Catalyst East Africa is a corporate advisory and project development firm. Since 2014, we have supported governments, private sector organisations, and development sector clients to secure funding, structure projects, and deliver measurable results.
We work across the full project cycle — from concept to financing to implementation. Our team brings financial expertise and on-the-ground regional knowledge to every engagement.
Whether you have a concept note, a draft proposal, or just an idea, we help shape it into a competitive, fundable submission. We manage the full proposal cycle — writing, packaging, and submission — and tailor every application to meet the standards of your target donor or funder.
We connect project owners with the right capital — debt, equity, blended finance, or donor funding. Our team structures bankable proposals and engages our network of development finance institutions, commercial lenders, and institutional investors to secure the financing your project needs.
We help organisations build the systems, policies, and capabilities required to attract and retain funding. From compliance gap analyses to staff training and monitoring frameworks, we ensure your organisation is donor-ready.
For corporate and public sector clients, we provide market entry guidance, deal structuring, regulatory navigation, and partnership development across East Africa.
With over a decade of experience across East Africa, we have helped clients ranging from community-based organisations to government ministries access funding and deliver impact.
Compliance Turnaround
A regional NGO lacked the compliance systems required by their donor. CEA conducted a gap analysis, developed finance, HR, and procurement policies, and delivered targeted staff training.
Full donor compliance achieved within 6 months. $2M grant renewed. Reporting errors reduced by 40%.
Concept to Funded Project
A community-based organisation had a strong idea for a youth employment programme but only a rough concept note. CEA developed the full proposal, engaged stakeholders, and submitted to targeted funders.
$500,000 secured from an international donor. 3-year programme launched, creating 800 jobs in agriculture and ICT.
CEA sits at a rare intersection: we understand the language of donors and the expectations of institutional investors. That dual perspective — built over a decade working across the development and corporate sectors — is what sets us apart.
Have a project that needs funding or financing? We work with you from idea to submission — and beyond. Book a free consultation to get started.
Submit Your Project →Looking for vetted, high-quality investment opportunities in East Africa? Access our deal pipeline and connect with bankable projects across key growth sectors.
Contact Our Deal Team →