The Africa–Europe Digital Innovation Bridge (AEDIB) Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) 2026 is now accepting applications from cross-border consortia working on scalable digital solutions with measurable climate-positive impact.
Designed to strengthen partnerships between African and European innovation ecosystems, the programme supports commercially viable technologies — especially applied AI and advanced data solutions — ready to expand into new markets.
What is the Joint Innovation Facility?
The Joint Innovation Facility is a funding and collaboration mechanism co-developed by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, implemented by GIZ and HAUS.
Its goal is to help African-led partnerships scale proven digital innovations across borders while supporting climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.
Projects must go beyond pilot stage and already generate revenue, demonstrating readiness for expansion between Africa and Europe.
Funding and Support
Selected projects receive both financial and technical scaling support.
Financial support
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Non-dilutive grants of €100,000 or €200,000
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Milestone-based funding structure
Capacity support (JIF Venture Studio)
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Expert mentorship
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Technical advisory services
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Investment readiness preparation
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Cross-border peer learning
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Strategic visibility in Africa–Europe digital transformation initiatives
Focus Areas
All projects must combine digital innovation and climate-positive outcomes.
Digital innovation
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AI-driven solutions
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Data platforms
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Technology-enabled services
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Digitally scalable business models
Climate-positive impact
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Emissions reduction
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Resource efficiency
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Adaptation and resilience solutions
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Environmental sustainability improvements
Two application tracks are available:
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Open Track (general digital innovation)
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AI Focus Track (sector-specific applied AI)
Eligible Countries
African lead partners must be based in:
Benin, DR Congo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
European partners must be located in an EU Member State.
Who Can Apply
Applications must be submitted by a cross-border consortium led by an African organisation. Eligible entities include:
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For-profit companies
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Innovation hubs
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Entrepreneurship Support Organisations
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Research institutions or universities
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Non-profit organisations (if relevant to the project)
Projects must:
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Already generate revenue
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Be commercially viable
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Demonstrate scaling potential
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Show measurable climate impact
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Use digital technologies as the core solution
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Include strong team capacity and collaboration
Application Process
The programme uses a two-stage selection process.
Stage 1 — Pre-screening
Applicants submit a short proposal describing:
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The consortium
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The innovation
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Commercial viability
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Climate impact
Stage 2 — Full Proposal
Shortlisted teams submit a detailed grant proposal assessed on:
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Strategic alignment
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Scalability
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Partnership strength
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Digital innovation quality
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Climate-positive impact
Apply via the online platform here
Contact for enquiries: jif@giz.de
You can also explore [FAQs section] for more information.
Important Dates
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Call opens: 10 February 2026
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First info session: 18 February 2026
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Application deadline: 30 April 2026
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Projects start: August–October 2026 (depending on batch)
Visit here for more grant opportunities.
