develoPPP Ventures has introduced the second group of startups selected under its 9th cohort in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. The initiative, financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, is designed to help young companies grow solutions that improve lives while building sustainable businesses.
Each selected company will receive €100,000 in non dilutive funding, provided they secure matching funds from other investors. Beyond capital, they will also benefit from tailored technical support to strengthen operations and prepare for scale. The focus is clear. These are businesses that already have proof of concept and early revenues. The funding is not for startups at idea stage. It is for companies ready to grow and expand their reach.
Scaling Businesses That Solve Real Problems
The new cohort reflects a wide range of sectors that are central to East Africa’s development.
PROTEEN is turning agricultural waste into opportunity. The company converts avocado oil pomace into premium organic fertilizer using black soldier fly bioconversion. Its circular production model reduces waste, restores soil health and supports regenerative agriculture. In a region where farming remains the backbone of the economy, this solution strengthens productivity while protecting the environment.
Rada 360 is advancing precision agriculture through technology. Its Rada Space platform uses satellite based crop and forest monitoring, integrating AI analytics and localized weather data. Farmers can reduce input costs, monitor crop health and validate crop insurance claims. The system also helps them demonstrate compliance with sustainability regulations, a growing requirement in global markets. By combining data and accessibility, the company is helping farmers make smarter decisions.
Save Directly is addressing financial vulnerability among informal workers. Through USSD and mobile platforms, the company allows workers to access affordable insurance through flexible micro installments. Many informal workers have no safety net. By lowering the cost and simplifying access, Save Directly is opening pathways to formal financial services and building stronger economic resilience for families.
Silverleaf Academy is transforming education through technology. The organization operates affordable, tech enabled primary schools and a Talent Academy. Its blended model combines in person instruction with digital lessons and AI powered pedagogy. The goal is to improve the quality of teaching while making education more accessible. By investing in teachers and using digital tools to enhance learning, Silverleaf Academy is building a pipeline of skilled and future ready educators.
SUMET Technologies is reshaping how brands enter new markets. It offers an all in one solution for marketing, sales and distribution. Through its Mobile Retailer Network, freelancers use smartphones to resell goods. This model creates income opportunities while giving brands a cost efficient way to expand into new markets. For many young people, it also provides a practical path into entrepreneurship.
Tanganyika Blue is working at the intersection of aquaculture and conservation. The company farms native Tanganyika Tilapia in Lake Tanganyika. It supplies plate sized fish to markets and improved fingerlings to local fishers. By doing so, it reduces pressure on wild fish stocks and protects the lake’s ecosystem. At the same time, it strengthens livelihoods in local communities that depend on fishing.
ZanaAfrica is focused on health and dignity. Under its Nia brand, the company provides affordable and high quality menstrual and maternal care products. It also offers reproductive health education and digital support through a chatbot and hotline. By combining products with information, ZanaAfrica is changing how girls and women experience health and opportunity.
Together, these companies demonstrate how business can address environmental challenges, financial inclusion, education gaps and public health needs while generating revenue and jobs.
A Model Designed for Sustainable Growth
develoPPP Ventures is aimed at young companies with innovative business models that contribute to sustainable economic, environmental and social development in developing and emerging markets. The instrument supports companies that are already active and generating revenue. Proof of concept must be established before funding is considered. Early stage financing is not part of the program.
The model is built around matching funds. If a startup secures at least €100,000 from additional investors, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development provides a grant of €100,000 to support growth investments. This approach ensures that selected companies have investor confidence and market validation before scaling.
The program is financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by DEG Impulse, with implementation support in East Africa from VC4A, Ennovate Ventures and Impact Hub Kigali.
The initiative is currently available in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania, with more countries expected to follow. Women led startups and businesses promoting gender equality are strongly encouraged to apply, reinforcing the program’s focus on inclusive growth.
By backing companies that combine commercial strength with measurable impact, develoPPP Ventures is contributing to a new generation of African enterprises. These startups are not only solving local problems. They are building systems that can scale, attract investment and create long term value. With capital, technical support and investor alignment, the program is helping them move from promising ventures to established businesses that shape markets and improve lives across the region.
