Six growing businesses in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda are set to expand their operations after securing support under the ninth cohort of develoPPP Ventures. The initiative, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, is providing each selected start-up with €100,000 in non dilutive funding alongside tailored technical support.
The latest investments signal a strong push toward strengthening local enterprises that are already generating revenue and showing proof of concept. Rather than funding ideas at an early stage, develoPPP Ventures focuses on scaling businesses that are operational and ready to grow. The goal is clear. Support solutions that create measurable economic, ecological and social value in developing and emerging markets.
The six companies joining the portfolio operate across sectors that directly affect livelihoods, public health, financial inclusion and environmental sustainability.
CHARIS UAS delivers high resolution geospatial data using drones, smart sensors and AI powered analytics. Its services support infrastructure planning, agriculture, environmental management and anti malaria spraying. By enabling faster access to accurate spatial data, the company helps institutions reduce costs and improve decision making.
EvMak Tanzania is driving digital transformation for micro, small and medium enterprises. Through its payment gateway EvPay and its new solution Nuvia, the company provides tools for digital payments, collections and analytics. These tools help small businesses separate finances, track cash flow and make informed decisions, addressing long standing barriers to growth.
In the health sector, GOAL 3 has developed IMPALA, a ward based patient monitoring and decision support system designed for neonatal, pediatric and maternity care. Built for offline use and integration with national health systems, the system includes multiparameter monitors, a local server and a tablet application. It aims to standardize early detection and response in critical care settings where connectivity may be limited.
Grounded is addressing environmental concerns by producing biodegradable cleaning and personal care products made from locally farmed ingredients. By combining retail, e commerce and white label partnerships, the company promotes sustainable consumption while reducing chemical pollution.
Kayko Group focuses on affordable digital financial tools and point of sale systems for African MSMEs. Through subscription models and hardware sales, it enables small businesses to digitize operations, gain financial visibility and improve access to credit. By doing so, it helps move informal enterprises into the formal economy.
Omiflo applies plant based biotechnology to treat wastewater through decentralized systems that do not rely on energy or chemicals. Its solutions target urban developments and institutions, helping reduce water pollution, meet freshwater demand and improve water security.
Together, these ventures represent a cross section of innovation that addresses pressing local challenges while building commercially viable enterprises.
Scaling Proven Solutions for Local Impact
The develoPPP Ventures model is built on partnership and shared responsibility. Start-ups receive grant funding of €100,000 on the condition that they secure matching funds of at least the same amount from other sources. This approach ensures that supported companies have both investor confidence and financial discipline.
Beyond funding, companies benefit from local technical support designed to strengthen operations and prepare them for expansion. The focus is on scaling solutions that have already demonstrated market demand and initial revenues. Early stage ideas without proof of concept are not eligible for support.
Women led start-ups and businesses promoting gender equality are strongly encouraged to apply, reinforcing the programme’s broader commitment to inclusive growth.
develoPPP itself is a funding programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. It supports companies that seek to invest sustainably in developing and emerging economies while expanding their local presence. A key requirement is a long term business interest in the country and a clear developmental benefit for local communities.
Through develoPPP Classic and develoPPP Ventures, the programme provides customised funding for both established enterprises and ambitious start-ups. Implementation is carried out by DEG Impulse gGmbH and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GIZ GmbH, two experienced institutions in German development cooperation.
For the six new companies in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, the funding represents more than financial support. It is a signal that their business models have both commercial strength and developmental value. As they scale, their impact is expected to extend beyond individual sectors, contributing to stronger local economies, improved public services and more sustainable communities across East Africa.
