Kigali, Rwanda – 17 November 2025: develoPPP Ventures has opened applications for its fourth cohort in Rwanda. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by DEG Impulse GmbH, a subsidiary of the German development finance institution DEG together with VC4A and Impact Hub Kigali, the program supports early-stage companies with commercially viable business models that deliver measurable development impact. A Strengthened and Growing Portfolio Across its regional footprint, the program now includes more than 100 ventures in its portfolio. Rwanda contributes 14 of these companies, with 8 already funded and receiving tailored technical assistance, and 5 additional companies currently in the documentation phase to be presented to the Investment Committee. This expansion highlights the continued relevance of catalytic funding in enabling private-sector innovation, job creation, and sustainable business growth. Ecosystem Insights During the recent develoPPP Ventures networking mixer in Kigali, ecosystem leaders underscored the importance of early-stage support mechanisms in strengthening Rwanda’s innovation landscape. Participants included a range of actors across mobility, technology, and entrepreneurship, such as Ampersand (a judge during the program’s inaugural cohort pitch event) and Norrsken East Africa. “Programs like develoPPP give entrepreneurs a real chance. Non-dilutive funding is a huge value - it gives founders the opportunity to take their businesses beyond the starting point.” — Alp Tilev, Co-Founder & President, Ampersand “This is why I appreciate the develoPPP program. At some point, we need to move beyond clichés like startup, VC, or exits, and instead evaluate every business on its own merits. When I look at the develoPPP portfolio, I see a beautiful portfolio.” — Pacific Tuyishime, Chief Investment Officer, Norrsken East Africa Who Should Apply? The program targets early-stage, privately owned, profit-oriented companies with validated business models, initial revenue traction, and a credible path to break-even within three years. Applicants must be registered in Rwanda (or commit to register before contracting) and able to secure matching funds from private investors. Women-led companies and those advancing gender equality are strongly encouraged to apply. Application Window Apply by 31 December 2025 Rwandan entrepreneurs can apply via the VC4A platform. Full details and FAQs are available on the develoPPP Ventures website. Calls are also open in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa. Strengthening Private-Sector Development Through catalytic matching funds and tailored technical support, develoPPP Ventures enables young companies to scale sustainably, strengthen their operations, expand market access, and contribute to economic, social and environment development across Rwanda and the wider region. Media and Program Inquiries Impact Hub Kigali - programs.kigali@impacthub.net. & gloria.mutoni@impacthub.net. About DEG Impulse DEG Impulse is a 100 % non-profit subsidiary of the German Development Finance Institution DEG - Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH. DEG Impulse promotes the sustainable transition of the private sector in developing and emerging-market countries and supports development policy goals as defined by the Sustainable Development Goals. Via our advisory and promotional programmes we support the transformation process of companies and enable them to implement their projects efficiently and effectively, in order to generate both commercial success and development-policy benefits. degimpulse.de About VC4A VC4A is a global startup ecosystem builder supporting thousands of ventures across emerging markets. Learn more at VC4A.com. About Impact Hub Kigali Impact Hub Kigali is a leading innovation hub enabling Rwandan entrepreneurs to build impactful, sustainable businesses. Visit kigali.impacthub.net for more information.
