MEG Diaspora Investor Training & SME Matchmaking Programme
Empowering diaspora investors in Germany to invest in SME growth
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 contribution to your country of origin? Do you want to explore angel investing but need the practical skills, knowledge and network to get started?
Zidicircle, in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, is inviting applications for the MEG Diaspora Investor Training and SME Matchmaking Programme.
This six-week programme is designed for diaspora members who want to move beyond traditional forms of supporting their home countries and develop the knowledge and confidence to participate in SME investments.
The programme will equip 30 selected diaspora participants with practical tools for evaluating businesses, understanding financials, conducting due diligence, structuring investments and navigating cross-border investment considerations.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is open to diaspora members residing in Germany who originate from one of eight MEG/BID partner countries:
Tunisia · Ghana · Cameroon · Colombia · Ecuador · Serbia · India · Vietnam
Applicants should:
- Have a strong interest in supporting SME growth and entrepreneurship in their country of origin
- Be interested in learning about angel and SME investing
- Be able to dedicate approximately two hours per week to the programme
- Be willing to actively participate in training, discussions and practical investment exercises
- Be prepared to consider making investments after completing the programme
What will you learn?
The six-week curriculum combines live online workshops, industry experts and self-paced learning through the Zidicircle School Platform.
Block 1 — Understanding SME Investing
Explore the angel investment landscape, different SME and startup funding models, and the relationship between risk and return.
Block 2 — Evaluating Businesses & Financials
Learn how to assess business models, analyse financial statements and understand SME valuation, with a focus on cross-border considerations relevant to Tunisia and Colombia.
Block 3 — Deal-Making & Investment Execution
Develop practical knowledge of due diligence, term sheets, deal structuring, negotiations, investment monitoring and exit strategies.
Programme Schedule
| Week | Date | Session |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | November 3, 2026 | Programme Launch & Introduction to SME Investing |
| 2 | November 10, 2026 | Due Diligence: Business Models & Financials |
| 3 | November 17, 2026 | SME Valuation |
| 4 | November 24, 2026 | Cross-Border & Legal Considerations |
| 5 | December 1, 2026 | Deal-Making: Term Sheets & Legal |
| 6 | December 8, 2026 | Monitoring & Exiting Investments |
Format: Blended learning
Session duration: Approximately 2 hours
Sessions: Evening sessions, with the exact time to be confirmed
From Training to Investment
The programme goes beyond classroom learning.
Following the training, participants will have the opportunity to connect with pre-screened, investment-ready SMEs in Tunisia and Colombia through the SME Matchmaking component.
Participants will take part in a Demo Day, where they can learn more about participating businesses, assess potential investment opportunities and undertake due diligence.
Where appropriate, participants may also have the opportunity to participate collectively through the Zidicircle Diaspora Investment Co-op.
Programme Timeline
September 14 – October 14, 2026
Call for Applications
October 2026
Selection & Onboarding
November 3 – December 8, 2026
Six-Week Investor Training
January – February 2027
Demo Day & SME Matchmaking
Join an Information Session
Want to understand how the programme works before applying?
Join one of our upcoming online information sessions to meet the team, learn about the programme and ask your questions.
Information Session 1
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
17:00–18:00
[Register for Information Session 1]
Information Session 2
Friday, October 9, 2026
17:00–18:00
[Register for Information Session 2]
Fully Funded Programme
The pilot programme is fully funded, with places awarded competitively based on applicants’ motivation and readiness to become active SME investors following the training.
The programme is commissioned under the global programme Migration entwicklungspolitisch gestalten (MEG), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ.
It aligns with the Geschäftsideen für Entwicklung (GfE/BID) core offer, which seeks to channel diaspora potential towards sustainable economic development.
Applications Are Open
Applications close on October 14, 2026 at 18:00 CET.
If you are ready to develop your investment skills, connect with fellow diaspora investors and explore opportunities to invest in growing SMEs, apply for the programme.
For application enquiries: applications@zidicircle.com
About Zidicircle
Zidicircle mobilizes diaspora participation and investment into Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through its three pillars: Learn, Connect and Invest.
Through the Zidicircle School, diaspora members can access investor education, training and workshops. Through the Zidicircle Diaspora Investment Co-op, members can access a structured pathway to participate in SME investment opportunities.
Learn more about Zidicircle: zidicircle.com
About GIZ and MEG
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a German federal enterprise supporting the German government in achieving its objectives in international cooperation for sustainable development.
The global programme Migration entwicklungspolitisch gestalten (MEG), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), works to harness the potential of migration and diaspora engagement for sustainable development in partner countries.
Learn more: diaspora2030.de
