GIZ Competitive Fund – Develoment Partnerships with the Private Sector (develoPPP)

About this opportunity

GIZ's develoPPP co-finances private sector projects across Africa up to €2 million. You need EU/EFTA registration, 50% of costs from your own pocket, and proof your business will both make money and improve local livelihoods.

Who can apply

• Registered companies in EU, EFTA, or OECD-DAC countries (includes most African nations)
• Minimum 250 employees or equivalent turnover
• NGOs registered in Germany, EU, or African partner countries
• Businesses with genuine long-term operational plans in the target African country
• Companies able to fund at least 50% of total project costs themselves

Not eligible

• Companies registered only outside EU/EFTA/OECD-DAC countries
• Businesses unable to contribute 50% of project costs
• Projects without clear sustainable development outcomes aligned to UN SDGs

Not sure you qualify? Check in 60 seconds

Documents you will need

• Full business plan with financial projections
• Company registration documents and proof of minimum size (250+ employees or equivalent turnover)
• Impact framework showing development benefits against SDG targets
• Evidence of financial commitment: proof you can cover 50% of costs
• Detailed project budget and cost breakdown
• Company tax compliance records (typically required)

Missing a business plan or CV? Write one for this funder · Build your CV

How to apply, step by step

1. Confirm your company is registered in an EU, EFTA, or OECD-DAC country
2. Decide which track suits you: develoPPP Classic (up to €2m for established companies expanding operations) or develoPPP Ventures (€100,000 for innovative startups)
3. Prepare your business plan, impact framework, registration documents, and evidence of your 50% funding contribution
4. Check the GIZ website for the next application deadline for your chosen competition
5. Submit all documents through the online portal by the deadline
6. Expect initial assessment within weeks; shortlisted applicants may be interviewed or asked for clarifications

How applications are selected

What reviewers look for

• GIZ funds businesses, not charities: prove your project will be profitable and grow locally, not just dependent on grant money
• Link every element to UN SDGs explicitly—vague development claims fail; 'we train 2,000 youth in solar installation over 3 years' works better than 'we create jobs'
• Show you understand the African market: describe local partners, supply chains, customer segments, and competition. Generic plans reject quickly
• Your 50% funding contribution must be real and documented: bank statements, committed investor letters, or shareholder pledges. Promises don't count
• Established companies (Classic) should emphasise expansion of existing operations; startups (Ventures) should highlight the innovation and why you're ready to scale now

Frequently asked questions

Guide written from the official programme page on 15 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

How GrantPilot can help you apply