The Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) is pioneering a transformative shift in climate-focused digital innovation by bridging partnerships between Africa and Europe. Launched under the Africa-Europe Digital Innovation Bridge (AEDIB 2.0) initiative, JIF is an ambitious collaboration developed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and the European Union (EU). It is implemented by GIZ and HAUS, with the goal of scaling cutting-edge solutions for climate resilience and digital progress.
A New Era of Innovation and Impact
JIF focuses on catalyzing joint projects that deliver climate-positive outcomes through digitally enabled solutions. This includes frontier technologies such as AI, IoT, and smart systems, designed to tackle challenges in key sectors like mobility, blue tech, energy, and smart cities.
The initiative encourages African-led consortia, partnering with either European or cross-African organizations, to lead scalable projects that promote climate adaptation, mitigation, and resilience. Eligible African countries include Benin, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and nine others, making this a truly Pan-African opportunity.
“JIF is not just about innovation; it’s about empowerment, inclusion, and sustainability,” say project leads.
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What the Program Offers
Selected projects stand to benefit from:
- Milestone-based non-dilutive funding of €100,000–€250,000
- Tailored mentorship from seasoned investors and innovation experts
- Access to investment readiness tools and technical advisory services
- Strategic visibility and alignment with Agenda 2063 and the EU–Africa partnership goals
- Networking and peer learning across both continents.
Who Can Apply?
JIF invites applications from:
- Startups (Pre-Seed/Seed stage)
- Small growing businesses (SGBs)
- Research institutions
- Digital innovation hubs
- Civil society groups
- Public sector actors
To be eligible, applicants must form a minimum two-member consortium, led by an African entity. The proposed solution must be tested, scalable, and rooted in the local context, with a clear gender-inclusive approach.
Application Process & Timeline
The application process is structured in two stages:
- Expression of Interest & Due Diligence
- Full Grant Proposal & Final Selection
Applications are open from July 17, 2025, to September 15, 2025, with a rolling review process. Late applications will not be accepted.
Submit your full application through the official application form, and send all supporting documents to jif@giz.de. For detailed guidelines, applicants are encouraged to attend the online information session on July 29, 2025.
Building a Sustainable Digital Future Together
Through JIF, Africa and Europe are unlocking the potential of shared innovation ecosystems to address the climate crisis. By investing in local leadership and frontier technologies, this partnership aims to generate long-term, impactful change for communities and ecosystems across both continents.
