develoPPP 2026: Apply for Up to €2m Business Funding
Established businesses planning to expand their operations in developing and emerging markets have a fresh opportunity to secure substantial financial and technical support through the develoPPP Classic funding programme.
Backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the programme provides €100,000 to €2 million in public funding for eligible projects, with the public contribution capped at 50 per cent of total project costs. Participating companies must finance at least half of the project themselves.
The programme is designed for projects that deliver both a long-term business benefit and a measurable development impact in the target country. Supported initiatives can cover areas such as sustainable supply chains, skills development, innovative technologies, sustainable agriculture, food security and improved environmental and social standards.
The funding is available across more than 60 developing countries and emerging markets, making it potentially relevant to businesses seeking to establish or strengthen sustainable operations in markets such as Nigeria.
Who Is Eligible?
The programme is aimed at established, privately owned and profit-oriented companies registered in the European Union, an EFTA member country or an OECD-DAC country.
Applicants are required to meet minimum financial and operational conditions, including:
- At least eight employees;
- Minimum annual turnover of €800,000;
- At least two audited annual financial statements;
- Positive annual results and sufficient equity and liquidity to provide the company’s contribution to the project.
Businesses must also demonstrate a long-term commercial interest in the target country, while the proposed project must generate sustainable local benefits aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Projects that merely finance a company’s regular business activities or expansion without an additional development impact do not qualify.
Application Window Open
The develoPPP Classic ideas competition is held twice a year, with application periods running from February 15 to March 31 and August 15 to September 30.
The current application round is open, with eligible businesses required to submit their proposals by September 30, 2026. Applications are submitted through the programme’s central platform to one of its two implementation partners, DEG Impulse gGmbH or GIZ.
The selection process begins with an initial assessment lasting about six weeks. Shortlisted applicants then develop a detailed project concept with their chosen implementation partner before a final assessment and contract decision. Applicants are advised to allow approximately six months from application to project start.
For companies looking to combine business expansion with measurable social, economic or environmental impact, the programme offers a chance to secure significant public funding while accessing technical expertise and development networks.
Interested businesses should confirm their eligibility, prepare a strong project concept and submit their applications before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
Application: develoPPP Classic application platform
Programme information: develoPPP Classic funding details
