German-backed impact investment programme develoPPP Ventures is accepting applications from Ghanaian startups again, offering up to EUR 300,000 in capital after a one-year pause in the country’s selection cycle, with a deadline of June 30, 2026.
The programme is commissioned by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH alongside DEG Impulse gGmbH. In Ghana, the rollout is led by GreenTec Capital Partners in collaboration with local firm Bakerson Limited. The partnership combines pan-African investment experience with on-the-ground expertise to support founders at a critical stage of growth.
Selected startups receive EUR 100,000 in non-dilutive capital, meaning founders give up no equity in exchange for the funding. That base grant is complemented by tailored technical assistance, sector expert guidance, and direct connections across Africa’s venture landscape. High-performing companies can qualify for an additional performance-based top-up of up to EUR 200,000, subject to availability, bringing total potential support to EUR 300,000 per startup. The programme’s matching model also effectively doubles the capital deployed, since every EUR committed by develoPPP Ventures must be matched by private investors.
The track record in Ghana is substantial. The November 2024 cohort secured EUR 1 million in develoPPP funding alone, including more than EUR 500,000 in performance-based top-up funding earned through strong execution. The May 2025 cohort, the most recent, is currently in its initial disbursement and technical assistance phase. Across Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in 2025, the programme deployed over EUR 2.5 million supporting 24 high-growth startups across more than 10 sectors, with the matching model expanding execution capacity to over EUR 5 million. More than 100 startups have been backed across the continent since the programme’s inception.
Alumni founders report that the value extends well beyond the capital itself. Selection carries strong credibility with investors and partners, while the rigorous application process sharpens internal structures, financial planning and overall investment readiness, positioning companies to unlock follow-on funding more effectively.
To qualify, startups must be registered in Ghana, or committed to registering before disbursement. They must hold a market-ready product or service with initial revenues, have raised no more than EUR 2 million in total prior funding, and secure a private matching investment of EUR 100,000. Applicants also need a comprehensive three-year business and financial plan and must demonstrate measurable alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Women-led ventures and businesses advancing gender equality are strongly encouraged to apply. The selection process is competitive, and the programme notes that many founders apply across multiple cycles before qualifying.
Applications are open at www.developpp.de/en/application/ventures. Direct enquiries can be directed to [email protected].
