How to Access GIZ Make-IT in Africa Entrepreneurship Grants as an African Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship in Africa is booming. The continent is home to a young, dynamic, and increasingly tech-savvy population eager to build innovative solutions to local and global problems. Amid this growing entrepreneurial wave, access to funding remains a persistent challenge for many startups and early-stage businesses. However, organizations like the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) are working to close this gap, notably through the Make-IT in Africa initiative.

This program has been a vital resource for entrepreneurs across the continent, offering not only financial grants but also access to networks, mentorship, and acceleration programs. Understanding how to access these grants can be a game-changer for African entrepreneurs.

This article breaks down everything you need to know to tap into GIZ Make-IT in Africa entrepreneurship grants — from understanding the organization’s mission to navigating the application process and making the most of the opportunities once selected.

Understanding GIZ and the Make-IT in Africa Initiative

GIZ is a German development agency that works around the globe on behalf of the German Federal Government. It collaborates with local governments, private sector organizations, and civil society to implement sustainable development programs. One of its key focuses in Africa is promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology through programs like Make-IT in Africa.

Make-IT in Africa is specifically designed to support digital startups and innovation-driven enterprises across sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative aims to create an enabling environment for tech entrepreneurship by:

• Supporting early-stage and growth-stage startups

• Facilitating access to finance and investment

• Strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems

• Promoting inclusive digital innovation

The initiative often partners with local hubs, incubators, accelerators, and ecosystem builders to deliver its programs.

What Are GIZ Make-IT in Africa Grants?

Unlike traditional startup funding, the Make-IT in Africa program offers various types of support, which may include direct grants, technical assistance, mentorship, training, and access to international networks. These grants are usually not loans; they are non-repayable financial support aimed at helping entrepreneurs solve pressing development challenges through innovation.

The grants typically focus on startups that use digital technology to create scalable solutions in sectors such as:

• Agriculture (AgriTech)

• Education (EdTech)

• Health (HealthTech)

• Financial inclusion (FinTech)

• Smart cities and infrastructure

• Renewable energy and environment

• Gender inclusion and female entrepreneurship

Grant amounts and criteria vary by program cycle, but the overarching goal is to empower startups that have a high potential for social and economic impact.

Eligibility Criteria

While eligibility criteria may differ slightly depending on the specific grant program or cohort, most Make-IT in Africa opportunities share common requirements. Generally, to qualify, you must:

1. Be a legally registered startup based in a sub-Saharan African country.

2. Operate within the tech or digital innovation space (tech-enabled solutions are often preferred).

3. Be an early-stage or growth-stage enterprise, usually with a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype.

4. Have a strong and diverse team, especially one with complementary skills in business and technology.

5. Demonstrate potential for scalability and impact, particularly in terms of job creation, sustainability, and inclusivity.

6. Align with GIZ’s development goals, such as gender equality, digital literacy, or green innovation.

Some grant programs may also focus on women-led businesses, youth entrepreneurs, or specific geographic areas.

Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing the Grants

1. Research the Latest Opportunities

The first step in accessing Make-IT in Africa grants is to stay informed about ongoing and upcoming funding calls. Since the initiative partners with various regional and local hubs, grant calls may be disseminated through different channels, including:

• Innovation hubs and accelerators

• National entrepreneurship networks

• Startup community platforms

• Social media

• Direct GIZ announcements

Be proactive in subscribing to newsletters, joining startup communities, and attending local ecosystem events where these opportunities are discussed.

2. Understand the Program Structure

Each cohort or grant cycle may differ in terms of its structure, duration, funding size, and application process. Some grants are part of a broader accelerator program, while others are disbursed as part of ecosystem development initiatives.

Understand whether the program offers:

• Seed grants or equity-free funding

• Mentorship and training

• Access to investor networks

• Pilot or co-creation opportunities with government or corporate partners

Having a clear idea of what you’re applying for ensures that your business model aligns with the program’s goals.

3. Prepare Your Application Materials

Once you identify an open call, the next step is preparing your application materials. A typical grant application will require the following:

• Pitch deck: A visually compelling presentation that outlines your value proposition, market opportunity, business model, traction, team, and financials.

• Business plan or canvas: A detailed document explaining your startup’s goals, roadmap, competitive advantage, and monetization strategy.

• Registration and legal documents: Proof that your startup is legally registered in your country.

• Founder and team bios: Professional profiles that highlight the competencies and experience of your team.

• Product demo or MVP: If available, showcasing your prototype or working solution can significantly boost your application.

Ensure your documents are professionally formatted, free of errors, and tailored to the specific themes of the grant.

4. Submit Your Application Before Deadline

Time is crucial. Many applicants miss out on opportunities because of late submissions. Be sure to:

• Submit well before the deadline

• Double-check all your documents

• Follow any naming or formatting instructions provided

• Keep confirmation emails and receipts for your records

In some cases, you may be required to submit through a partner organization or platform, so familiarize yourself with the correct submission portal.

5. Prepare for Interviews or Pitch Sessions

Shortlisted candidates are usually invited for interviews or live pitching events. If you reach this stage, congratulations — you’ve made it past the most competitive round.

To prepare:

• Refine your pitch to focus on your impact, sustainability, and growth strategy.

• Practice answering common questions about your revenue model, customer acquisition, and team dynamics.

• Be clear on how you will use the grant funds and how they will help achieve measurable outcomes.

Remember, clarity, confidence, and storytelling are key here.

6. Comply with Monitoring and Reporting Requirements

If selected, your startup will be required to comply with reporting obligations. GIZ typically wants to track how the grant is used and its outcomes. This may involve:

• Monthly or quarterly reports

• Financial statements

• Impact metrics (e.g., jobs created, people reached, revenue growth)

• Participation in demo days or workshops

Being diligent in your reporting can open up further funding opportunities and partnerships in the future.

Beyond Funding: Other Benefits of the Program

While funding is a major draw, GIZ Make-IT in Africa grants come with a host of additional benefits that can propel your startup to new heights:

Access to Global Networks

Grantees are often connected to GIZ’s vast network of partners, including other startups, investors, corporates, and government agencies. These connections can open doors to new markets, clients, and funding rounds.

Technical Assistance and Mentorship

Many of the program cycles include one-on-one coaching sessions, technical training, and mentorship from industry experts. These resources are invaluable for founders who may lack access to quality support locally.

Visibility and Credibility

Being part of a GIZ-supported program adds significant credibility to your startup. It sends a strong signal to investors, partners, and customers that you are solving real problems and have institutional backing.

Partnership Opportunities

Some Make-IT in Africa cohorts facilitate co-creation or pilot opportunities with public or private sector players. This could lead to long-term commercial contracts, strategic alliances, or further investments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most promising startups can miss out on funding due to avoidable mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Incomplete applications: Double-check all required fields and attachments before submitting.

• Generic pitch decks: Tailor your pitch to each specific grant, focusing on how your startup aligns with the program’s goals.

• Overpromising: Be ambitious but realistic about your goals and what you can achieve with the grant.

• Ignoring impact: GIZ is focused on development outcomes. Emphasize how your startup contributes to positive social or economic change.

• Poor communication: If invited for interviews or calls, be prompt, prepared, and professional.

How to Strengthen Your Chances

To boost your chances of winning a grant:

1. Engage with the ecosystem: Participate in local innovation challenges, hackathons, and bootcamps.

2. Seek feedback: Have mentors or advisors review your application before submission.

3. Focus on impact: Emphasize how your solution improves lives, creates jobs, or solves pressing community issues.

4. Demonstrate traction: Even small milestones like pilot results or early revenues make a difference.

5. Build a strong team: Diverse, committed, and skilled teams stand out.

Success Stories

Many African startups that participated in Make-IT in Africa programs have gone on to achieve impressive growth. These include businesses that have:

• Expanded into new markets

• Raised follow-on funding from international VCs

• Won international awards

• Partnered with governments or NGOs for large-scale deployment

• Created employment for hundreds of youth and women

Their journeys underscore the value of not just receiving funding, but being part of a larger ecosystem committed to long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Accessing GIZ Make-IT in Africa entrepreneurship grants isn’t just about ticking boxes on an application form. It’s about positioning your startup as a driver of innovation, impact, and inclusive growth in Africa’s digital economy.

The initiative is more than a funding program — it’s a gateway to a community of changemakers, investors, policymakers, and mentors all working to unlock the continent’s potential.

For any African entrepreneur ready to take their venture to the next level, GIZ’s Make-IT in Africa grants offer a powerful springboard. With the right preparation, persistence, and passion, your startup could be the next big success story.