Who can apply to D-MADE? The competition is open to individuals or organizations emanating from the Sub-Saharan African diaspora currently living in Europe and active in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Organization type: entrepreneurs, private investors, NGOs, civil society organizations, foundations, research institutes, academic institutions, etc.
- Individuals are also eligible on condition that they partner with an organization based in Africa.
- Project proposals must be submitted in partnership with a local actor based in Africa. The local partners can be local governments and their units, NGOs, enterprises, foundations, research institutes and academic institutions; however, both parties cannot be individuals nor academic/research institutions, as no pure research projects will be considered.
Are ongoing businesses eligible to participate to the competition? Yes. Organizations that are looking into new services or products for expansion are eligible.
Are students eligible? Everyone must meet the eligibility criteria regardless of temporary status. A ‘student’ is a transient occupation.
What sectors are eligible? All sectors are eligible as long as they address the D-MADE theme, ‘entrepreneurship’ in a profitable way while demonstrating social benefits.
I don't have a partner in Africa but I have a good project. Can I apply and find a partner later? No. The projects have to be implemented in a Sub-Saharan African country with a local partner. Having a partner before applying is a prerequisite.
Can the proponent be in Africa and submit a proposal with a partner from the Diaspora in Europe? No. The focus is primarily on the contributions of the Diaspora to home countries, so the proponents must be residing in Europe but implementing their project in a sub-Saharan African country, with a local partner.
Do partnerships have to involve a financial relationship? No, but a partner (whether an individual or organization) must contribute some form of resources to the implementing team. These resources could be financial support, but they could also be technical expertise, in-kind assistance, donated equipment, office space, or other expense items.
Does the local partner have to provide counterpart contribution as well? The Diaspora in Europe is the primary proponent along with the local partner group in Africa. The counterpart funding does not differentiate between the Europe-based African Diaspora proponent and the local partner organization in Africa provided the financial plan for the joint business venture is a strong and realistic one.
I have won a Development Marketplace award in the past. Am I eligible to send a proposal? Award winners in past Development Marketplace Competitions and Country Innovation Days are eligible to submit a proposal that is significantly different from the project or idea for which they have previously received an award. They may not submit the same idea or project.