Joint innovation facility 2025 offers up to €250,000 for African climate-tech startups
The first-ever Joint Innovation Facility 2025 (JIF) is now open, offering up to €250,000 in funding to African-led teams building climate-positive, tech-enabled solutions.
Launched by the European Union, GIZ (on behalf of the German Government BMZ), and HAUS Finland, the initiative will back up to 25 innovation teams through non-dilutive grants and tailored growth support. It aims to accelerate climate action through digital collaboration between Africa and Europe.
With Africa facing some of the world’s harshest climate realities, from floods to extreme heat, the JIF aims to channel capital and capacity into scalable, local innovations that address these issues head-on. Over the past few years, Africa has experienced significant changes in its weather patterns. For instance, Floods, drought, and extreme heat are striking millions. And in the past year alone, reports show that 700,000 people were displaced across Africa due to climate-driven emergencies.
Certain parts of Africa get hit the hardest in these conditions. North Africa is now reportedly the fastest-warming region on the continent, with an average temperature increase of +1.28°C above the 1991–2020 average. Also, West Africa has seen flooding affect over 4 million people in a single season. At the same time, southern Africa (Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe) recorded their worst drought in decades, slashing harvests by up to 50%.
Whether you are building clean mobility solutions, blue tech innovations, or energy-efficient smart city systems, this is your chance to scale with capital, credibility and connections.
Who can apply
The Joint Innovation Facility 2025 is open to consortia led by organisations based in one of the following African countries: Benin, DRC, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Each consortium must meet the following criteria:
- Include at least two partner organisations working across borders (either between Africa and Europe or within Sub-Saharan Africa)
- Present a tested digital innovation that demonstrates a measurable climate impact
- Have a strong, gender-responsive team
- Show clear potential for scalability and commercial viability
- Demonstrate a need for strategic funding to support growth
Organisers of the Joint Innovation Facility 2025 are also particular about solutions that demonstrate measurable climate-positive impact in at least one of these areas: climate mitigation, adaptation, or resilience. This could involve reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, enabling clean water access, or enhancing urban sustainability. JIF is particularly interested in digital innovations using frontier tech like AI, IoT, or data systems, for impact in blue tech, mobility, energy, or smart cities.
Benefits
Projects selected for the Joint Innovation Facility 2025 receive:
- Up to €250,000 in non-dilutive funding, with grants ranging between €100,000 and €250,000 released in milestones.
- Access to the JIF Project Studio, along with mentorship from experienced investors and climate tech experts.
- Toolkits, technical advisory, and support for investment readiness.
- Opportunities for peer learning and exposure across Africa and Europe.
- Strategic visibility and alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.
How to apply
The application process is split into two stages:
- Stage 1: Submit a short concept note outlining your solution, consortium, and proposed impact
- Stage 2: If shortlisted, you will be invited to develop a full proposal with support from the JIF team
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted consortia will receive coaching and feedback to strengthen their full submissions. Applications for the Joint Innovation Facility 2025 close on Monday, September 15, 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
Do you have an innovative business (small, mid-scale business or startup) that adds value, creates opportunities or solves bold problems? Then you`ve got a story worth telling? Shoot us an email with the subject “Story Worth Telling (+Name of Business)” to [email protected]
