The Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) is an Africa-Europe initiative aiming to accelerate innovation and foster collaboration across African ecosystems. It is accepting applications for funding ranging from €100,000 to €250,000, supporting ventures in Blue Tech, Energy, Smart Mobility, and Smart Cities.
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When is the Application Deadline:
August 4, 2025
🏆 Tell Me About The Award:
The Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) is a catalytic funding initiative that supports African-led innovation consortia in advancing digitally enabled, commercially viable solutions. JIF provides between €100,000 and €250,000 in funding, along with mentorship, investment readiness, and visibility. The initiative focuses on sustainable innovation across sectors like Blue Tech, Energy, Smart Mobility, and Smart Cities.
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🎓 Which Fields are Eligible?
- Climate Tech
- Smart Mobility
- Blue Tech
- Energy
- Smart Cities
- Frontier Tech (AI, IoT, etc.)
- Digital and Sustainable Innovation
🧾 Type:
Innovation Program / Catalytic Grant Funding
👥 Who can Apply?
Consortia with at least two partners (one Sub-Saharan African lead and one other partner from Sub-Saharan Africa or Europe). The lead must be African-led. Consortia must:
- Align with JIF’s mission
- Have a strong, diverse leadership team (30%+ women in leadership)
- Show commercial viability
- Commit to 20% co-financing (10% in cash minimum)
🧠 How are Applicants Selected?
Two-stage process:
Stage 1:
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Eligibility check & due diligence
Stage 2:
- Shortlisted applicants submit a full proposal
- Final selection based on alignment with JIF goals and quality of submission
🌍 Which Countries Are Eligible?
Applicants must include partners from one or more of these 14 priority countries:
Benin, DRC, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
📍 Where will the Award be Taken?
Primarily implemented within Sub-Saharan Africa, through local African-led consortia
🔢 How Many Awards?
Not specified, but multiple grants will be awarded based on merit
💰 What is the Benefit of the Award?
- €100,000–€250,000 in catalytic funding
- Mentorship & investment readiness support
- Visibility and international networking opportunities
⏳ How Long Will the Award Last?
Project duration not explicitly stated, but grant cycle expected to follow 2025/2026 implementation
📝 How to Apply:
- Stage 1: Complete the Expression of Interest via the Application Form
- Submit required documents to: jif@giz.de
- Only shortlisted applicants will move to Stage 2 for full proposal submission
Frequently Asked Questions Joint Innovation Facility (JIF)
1. What is the aim of the JIF?
The Joint Innovation Fund (JIF) is a catalytic finance mechanism under the Africa–Europe Digital Innovation Bridge (AEDIB 2.0). The fund promotes digital, climate-positive, gender-responsive, and commercially viable innovation, and strengthens both EU–Africa and intra-African partnerships.
2. Will there be more calls for proposals in the future?
Yes, the JIF will continue to fund specific challenge areas with further calls for innovations. As the JIF is currently inviting applicants for its first round of funding, future calls are likely to be adapted based on learning and evaluation.
3. How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the official online application form:
👉 https://project-spark.info/joint-innovation-facility/
4. When should I expect feedback after submitting my application?
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their EOI submission within approximately 4 weeks after the application deadline. After successful completion of the process, we will invite applicants to submit a grant proposal.
5. Are Francophone countries eligible to apply?
Yes. Francophone African countries are welcome to apply. However, please note all communication, documentation, training, and support will be conducted in English. Applicants must be able to engage fluently in English during the program.
6. What is the geographic scope of eligibility?
The call is open to entities from all EU and African countries.
- In Europe: The European Partner must be from any of the EU member states. All EU member states are eligible.
- In Africa: The Africa partner must be a registered entity from 14 Africa project priority countries which are: Botswana, DRC, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
7. What is the overall timeline from application to funding?
Below is the indicative timeline:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; therefore, early submissions are strongly encouraged, as evaluation and selection will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
8. Who can apply to the Joint Innovation Fund?
Eligible applicants must form a consortium of at least two different legally registered entities from Europe–Africa or from Africa.
9. How will winners be selected for grant funding?
Applications will be reviewed according to the Eligibility Criteria. Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to prepare a full grant proposal. More information on the selection process and criteria for grant award will be given at that stage.
10. What are the conditions of the funding?
Entities need to comply with the standards as stipulated in the Eligibility Criteria as well as the requirements of procurement by GIZ. For more information, please visit:
👉 https://project-spark.info/joint-innovation-facility/
Note that GIZ reserves the right to deny funding to any applicant that is not compliant with these rules and regulations.
11. How much funding is available per project?
Selected consortia will receive non-dilutive funding of EUR 100,000 – 250,000, disbursed through a milestone-based grant structure.
12. Are there any terms and conditions applicants must be aware of?
Yes.
All applications must comply with the Terms and Conditions of GIZ.
- Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official online portal as provided. Submissions via any other channels will not be accepted.
- No applications will be accepted after the deadline stated in the call for proposals, regardless of reason
