Deadline: August 4, 2025
Are you an African-led consortium with a digital innovation that addresses climate challenges? The Joint Innovation Facility is now accepting applications for its latest funding round. With grants ranging from €100,000 to €250,000, this opportunity supports digital and climate-relevant innovations with the potential to transform African and European markets. Applications close on 4 August 2025.
In this blog, we unpack the key details about the Joint Innovation Facility, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
What is the Joint Innovation Facility?
The Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) is a strategic programme under the African-European Digital Innovation Bridge (AEDIB 2.0). It is implemented by SPARK, in collaboration with GIZ Kenya, HAUS – Finnish Institute of Public Management, and funded by the European Union, Germany’s BMZ, and Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
The facility aims to catalyse digital innovations with a climate impact, supporting cross-continental collaborations between African and European actors.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Joint Innovation Facility, applicants must form a consortium led by an African organisation. Each consortium must have at least one partner from Sub-Saharan Africa or Europe. Eligible lead or partner organisations include:
- Startups and small-growing businesses
- Innovation hubs
- Non-profit organisations
- Applied research institutions
Importantly, African partners must be based in one of the following 14 priority countries:
Benin, DRC, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia.
Additionally, teams must ensure at least 30% women representation in leadership roles, and maintain sound governance structures.
Funding Details
The Joint Innovation Facility offers grants between €100,000 and €250,000. Selected projects will follow a milestone-based funding model, requiring:
- 20% co-financing, with at least 10% in cash contributions from the consortium.
This structure ensures that supported projects are both ambitious and financially sustainable.
Priority Areas and Themes
JIF is focused on digital and climate-relevant innovations, particularly those that are:
- Market-ready or near market-ready
- Scalable across regions
- Based on technologies such as AI, IoT, or smart data systems
Key focus sectors include:
- BlueTech
- Smart Cities
- Smart Mobility
- Clean Energy
- Climate-smart Agriculture
Benefits of Being Selected
Participating consortia in the Joint Innovation Facility receive much more than just funding. Selected applicants gain:
- Access to up to €250,000 in funding
- Tailored technical support and mentorship
- Investment-readiness coaching
- Entry into a pan-African and European network of innovators, investors, and development actors
- Increased visibility and market linkage support
Application Timeline
The application process is currently open. The key dates to note are:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Now Open
- Application Deadline: 4 August 2025
Early preparation is highly advised, especially for those forming new cross-regional partnerships.
How to Apply
To begin your application, follow these links:
Final Thoughts
The Joint Innovation Facility presents a unique opportunity for African-led consortia to scale impactful, climate-smart digital innovations through collaboration with European partners. With up to €250,000 in grant funding and support available, this programme is ideal for market-ready solutions looking to grow across borders and drive sustainability.
Don’t miss this chance—submit your Expression of Interest before the deadline.
For help with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
