develoPPP Ventures Opens €100,000 Non-Dilutive Funding Call

In Short

• develoPPP Ventures has opened applications for its Ideas Competition 2026.
• Eligible African startups can receive up to €100,000 in non-dilutive funding, which means funding that does not take equity.
• The programme uses matching funds, so selected startups must raise at least the same amount from external investors.

What Happened

develoPPP Ventures is offering up to €100,000 in non-dilutive capital for early-stage African startups through its Ideas Competition 2026. The funding is backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The programme is currently open to startups operating in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania. The organisers said more countries are expected to follow.

Startups must be beyond the “startup phase” and already generating initial revenue. In plain terms, this is not pre-revenue grant money. It is designed for companies that have built something, found early customers, and now need capital to scale.

The matching-funds requirement means selected companies must secure at least an equivalent amount from other investors. This can be useful for founders who want grant funding, but it also makes the programme closer to a co-investment process than a standard grant.

Applications open several times per year and run in six-week windows. Shortlisted startups pitch to a decision-making committee. After that, the process includes on-site due diligence, which is a deeper check of the business, finances, and operations, before a funding contract is issued.

Women-led startups, and startups advancing gender equality, are especially encouraged to apply.

Why It Matters

Non-dilutive funding can reduce pressure to raise equity early, especially for startups that are still proving unit economics and growth channels. But the matching requirement means founders need a clear fundraising plan and investor conversations already in motion.

The programme’s focus on Sustainable Development Goals also signals what kinds of business models are likely to win, including solutions tied to health, education, agriculture, climate, and financial inclusion.

Startups considering the call should be ready to show revenue traction, a scaling plan, and credible investor interest that can meet the match.