By Earth Focus Network News
“With bundled resources, shared know-how, and joint networks, we can better solve the urgent problems of our time and anchor success sustainably.”
— develoPPP Programme, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
A powerful funding opportunity is now open for companies ready to scale sustainable business solutions, strengthen environmental and social standards, and create measurable impact in emerging markets. The develoPPP programme, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is calling for applications.
With €100,000 to €2 million in co-financing—covering up to 50% of total project costs—develoPPP offers more than just funding. It provides access to local expertise, implementation support, and strong development networks that help turn ideas into successful projects on the ground.
The call closes September 30, 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity.
What is develoPPP?
For over twenty years, develoPPP has successfully fostered partnerships with the private sector. The program is built on a simple but powerful premise: public and private actors achieve more together. Companies bring industry-specific expertise, new technologies, and creative approaches, while implementing partners like GIZ and DEG Impulse contribute development policy expertise, skilled staff in the field, and a global network encompassing policymakers, the private sector, and civil society.
The result is a win-win situation: success for companies and measurable development benefits for local communities.
Two Tailored Funding Instruments
develoPPP offers two distinct funding instruments to match your company’s stage and needs.
1. develoPPP Classic: For Established Companies
💰 Funding: €100,000 – €2 million (public contribution)
📅 Application Windows: 15 February – 31 March & 15 August – 30 September (bi-annual)
🏢 For: Established companies ready to invest sustainably in developing or emerging markets.
✅ Key Requirements:
- Minimum 8 employees
- Minimum €800,000 annual turnover
- At least 2 audited annual financial statements
- Positive annual result and solid equity/liquidity position
- Long-term operational interest in the country
- Demonstrable development policy benefit
🔑 What It Supports:
- Training local skilled workers
- Piloting innovative technologies
- Securing value chains
- Improving environmental and social standards
- Expanding operational activities locally
2. develoPPP Ventures: For Growing Startups
💰 Funding: €100,000 (non-dilutive matching fund) + up to €200,000 performance-based top-up
📅 Application Windows: 31 March & 30 September (bi-annual)
🚀 For: Young companies with innovative business models ready to scale.
✅ Key Requirements:
- Privately owned and profit-oriented
- Proof of concept with initial revenues
- At least one annual financial statement
- Registered in an eligible country (or committed to register)
- Matching funds of at least €100,000 from private investors
- High growth potential with break-even within 3 years
- Not more than €2 million in prior funding
- Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
💡 Women-led ventures and businesses advancing gender equality are strongly encouraged to apply.
Why This Matters for Earth Focus Network & Here For Hope Foundation
The develoPPP programme aligns directly with our work in:
| Our Work | develoPPP Alignment |
|---|---|
| Climate-Smart Agriculture & Farmer Training | Climate action, sustainable value chains, training local experts |
| Ecosystem Restoration & Tree Planting | Environmental standards, climate protection, sustainable production |
| Youth Engagement & Eco-Clubs | Skills development, employment creation, inclusive growth |
| Community Empowerment | Social standards, development policy impact, measurable results |
| Earth Focus Network Platform | Business innovation, market development, partnerships |
Who Has Benefited? Impact at a Glance
Since 1999, develoPPP has achieved remarkable results:
- 2,847 development partnerships completed or ongoing
- 2.847 billion euros in total project volume
- 42,000+ companies supported to access markets
- 33,000+ people with improved working conditions
- 36,000+ tonnes of CO₂ avoided annually through climate-friendly methods
In 2025 alone, 87 successful develoPPP projects were completed with a project volume of €93 million and a 46% public contribution.
Success Stories
develoPPP Ventures in East Africa:
“The develoPPP Ventures program has been a key catalyst in our growth journey. Through the program, we’ve successfully refined our business model, brought on board qualified personnel, and expanded into new markets through strategic partnerships. It’s truly been a game changer for our business.”
— Eric Onchonga, Co-founder and MD of Irri-Hub
The programme has committed over €10 million to the Kenyan ecosystem alone, supporting pioneers across Agriculture, Health, Fintech, and Clean Energy . Across Africa, 100+ startups have been integrated into the development portfolio.
How to Apply
Step 1: Determine Your Fit
- develoPPP Classic: Established companies with operational experience
- develoPPP Ventures: Startups with proof of concept and matching funds
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
- Submit your project idea through the regular ideas competitions
- Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria
- Articulate your development policy impact clearly
Step 3: Apply
- Online Portal: Applications are managed through the central develoPPP platform
- Implementing Partners: Choose between DEG Impulse or GIZ as your implementing partner
Step 4: Key Deadlines
- September 30, 2026: Current call closes
- March 31, 2027: Next application window opens
Key Requirements Summary
| Requirement | develoPPP Classic | develoPPP Ventures |
|---|---|---|
| Company Stage | Established | Startup (post-proof of concept) |
| Funding | €100,000 – €2 million | €100,000 (matching fund) |
| Co-financing | Minimum 50% of costs | Matching funds required |
| Employees | Minimum 8 | Not specified |
| Annual Turnover | Minimum €800,000 | Not specified |
| Financial Statements | 2 audited years | At least 1 |
| Registration | In eligible country | In eligible country (or committed) |
| Prior Funding | Not specified | Maximum €2 million |
| Break-even | Not specified | Within 3 years |
| Application Windows | Bi-annual (Mar & Sep) | Bi-annual (Mar & Sep) |
Call to Action
Is your company ready to scale sustainable solutions in an emerging market?
- 🌐 Visit develoPPP Website: www.develoPPP.de/en
- 📧 Contact GIZ: develoPPP@giz.de
- 📧 Contact DEG Impulse: develoPPP@degimpulse.de
- 📝 Apply Now: The call closes September 30, 2026
This article was developed by Earth Focus Network News to inform our community about the develoPPP funding programme and its relevance to sustainable business development in Rwanda and across Africa. We thank the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ, and DEG Impulse for their commitment to supporting private sector engagement in development.
🌍 Will you apply for develoPPP funding? Share your project ideas in the comments and let’s build a community of successful appl Earth Focus Network: Your Partner in Climate Action
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