€200K Grants For Africa-Europe Digital Innovation
The Joint Innovation Facility funds cross-border consortia scaling digitally enabled innovations between Africa and Europe. Non-dilutive grants with mentorship through the JIF Venture Studio. Two tracks: Open (any digital innovation) and AI Focus.
Is This Grant For You?
You Qualify If
- You are an EU-registered company partnering with an African entity
- Or you are an African company (3+ years) in one of the 14 priority countries partnering with an EU entity
- Your solution is digitally enabled — digital tech is central, not an add-on
- Your product or service is already generating revenue
- Your consortium has at least 30% women in leadership roles
- Your innovation has a climate-positive impact or a credible pathway to one
Not For You If
- Your company is from the UK or Switzerland (not eligible)
- Your African partner is outside the 14 priority countries
- Your solution is pre-revenue or purely experimental
- Digital technology is not central to your innovation
- You have already submitted another JIF application as lead partner
Two Tracks, One Facility
Open Track
Any digitally enabled innovation scaling across Africa-Europe. Digital tech must be central to the solution.
AI Focus Track
High-quality applied AI solutions with clear sectoral use case. AI must be integral to functionality, not an add-on. Must explain why AI is necessary vs simpler alternatives.
Which lot fits your project? Let's discuss.
Our Support Packages
Eligibility & Strategy
- Eligibility assessment
- Track recommendation (Open vs AI)
- Consortium structure review
- Climate-positive angle development
- Go/no-go recommendation
- Delivered in 5 business days
Full Application
- Everything in Eligibility & Strategy
- Pre-screening application
- Full grant proposal development
- Budget preparation
- MoU/LoI drafting
- Climate impact framework
- Pitch deck (20 slides)
Aligned incentives. We succeed when you do.
Start NowPost-Award
For successful applicants
- Milestone management
- Progress & financial reporting
- Budget reallocation support
- GIZ compliance management
- JIF Venture Studio coordination
Important Dates
Frequently Asked
What's the difference between €100K and €200K?
For €100K, your lead partner must show at least €50K revenue in the past 6-12 months. For €200K, you need at least €100K in revenue.
Can a European company lead the consortium?
No. The lead partner must be an African entity — either a for-profit company, ESO, or ISO with at least 3 years of operation in one of the 14 priority countries.
Which African countries are eligible?
Benin, DRC, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
What co-financing is required?
Minimum 20% of the grant amount — at least 15% in cash and 5% in-kind. Your own cash contribution is spent first before grant disbursements begin.
Is this a loan?
No. JIF grants are non-dilutive — no equity, no repayment.
What does 'climate-positive' mean?
Your innovation must demonstrate measurable impact on climate mitigation and/or adaptation, or present a credible pathway to doing so. You'll need to define metrics and measurement methodology.
What is the JIF Venture Studio?
Selected projects receive mentorship from sector experts, investment readiness support, networking across Africa and Europe, and access to toolkits and advisory services.
How long does the project last?
Maximum 12 months from kick-off. Funding is disbursed in milestones tied to agreed deliverables.
Check Your Eligibility
Tell us about your Africa-Europe partnership and we'll assess your fit within 48 hours.
Deadline:
April 30, 2026
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — early submissions are strongly encouraged.