Call for Applications: Diaspora Investor Training and SME Matchmaking Programme
Empowering Diaspora Investors to Drive Sustainable Development
November 3 – December 8, 2026 | Germany-based diaspora | 6-week blended programme
Are you a member of the diaspora in Germany looking to make a meaningful impact in your country of origin? Do you have an interest in angel investing but need the practical skills, network, and structured framework to get started?
Applications are open for the Diaspora Investor Training and SME Matchmaking Programme, a six-week intensive programme designed to help first-time and retail diaspora investors move from passive remitters to active, informed angel investors.
This pilot is commissioned under the global programme “Shaping development-oriented migration” (MEG), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ, and aligns with the programme’s Business Ideas for Development (BID) initiative to channel diaspora potential toward sustainable economic development. Zidicircle is implementing the investor training and SME matching component. Read more about this programme here
Access to early-stage growth capital remains one of the most persistent challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets. Diaspora capital has historically flowed into remittances and low-liquidity assets like real estate, leaving a gap in structured risk capital for high-growth local enterprises. This training programme will build SME investing capacities among diaspora members in Germany to be able to comfortably participate in SME Investments.
Application Form
Target Cohort and Partner Countries
The programme targets diaspora members residing in Germany who originate from eight designated BID partner countries: Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Serbia, Tunisia and Vietnam.
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for committed members of the diaspora residing in Germany who:
- Originate from one of the BID partner countries; Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Serbia, Tunisia and Vietnam
- Have a strong interest in supporting SME growth and entrepreneurship in their home country
- Can dedicate around two hours a week to capacity-building sessions and practical investment exercises
- Are ready to learn, engage, and connect with other diaspora investors
- Are willing to make investments after completing the training
Programme Highlights: What You Will Learn
The six-week blended learning curriculum is designed to demystify SME valuation, legal frameworks, and the investment process:
- Block 1 — Basics of SME Investing: Understanding the angel investing landscape, startup vs. SME funding models, and risk-return profiles.
- Block 2 — Evaluation & Financials: Practical training on evaluating business models, analyzing financial statements, and SME valuation, with a specific focus on cross-border legal considerations.
- Block 3 — Deal-Making & Execution: How to conduct due diligence, negotiate term sheets, structure deals, and plan exit strategies.
Format: A blended approach combining interactive online workshops with industry experts and self-paced materials on the Zidicircle School Platform. Each session runs about two hours.
Programme Agenda
Training runs for six weeks, starting Tuesday, November 3, 2026 and concluding December 8, 2026. Sessions are held in the evenings; the exact time will be confirmed with the GIZ team beforehand.
| Week | Date | Session / Topic |
| 1 | Nov 3, 2026 | Launch /Intro to SME Investing |
| 2 | Nov 10, 2026 | Due Diligence: Models & Financials |
| 3 | Nov 17, 2026 | Valuation |
| 4 | Nov 24, 2026 | Cross-Border & Legal Aspects |
| 5 | Dec 1, 2026 | Deal-Making: Term Sheets & Legal |
| 6 | Dec 8, 2026 | Monitoring & Exiting Investments |
Upon completion of the course the participants will be in a position to identify and screen SME’s for investments. Later in the programme there may be a possibility for SME Matching and Demo Day for specific countries.
Timelines
| Phase | Key Milestone | Schedule |
| Outreach | Call for Applications | September 17 – October 16, 2026 |
| Selection | Screening & Onboarding | October 2026 |
| Training | Six-Week Curriculum & Workshops | Nov 3 – Dec 8, 2026 |
| Matchmaking | SME Matchig Support | Jan – Feb 2027 |
Join the Information Sessions
To learn more about the programme, meet the team, and ask your questions, please join one of our upcoming information webinars:
- Information Webinar 1: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 17:00–18:00 | Registrater Here
- Infoemation Webinar 2: Friday, October 9, 2026 | 17:00–18:00 | [Register Here
Costs
Places are competitive and awarded based on motivation to become an active angel investor after completion. The pilot is fully funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the global programme “Shaping development-oriented migration” (MEG).
Are you ready to become an active Diaspora investor?
Applications will close on October 14, 2026 at 18:00 CET.
For more information, contact us at applications@zidicircle.com.
About GIZ and MEG
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a German federal enterprise with worldwide operations. It supports the German Federal Government and many other public and private clients in achieving their goals in international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work.
GIZ´s global programme “Shaping development-oriented migration” (MEG), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), empowers migrants and diaspora communities to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to development, both in their countries of origin and destination.
Website: https://www.diaspora2030.de
About Zidicircle
Zidicircle specializes in mobilizing diaspora investments into Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) via the learning platform Zidicircle School and the Collective Investment Vehicle ZidiCircle Co-op. Over the years Zidicircle has developed into a fully fledged global diaspora Channel that catalyzes diaspora participation in both host and home countries through entrepreneurship and investments.
With its three pillars, learn, connect and invest, Zidi engages the diaspora with tailormade investor training, workshops and SME matching activities through Zidicircle Co-op investment structure to give them the required skills and structure needed to participate in SME investing.
Website: https://zidicircle.com
