develoPPP Ventures has announced the first six companies joining its 10th cohort, with startups from Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda receiving investment support to scale solutions that address key challenges across Africa.
The selected companies are working in areas including sustainable packaging, recycling, education, healthcare, clean transport and human resource technology. Through the programme, each startup will receive €100,000 in non-dilutive capital, alongside technical support and strategic guidance to strengthen their operations and expand their impact.
The funding is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is designed to help young, profit-oriented businesses in developing and emerging markets grow sustainable business models that improve living conditions.
Supporting African Solutions for Environmental and Social Challenges
Among the companies selected is Arth BioBag Ltd, a startup focused on reducing plastic pollution through the production of compostable and biodegradable packaging. The company uses a locally driven manufacturing approach to create environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional plastic packaging.
Arth BioBag’s solutions are designed to reduce carbon emissions, plastic waste and the environmental impact associated with conventional packaging. The company follows international standards and guidelines related to biodegradability, compostability and sustainability, with a focus on responsible production and environmentally friendly practices.
Bottle Logistics East Africa Limited is also joining the portfolio with a mission to strengthen glass recycling and promote a circular economy model. The company provides integrated glass collection, processing and reuse solutions that help reduce waste while improving material recovery for manufacturers.
The company was established after identifying the growing challenge of glass waste in communities and the lack of systems to collect, sort and process recyclable materials. Today, Bottle Logistics works to connect waste generators with glass manufacturers, creating a system where discarded bottles become valuable resources. Through its work, the company contributes to resource conservation, energy savings and a cleaner environment.
In the education sector, Duara Education Community is working to increase access to affordable and quality education by supporting female teachers to establish and operate community-based microschools. The company uses technology and decentralised networks to help teachers build sustainable education businesses in underserved communities.
Starting in Kenya, Duara Education Community aims to make high-quality schooling accessible to millions of African families while creating opportunities for female educators to become education entrepreneurs.
EDPU Africa is addressing healthcare challenges through artificial intelligence-supported mobile health screening technology. Founded in Rwanda in 2021 as a Community Benefits Company, the organisation focuses on improving early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
By using artificial intelligence tools, EDPU Africa is working to make healthcare screening more accessible, efficient and proactive. The company’s goal is to reduce the impact of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and other NCDs by ensuring that more people can access early diagnosis and timely interventions.
Building the Future Through Technology and Sustainable Innovation
E-Safiri is supporting Africa’s transition towards sustainable transport by providing solar-powered mobility and energy infrastructure for underserved communities. The Kenyan company focuses on affordable and environmentally friendly transport alternatives while encouraging the adoption of electric mobility.
Its approach includes expanding electric vehicle charging stations and battery swapping points, using renewable and grid energy solutions to improve access to sustainable transport. The company’s work aligns with Sustainable Development Goals focused on affordable clean energy and sustainable cities.
The final company selected in the first batch is Huza HR, a cloud-based human resources and payroll platform designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises manage workforce information, maintain compliance and create verifiable digital employment records.
Huza HR was created around the belief that African businesses require solutions designed with local challenges in mind. The company develops technology that helps businesses overcome workforce management challenges while providing practical tools that support growth and formal employment systems.
Through the develoPPP Ventures programme, these six companies will receive financial support and specialised assistance to improve their products, strengthen their businesses and prepare for further expansion.
