develoPPP Ventures, a funding programme of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ, has selected 9 start-ups from South Africa and Nigeria to receive non-dilutive capital of 100,000 EUR each. Along with the catalytic match funding, the start-ups will receive tailored technical assistance to help scale their businesses and increase their positive impact on their clients.
Implemented by GIZ, the programme marked a new milestone in 2024 with the inclusion of its inaugural cohort in South Africa while hitting its third cycle in Nigeria. Each company, having passed through a rigorous selection process, was chosen for its impressive traction to date. The businesses also showcased potential to address customer needs and deliver sustainable solutions and generating significant impact. The funding and tailored technical support aim to help these companies achieve their growth targets.
Meet the selected start-ups from develoPPP Ventures Nigeria cohort 3 and South Africa cohort 1
Nigeria cohort 3:
A real estate platform, leveraging technology to provide flexible rental solutions.
Earthbond is a one-stop-shop for African SMEs transitioning from inconsistent, expensive power to affordable, reliable solar that meets their energy demand and their budget using innovative financing and carbon credits.
We connect farmers and traders through our Amana Market platform. We facilitate product financing for the traders. In addition, we enable companies access and interact with informal markets through our Amana Analytics product.
We enable entities to become a better version of themselves by providing top-notch cybersecurity solutions to ensure organization are consistently secure.
South Africa cohort 1:
With the Franc app, anyone can now invest in leading cash and equity funds in just a few minutes. No minimums. No paperwork. No fine print. Just the way investing should be: smart, simple and Franc.
Biocode develops inflammation-centred medical diagnostics that contribute to the management and improvement of human health and well-being.
Michanic offers a revolutionary approach to car repairs and maintenance. Recognized as the most trusted mobile mechanics, we bring expert services directly to your doorstep.
Envisionit Deep AI is an innovative medtech dedicated to harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to enhance medical imaging and diagnostics.
Adagin is a precision farm management tool, providing real-time data and insights to optimise farmers’ profitability, yield (efficiency) and quality (waste reduction).
The VC4A team is proud to support the implementation of the develoPPP Ventures programme, from the sourcing of candidates to the selection competitions and Due Diligence phase, the contracting stage and portfolio management and provision of technical assistance to the companies. We congratulate each company on this list for the well-deserved recognition and the support they will receive. VC4A supported the programme’s implementation and leveraged the strengths of local partners – Diligence Africa in Nigeria and Jozi Angels in South Africa. Each partner provided critical insights and expertise that helped in selecting companies that aligned with the programme’s mission.
Portfolio
The companies selected are added to the growing portfolio of the develoPPP Ventures programme in Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and soon Côte d’Ivoire. In total there are now 34 companies supported by GIZ over a wide-range of sectors. View the complete overview below.
What’s next?
Applications are now open for the first cohort in Côte d’Ivoire, implemented by GIZ, and across East Africa in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania implemented by DEG Impulse.
The develoPPP Ventures call for applications takes place twice a year for six weeks at the end of a Q2 and Q4. A new call for applications will be announced on the website prior to the start of the application window for Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa in 2025.
This is a chance for entrepreneurs to receive funding, expert advice, and the tools needed to scale up their innovative solutions. Visit the website for more information: developPPP Ventures.