ESTDEV and GIZ sign over €1.5 million grant agreement to advance the green and digital transition in Africa

The grant agreement is part of the broader Twin Transition Team Europe Initiative, a cooperative action between Estonia, Germany, France, and Belgium co-financed by the European Commission. This initiative aims to transform the green and cleantech scenes in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific by empowering entrepreneurs and scaling local innovations.

ESTDEV’s project focuses on empowering African ecosystems and entrepreneurs, enhancing their capacity to develop green and digital innovations. The project will run until the end of June 2026.

“The Digital & Green Innovation Action embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that GIZ deeply values. It's not merely about technological advancement; it's about fostering an inclusive ecosystem where digital solutions meet environmental sustainability. This programme showcases how African entrepreneurs are blending digital creativity with ecological consciousness. Estonia's extensive experience with startup and innovation ecosystems makes it a valuable partner in this initiative,” said GIZ’s managing director, Anna Sophie Herken.

Estonia’s project is designed to support the development of innovative ideas, services and products that can lead to sustainable solutions. This entails identifying possible digital solutions for the green transition that are tailored to the local context and meet sustainability, equity, and inclusivity goals. Planned project activities include entrepreneurship competitions to address specific needs across Africa, capacity building and business advisory services to support the development of related enterprises, services and products.

“This project is a game-changer. Supporting societies and economies through digital transformation is at the heart of Estonia's development cooperation efforts. By harnessing local talent and entrepreneurial mindset alongside the best expertise, we’re not just creating solutions; we’re building a dynamic global ecosystem where entrepreneurs can tackle real challenges and make a lasting impact,” said Kristel Rillo, ESTDEV’s advisor for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Harnessing Estonia’s valuable digital innovation expertise

The Twin Transition Team Europe Initiative emphasises the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders. In addition to policy conversations and exchanging expertise, Estonia’s Digital & Green Innovation Action will organise a high-level innovation summit, bringing innovators, startups, investors, policymakers, industry leaders, and global partners together. By facilitating the collaboration of ecosystem stakeholders at the event, the aim is to boost financial support and improve policy alignment for digital and green innovation.

Estonia is a founding member of the Digital4Development (D4D) Hub, where the Twin Transition Team Europe Initiative was created. Like Estonia, each member of Team Europe brings unique experiences and expertise learned through digitalisation processes in their own countries.

The green transition represents ecological necessity and significant economic opportunity. Innovative environmental products and services powered by cutting-edge technology can drive economic growth and provide a competitive advantage.

“Twin transition is a strategic focus on the governmental level. The strong relationships developed between the government, academia, private sector and civil society have put Estonia on the map as a frontrunner in the digital and green transition,” said Katrin Winter, ESTDEV’s regional head for Africa.

By collaborating with African partners under the framework of the Team Europe Initiative, the Digital & Green Innovation Action allows us to combine our strengths, enhance local capacities and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.

The lead partner of the DGI Action is the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH; ESTDEV, Expertise France and Enabel are co-partners.

Picture credit: Enriko Pedaksalu