MEG Diaspora SME Matching Pilot

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GIZ has  commissioned a Diaspora Investor training and SME Matching pilot programme under the global programme “Shaping development-oriented migration” (MEG), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). 

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. 

This pilot programme aims to close that gap by equipping diaspora members to become active, impact-driven angel investors by building financial investing capacities among diaspora members in Germany and establishing structured connections with investment-ready SMEs.

Zidicircle is implementing the investor  training and SME matching programme for GIZ and will train the Diaspora investors originating from 8 MEG countries between November 3rd and December 8th on how to start functioning as SME Angel Investors and then connect them to investor-ready green SMEs in  Tunisia, Ghana, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Serbia, India, and Vietnam.

This Application is inviting Applications for a matching opportunity with the trained Diaspora Investors at a hybrid event where the selected SMEs present virtually to the Trained Diaspora investors.

Targeted Sectors;

  • Food & Agriculture
  • Renewables & Circular economy
  • Sustainable Manufacturing
  • General Industries with emphasis on environmental and social impact.
  • Technology and Digital Solutions

SMEs have to meet the following criteria:

  • SMEs based in Tunisia, Ghana, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Serbia, India, and Vietnam.
  • Businesses with developed solutions that are already in the market with paying customers;
  • Businesses in operation for a minimum 3 years with a legal business registration;
  • Businesses that are looking for investments of up to 50.000 euros.

How to join

  • Fill out this application form and indicate your country and GIZ Programme;
  • Shortlisted green SMEs will be contacted with the next steps;
  • Match making  will be held in the week of December 7th 2026 or January 2027 .

What the SME gets:

You have the chance to present your business to investors

You get a free Fundraising scan presented in this form on how to organize your business

If you impress the Diaspora  investors they will list your business for the next steps

Conditions:

  • Once chosen you must be willing to go through thorough due diligence process with the matched investors
  • You must be willing to give up some shares if you are looking for an equity investment
  • You must be in a position to give security if are looking for a debt investment
  • Being shortlisted doesn’t mean you get matched or  funding as other conditions apply

Apply  by close of business on  15th, November, 2026

Read More about the MEG Investor Training and Match-Making pilot programme  Here

Any comments or correspondence please email diaspora2030@giz.de or applications@zidicircle.com

Identifying Green SMEs and practical modalities

  • Zidicircle & GIZ will collaborate with local GIZ programmes in Tunisia, Ghana, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Serbia, India, and Vietnam to share the call with their programme participants and Apply
  • The  SMEs will fill the application form
  • Shortlisted SMEs will be contacted for Match-making  preparation
  • A hybrid pitch event will be organised in Germany and/or Online and SMEs will present online to their country diaspora investors
  • During the Matching event, the diaspora investors will grade the 5 best  SMEs that will move to the  next stage eg.due diligence  with Interested  Investors 
  • After a satisfactory due diligence process the diaspora investor will avail the Funding through the Zidicircle Diaspora Coop or other private channels. 

To apply directly click Here