South Africa research leadership

Large-scale health innovation projects with proven concept seeking transition to scale. Diagnostic and treatment innovations, market-shaping interventions, supply chain solutions. Primarily works with established international organizations (CHAI, Amref, Jhpiego, MSF).

National NGOs, CSOs, and implementers with WASH expertise. Increasingly interested in market-based sanitation businesses (MSMEs) and innovative WASH solutions.

Healthcare companies with scalability, committed to governance and ethical operations

Play and child development

Community foundation capacity

Innovative assistive technology solutions that can improve the lives of persons with disabilities at scale. AT Impact Fund provides up to £200K of grant funding alongside expert-led venture-building support. The AT2030 programme (FCDO-funded) is testing 'what works' in assistive technology across 30+ countries. Innovate Now (their Africa accelerator) has run 10 cohorts supporting 90+ ventures across 11 countries. They value co-design with persons with disabilities and scalable business models.

German development agency with multiple SME-focused programs. develoPPP Ventures: up to EUR 100K grants for startups in SA. SAIS: agri-tech investment readiness + EUR 20K for African agtech startups. WIDU: EUR 3-5K matching grants for diaspora-backed entrepreneurs. AfNEXT: SME support in Ghana. EnDev (Energising Development): Results-Based Financing for energy access — solar companies and clean cooking providers receive performance-based grants upon verified delivery of products to end users. Active in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Mozambique, and more.

Founders building category-defining companies in Africa. They invest in people first. Strong thesis around Technology, Infrastructure, Media, and Environment as Africa's key growth sectors.

Celo-based companies building climate and fintech solutions with African founders

Tech founders with product or validated idea

Sports for social development

Organizations with deep expertise in girls' education and a proven ability to create systems-level change. Echidna values evidence-based approaches, scalability, and work that addresses the root causes of gender inequality in education — not just symptoms.

Emerging economies investment

Regional businesses with export potential or infrastructure

EAC member projects and development financing

SA-based growth-stage VC. Focus on scaling African tech companies. Multiple fund strategies.

Established NGOs with deep field presence and proven education outcomes. Strong preference for programs serving refugees, displaced populations, and underserved communities. Proposals must demonstrate clear pathways from education to improved livelihoods. Dubai Cares values integrated approaches combining multiple education interventions.

Early to established social enterprises

Locally-led organizations building inclusive economies with clear social and environmental benefit. DOEN prioritizes systems-change potential — initiatives that can shift entire sectors or ecosystems rather than incremental improvements. Strong emphasis on circular economy, green transitions, and social innovation.

East African SMEs with strong growth and employment creation