Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) is Calling All Climate Innovators – Up to EUR250,000 in funds

The Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) is a dynamic initiative aimed at accelerating digital innovation and fostering meaningful partnerships between Africa and Europe. It provides a platform to scale up transformative, technology-driven solutions that address shared global challenges, particularly those related to climate action and the digital transition.

As part of the forthcoming Africa-Europe Digital Innovation Bridge (AEDIB 2.0)—a flagship initiative under the European Union’s Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package—JIF is designed to promote cross-border collaboration and ecosystem strengthening across the two continents. It is co-developed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, and the European Union (EU). Implementation is led by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) and the Finnish Public Management Institute (HAUS), drawing on their combined expertise in international cooperation, innovation support, and ecosystem development.

Accelerating Innovation for a Climate-Positive Future

JIF seeks to catalyze innovation by supporting joint consortia from Africa and Europe in developing and scaling digital solutions that contribute to a green, resilient, and sustainable future. The initiative prioritizes frontier technologies—including artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced data platforms—that can accelerate progress on climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

Through JIF, selected consortia are given access to tailored funding, mentorship, and capacity-building resources to turn proven or promising ideas into scalable, impactful ventures aligned with Africa-Europe development goals.

Why Join JIF?

Participation in the Joint Innovation Facility provides a unique opportunity for innovation consortia to receive high-impact, milestone-based support designed to help projects scale efficiently while remaining locally relevant and globally competitive.

Selected projects will benefit from:

• Non-dilutive funding ranging from EUR 5,000 to EUR 250,000, disbursed through a milestone-based grant structure. This ensures flexibility and accountability, allowing teams to meet key growth objectives at each stage of development.
• Access to the JIF Project Studio, a structured support mechanism that includes:
  • Mentorship from experienced experts, including investors, climate technologists, and digital entrepreneurs.
  • Toolkits and investment readiness support tailored to the needs of scaling ventures.
  • Technical advisory services to strengthen the technological and operational foundations of each project.
  • Networking and peer-learning opportunities, offering connection to fellow innovators, partners, and stakeholders across Africa and Europe.
• Strategic visibility for the selected innovations, helping them align with and contribute to broader frameworks such as the EU–Africa partnership goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

What Is JIF Looking For?

JIF is currently accepting applications from joint innovation consortia that meet the following criteria:

• Must include at least two partner organizations collaborating across borders: either Africa–EU partnerships or partnerships between different Sub-Saharan African countries.
• Must be led by an African entity from one of the 14 designated priority countries: Benin, DRC, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zambia.
• Proposals must focus on digitally enabled innovations, particularly those leveraging frontier technologies in areas of climate mitigation, adaptation, or resilience.
• Innovations must be tested, with either a track record of implementation or high potential for replication and scale-up.
• Teams should be technically competent, mission-driven, and capable of managing complex, growth-oriented projects.
• Projects must be locally grounded—designed with an understanding of regional needs—yet commercially viable and capable of broader impact.
• Gender responsiveness is strongly encouraged, with preference for projects that promote inclusion and address systemic inequalities.

Application Process

Eligible applicants are encouraged to visit the official JIF platform and submit a proposal via the online application form. The form will guide applicants through the criteria and required documentation. A detailed eligibility document is available for download.

In addition, an information session will be held to assist applicants in understanding the application process, the facility’s objectives, and how to position their projects for success.

Timeline

All relevant dates for the application period, information session, and selection timeline will be posted on the JIF application platform.

For any questions, applicants can reach out to the organizing team through the designated contact channels.

Conclusion

The Joint Innovation Facility is more than a funding opportunity—it is a platform for impact. By bridging Africa and Europe through collaborative innovation, JIF empowers entrepreneurs, technologists, and change-makers to shape a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future for all.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.