The develoPPP Ventures programme invites South African impact-driven start-ups to apply for catalytic funding, expert technical assistance, and pan-African scaling support.
The develoPPP Ventures programme has officially opened its latest application cycle for South Africa — marking the third consecutive year the country has featured in one of the most active start-up funding initiatives. Commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and DEG Impulse gGmbH, the programme has already backed more than 100 start-ups across the continent.
South Africa’s rollout is led by GreenTec Capital Partners in collaboration with The Delta, combining deep on-the-ground expertise with pan-African investment experience to support founders at a critical stage of their growth journey.
“Programmes like develoPPP Ventures play a crucial role in bridging the gap between early traction and institutional capital. The combined effect of catalytic funding and structured support serves as a powerful signal and due diligence layer, giving founders the credibility and operational runway to scale confidently across Africa’s venture landscape.”
— Scott Young, Partner, Digital Africa Ventures
In 2025 alone, develoPPP Ventures deployed over €2.5 million across Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, supporting 24 high-growth start-ups operating across more than 10 sectors and addressing critical socio-economic and environmental challenges. Through its matching model, the programme effectively doubled this capital to more than €5 million in execution capacity.
What’s on Offer
Selected start-ups will receive:
- Non-dilutive capital of EUR 100,000 to accelerate growth and market expansion
- Tailor-made technical assistance and strategic guidance from sector experts
- Direct connections across Africa’s fast-growing venture landscape
- Performance-based top-up funding of up to EUR 200,000, subject to availability
Start-ups from previous cohorts expanded into new markets, improved operational efficiency, and raised additional funding. Alumni founders highlight that selection into the programme serves as strong external validation — signalling investment readiness to partners and positioning companies for follow-on investment.
Eligibility & Key Requirements
The programme is designed for privately owned, tech-enabled, profit-driven start-ups that have demonstrated clear market traction. Women-led ventures and businesses advancing gender equality are strongly encouraged to apply.
To qualify, start-ups must meet the following criteria:
- Registered in South Africa (or committed to registering prior to disbursement)
- Total funding raised to date does not exceed EUR 2 million
- Market-ready product or service with initial revenues and proof of concept
- Matching investment of EUR 100,000 from private investors (secured within six months prior to application or before disbursement)
- A comprehensive 3-year business and financial plan outlining strategic use of funds, growth targets, and milestones
- Demonstrable alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and measurable development impact
With a highly competitive selection process, successful applicants demonstrate strong fundamentals and a compelling path to scale. Many founders apply multiple times — but only those who refine their metrics and strengthen their business model ultimately qualify for the programme.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
Interested companies are invited to submit their applications and review the full participation conditions at: www.developpp.de/en/application/ventures
For direct enquiries: applications@greentec-capital.com
About the Programme & Partners
About GIZ
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a global service provider in international cooperation for sustainable development, with over 50 years of experience across more than 120 countries. In South Africa, GIZ currently supports programmes across renewable energy, job creation, and inclusive governance. For more information, visit South Africa | GIZ.
About develoPPP
develoPPP is a funding programme of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), supporting companies that want to invest sustainably in developing or emerging markets. Through develoPPP Classic and develoPPP Ventures, the programme provides customised funding for both established companies and early-stage start-ups. It is implemented by GIZ and DEG Impulse. Learn more at www.develoPPP.de/en.
About GreenTec Capital Partners
GreenTec Capital Partners is an Entrepreneurial Support Organisation (ESO) with over nine years of experience providing investment and venture-building support across Africa. Working alongside partners such as GIZ, AFD, EIB, and UNDP, GreenTec has screened over 1,000 early-stage businesses, guiding the most promising toward investment readiness and long-term impact.
About The Delta
Founded in 2015 and headquartered across Cape Town and Berlin, The Delta is a globally connected venture ecosystem that builds, scales, and funds category-defining companies. Operating across Europe and Africa through four integrated pillars — Studio, Services, Campus, and Network — The Delta creates a self-sustaining cycle of venture creation, support, and capital access. Its model is rooted in the belief that execution is the ultimate differentiator.
