds: You must secure investment capital equal to the grant amount (€100,000)
Matching Fund Sources: Capital can come from angel investors, VC funds, impact investors, family and friends, current shareholders, or grants
Timing: External capital must be secured by the time of fund disbursement. Matching funds received up to six months before application can be considered if still available
Financial Planning: A viable business plan demonstrating a path to financial self-sufficiency within three years is required
Subsidiarity: Commercial financing alone must not be feasible at the time of application

Development Impact

High development relevance and scalability potential
Significant contribution to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Large market potential with high demand
Capacity for efficiency gains through economies of scale

Benefits

Participants in the develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition gain access to comprehensive support designed to accelerate sustainable growth:

1. Non-Dilutive Capital

Receive €100,000 in funding without giving up equity in your company. This non-equity investment allows you to maintain full ownership while accessing the capital needed to scale.

2. Expert Guidance

Gain personalized technical guidance and tailored support from experienced sector professionals who understand your market and challenges. This mentorship strengthens your strategic direction and operational capabilities.

3. Future Funding Opportunities

High-performing companies may qualify for additional top-up funding in a second phase, depending on growth prospects and performance milestones.

Application Guidelines

The develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition follows a structured application process that varies based on your target country:

Application Platforms

Nigeria or South Africa: Submit through OAP platform
Kenya, Rwanda, or Tanzania: Submit through VC4A platform
Côte d’Ivoire or Ghana: Submit through OAP platform

Country-Specific Contacts

Nigeria or South Africa: Contact GIZ at develoPPPVentures@giz.de
Kenya, Rwanda, or Tanzania: Contact DEG Impulse gGmbH at develoPPPVentures@degimpulse.de

Current Target Countries

For the November-December 2025 call, eligible countries include:

Kenya
Nigeria
Rwanda
South Africa
Tanzania

Note: Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are eligible for future rounds.

Required Documents

Applicants to the develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition must prepare comprehensive documentation throughout the selection process:

Initial Application

Completed online application form
Business overview and pitch materials
Proof of concept documentation
Evidence of initial revenues

Due Diligence Phase

Detailed business plan with financial projections for at least five years
Annual financial statements
Information regarding current and prospective investors
Legal registration documents
Market analysis and scalability assessment

Program Structure and Duration

The develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition operates on a bi-annual cycle with a multi-stage selection process:

Application Cycle

Applications open twice a year for six weeks at the end of the second and fourth quarters. New calls are announced on the program’s website.

Selection Process

Stage 1: Online Submission Submit your application through the designated platform based on your target country.

Stage 2: Initial Screening and Pitch Applications undergo evaluation based on submitted documents and pitches.

Stage 3: Presentation Shortlisted applicants present their business idea to a selection panel organized by DEG Impulse and GIZ.

Stage 4: Due Diligence Selected companies undergo detailed due diligence review, including financial analysis and investor verification.

Stage 5: Field Assessment and Contract Finalists may undergo field assessment before signing the funding agreement. Funds must be used for growth strategy implementation in the target country.

Why You Should Apply

The develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition offers unique advantages for early-stage businesses in emerging markets:

Preserve Your Equity: Unlike traditional venture capital, the €100,000 grant is non-dilutive, allowing you to maintain complete ownership of your company while accessing growth capital.

Leverage Expert Networks: Gain access to experienced professionals who understand the challenges of scaling in emerging markets and can provide strategic guidance tailored to your specific context.

Demonstrate Credibility: Selection for the develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition serves as third-party validation of your business model, making it easier to attract additional investors and partners.

Scale with Impact: Align your growth strategy with global development goals while building a sustainable business that creates lasting positive change in your community.

Access Future Funding: Strong performance opens doors to additional top-up funding, creating a pathway for continued growth support.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit your application to the develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition:

Verify Eligibility: Ensure your company meets all eligibility requirements, including funding limits, operational maturity, and development impact criteria.
Identify Your Platform: Determine which application platform to use based on your target country (OAP for Nigeria/South Africa, VC4A for Kenya/Rwanda/Tanzania).
Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents, including financial statements, proof of concept, and business plans.
Secure Investor Interest: Begin discussions with potential matching fund investors. While you don’t need committed capital before applying, you should be in advanced discussions.
Submit Online Application: Complete and submit your application through the designated platform during the open call period.
Prepare for Pitching: If selected for the next stage, prepare a compelling presentation highlighting your development impact and scalability potential.

For questions about the application process, contact:

Nigeria/South Africa: develoPPPVentures@giz.de
Kenya/Rwanda/Tanzania: develoPPPVentures@degimpulse.de

Deadline

Current Application Deadline: December 31, 2025

The current call for the develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition opened on November 15, 2025, and closes on December 31, 2025. Applications must be submitted before this deadline to be considered for this funding round.

Future Calls: The develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition opens twice annually at the end of the second and fourth quarters. Each call remains open for six weeks. Check the program website regularly for announcements about upcoming application periods.

Quick Reference: develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition

Feature	Details
Grant Amount	€100,000 (non-dilutive)
Funding Model	Matching-funds (equal capital from external investors required)
Maximum Prior Funding	€2 million
Current Eligible Countries	Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania
Application Frequency	Twice yearly (6 weeks each call)
Current Deadline	December 31, 2025
Implementing Partners	DEG Impulse gGmbH and GIZ GmbH
Key Focus	SDG impact, scalability, innovative business models

Don’t miss this opportunity to access catalytic funding and expert support through the develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition. Start preparing your application today!

Click here to apply.

About The Author

Henry Izuu

Henry Izuchukwu is a passionate business administrator who has dedicated his career to transforming lives through education and career development. With a deep commitment to youth empowerment across Africa, he connects aspiring students and young professionals with life-changing opportunities that help them achieve their dreams.

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