Press release: develoPPP Ventures opens applications for fifth cohort in Rwanda with €100,000 in catalytic matching capital for high-impact start-ups

Kigali, Rwanda –May 19, 2026. develoPPP Ventures has opened applications for its fifth 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 programme supports early-stage companies with commercially viable business models that deliver measurable development impact. Since inception, the programme has supported more than 100 ventures across East Africa. In Rwanda, develoPPP Ventures has built its portfolio to 16 companies, unlocking €1.6 million in committed match funding and delivering tailored technical assistance to each venture. These ventures operate across sectors including agriculture and food systems, financial inclusion, health and insurance, clean energy, water and sanitation, digital services, and manufacturing. The portfolio continues to grow, with selected ventures from the fourth cohort currently undergoing contracting. Applications for the fifth Rwanda cohort are open from 15 May to 30 June 2026 through the VC4A platform. Full programme details and FAQs are available on the develoPPP Ventures website. The programme is open to companies that meet the following criteria Privately owned, profit-oriented companies Proven proof of concept and viable business model At least one annual financial statement Not more than €2M in prior funding Registered in Rwanda (or plans to be) High growth potential with break-even within 3 years Women-led and gender-equality-focused businesses are strongly encouraged to apply. Reflecting on this progress in Rwanda, Thomas van Halen, Program Director at VC4A, noted that “the Rwandan portfolio shows that with the right mix of patient capital and practical support, startups can strengthen their businesses and build toward investment readiness.” He added that the programme is contributing to a stronger pipeline of ventures with clearer growth potential and stronger operational foundations. Beyond capital, the initiative focuses on strengthening financial discipline, commercial readiness, and structured pathways for companies bridging the gap between early-stage support and investment readiness. Earlier this year, develoPPP Ventures also convened funders and financiers for a focused exchange on Rwanda's entrepreneurship landscape, reinforcing its role in building stronger ecosystem connections. For participating ventures, this support translates into tangible business growth. Yvette Ishimwe, Founder of Iriba Water Group, shared that the programme “helped us better structure our thinking around the future of the business and brought us closer to our expansion plans.” She further highlighted that the technical assistance enabled the team to develop a comprehensive financial model, providing a clearer outlook on growth, sustainability, and scalability. Applications are also currently open in Kenya,Tanzania, Ghana and South Africa. Media and program inquiries Impact Hub Kigali - programs.kigali@impacthub.net. & gloria.mutoni@impacthub.net. About DEG Impulse DEG Impulse is a wholly owned non-profit subsidiary of DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH. The organization supports the sustainable transformation of the private sector in developing and emerging markets through advisory and promotional programmes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. 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 supporting entrepreneurs in building impactful and sustainable businesses in Rwanda and across the region. Visit kigali.impacthub.net for more information.

News

Press release: develoPPP Ventures opens applications for fifth cohort in Rwanda with €100,000 in catalytic matching capital for high-impact start-ups