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Saturday, February 14, 2026

Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Prize for Innovation Competition 2026 for Nigerian SMEs & Students.

Application Deadline: March 16, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Prize for Innovation Competition. Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, a leading food and agro-allied group in Africa, launches the FMN Prize for Innovation to encourage new ideas in food production, innovation, and engineering and how these can impact and enable a sustainable food system in Nigeria.

Every year, FMN Prize for Innovation will highlight an important part of the food value chain that is critical to the transformation and long-term development of the country’s food systems. The fifth season of FMN’s Prize for Innovation (FMN PFI 5.0) focuses on Innovative Practices in Cassava Production and Processing. The competition is split into two categories, to accept entries from Nigerian MSMEs and Nigerian students in undergraduate and postgraduate levels.


Category 1:
For registered Nigerian SMEs in the Food and Agro-Aillied Sector

Category 2:
For students with innovative ideas to transform Cassava Processing and Production in Nigeria.


SME Category
Open to:

Registered Nigerian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
Operating within the food and agro-allied sector
Developing innovative solutions in cassava production, processing, or value addition
Prizes:

First Prize: ₦5,000,000
Second Prize: ₦3,000,000
Third Prize: ₦2,000,000
 Student Category
Open to:

Nigerian students at undergraduate or postgraduate levels
Enrolled in recognized tertiary institutions
Proposing innovative solutions addressing challenges in cassava production and processing.


Prizes:

 First Prize: ₦300,000
Second Prize: ₦200,000
Third Prize: ₦100,000
Focus Area: Innovative Practices in Cassava
Submissions should demonstrate:

Improved productivity or yield optimization
Efficient processing technologies
Post-harvest loss reduction
Sustainable and climate-smart practices
Market expansion or value-chain enhancement
Technological integration (e.g., automation, digitization, biotech, etc)

Nedbank Chartered Accountant Training Programme 2027 for young South Africans.

Application Deadline: 28 February 2026.

Applications are now open for the 2027 Nedbank Chartered Accountant Training Programme. When you join the Nedbank Chartered Accountant (CA) Training Programme, you will not only be joining our immensely successful programme, where you tailor your rotations according to your unique career aspirations; but you will also experience what it means to be a #YoungDifferenceMaker.

Career Stream
Accounting

Job Purpose
To adhere to the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (‘SAICA’) Training Regulations for the duration of their articles with the Nedbank CA Training Programme.

Job Responsibilities
During the three-year CA training period (articles) within the Nedbank CA Training Programme, trainees will rotate into various divisions within the bank. 

Manage deliverables within reasonable turnaround times aligned to the role specifications and rotation whilst adding value by seeking opportunities to improve business processes and systems.

Proactively drive and manage your own Learning and Development in line with prescribed SAICA Technical and Professional Skill Requirements.  

Contribute to the Nedbank CA Training Programme by pro-actively participating in Programme committees/structures (E.g. Marketing Committee, Recruitment Committee and Social Committee). This is called ‘Programme Involvement’. The objective of this participation is to enhance their Professional Development whilst adding value to the Nedbank CA Training Programme. 

Contribute to a culture conducive to the achievement of transformation goals by participating in Nedbank Culture building initiatives (e.g. staff surveys etc).


Essential Undergraduate Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce: Accounting
SAICA Accredited Accounting Undergraduate qualification

Essential Postgraduate Qualification
Honours, or
Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting or equivalent programme that allows access into SAICA’s Initial Test of Competence

Type of Exposure
Over the three-year period as a CA Trainee at Nedbank, trainees will receive exposure to the below skillsets in line with the SAICA CA of the Future competency framework:


The Wema Bank Plc Bankers-In-Training Programme 2026 for young Nigerian graduates.

Application Deadline: February 20, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Wema Bank Plc Bankers-In-Training Programme. The Wema Bank’s Bankers-in-Training (Sales) Program is a specialized entry-level development initiative designed to equip young professionals with foundational and advanced skills required for a successful career in sales and relationship management within the banking industry. The program focuses on building strong commercial capabilities and it provides structured training, hands-on experience, and career development opportunities in customer acquisition skills, product knowledge, and a deep understanding of commercial, corporate, retail and SME banking.

This Bankers-in-Training Program (Sales) adopts a regional training structure, with sessions holding in key locations across Nigeria, including Lagos and Ibadan (South-West), Abuja (North), and Port Harcourt (South-East, Mid-West, and South-South regions).

The Bankers-in-Training Program – Sales is designed to develop the next generation of banking leaders. Following an intensive, structured classroom training phase covering banking operations, financial products, and credit analysis, successful candidates will be deployed to the field.

Post-Training Responsibilities
Upon successful completion of the classroom training, Graduate Trainees will be expected to:

Execute data-driven sales strategies to acquire new-to-bank customers and grow the branch’s overall deposit and loan portfolio.

Conduct localized market research to identify untapped business opportunities and keep the team informed on competitor offerings and industry trends.

Drive the bank’s profitability by meeting and exceeding assigned monthly sales targets through disciplined prospecting and pipeline management.

Provide end-to-end customer support, ensuring all inquiries and complaints are resolved promptly to maintain high client satisfaction and retention rates.

Collaborate with the credit and risk teams to perform preliminary assessments of loan applicants, ensuring all documentation meets regulatory and internal standards.

Maintain accurate records of sales activities and provide regular progress reports to senior management and mentors.


Career Path Progression
Phase 1: Classroom Training (Foundational) 

Phase 2: Shadowing & Field Immersion

Phase 3: Full Deployment – Transitioning into a Relationship Manager role 

Requirements

Wema Bank seek passionate, driven, and customer-focused individuals who aspire to grow within the banking industry.  

Minimum of a Second Class Upper (or equivalent) in any business or social science related discipline from an accredited university  .

Minimum of 5 credits (including Mathematics and English) in WAEC, NECO, or its equivalent .

Not older than 26 years as at the time of this application .

Completed NYSC with a valid discharge certificate .

Strong interest in sales, client management, and financial solutions
0-2 years of experience in sales and relationship management is an added advantage.

Passion for sales and relationship management in the banking sector.
Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work in a target-driven environment.

Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

A proactive and self-motivated attitude.
Basic understanding of financial products and services (an added advantage).



Benefits

Competitive Pay – Attractive salary packages that reflect your skills, experience, and contributions.

Comprehensive training – Expert within the banking industry will assist to sharpen your skills.

Fast-track career growth opportunities within the bank.

A dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Exposure to real-world banking and sales operations.

Healthcare – We have a comprehensive medical coverage to ensure you, and your loved ones stay healthy. 

Year-End Bonus (13th Month) – As a Knight there is an opportunity for you to enjoy an additional allowance as a reward for your dedication and hard work.

Company Events – At Wema Bank we engage in team-building activities, networking opportunities, and celebrations that foster a strong workplace culture.

Leave Allowance – Financial support when you take your well-deserved time off.

Profit Sharing – A share in the bank’s success, ensuring you as an employe benefit from the company’s growth.

World Food Prize Foundation is Hosting the Innovate for Impact Challenge Competition.

The World Food Prize Foundation, in collaboration with America’s Cultivation Corridor, presents the Innovate for Impact Challenge, an ambitious global initiative designed to accelerate agricultural technology (AgTech) innovation.

This pioneering competition identifies and supports early-stage, tech-driven startups whose solutions address critical challenges in global food security and sustainability.

About the Challenge

Launched at the 2024 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, the Innovate for Impact Challenge invites visionary entrepreneurs from around the world to showcase breakthrough technologies capable of transforming agriculture.

The initiative reflects the Foundation’s mission to elevate innovation, inspire action, and advance solutions that alleviate hunger and strengthen global food systems.

Key Highlights
Global Call for Startups: Open to early-stage AgTech startups worldwide
Live Pitch Event: Finalists present at the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue
Top Prize: $50,000 awarded to the winning startup
Global Exposure: Opportunity to present before 1,500+ food and agriculture leaders from over 70 countries.

Timeline and Application Process

Submission Deadline: April 15, 2026
Top 10 Announced: July 16, 2026

Top 10 must submit pitch videos and financial statements.

Virtual Public Voting: July 16–25, 2026

Top 3 Announced: August 5, 2026

Finalists must travel to Des Moines, Iowa
Final Competition: October 20–22, 2026 at the Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines.

A panel of expert judges will review submissions and evaluate live pitches to determine first, second, and third place winners.


Prizes and Recognition
Top Three Finalists Receive:

1st Place: $50,000
2nd Place: $10,000
3rd Place: $5,000
All finalists gain:

High-profile presentation opportunities at the Borlaug Dialogue
Direct engagement with investors, policymakers, and global industry leaders
Networking access to entrepreneurs, experts, and strategic partners
The Challenge is supported by Pivot Bio.


Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Call for Applications: LEAP Africa Leadership Accelerator Programme 2026 for African Women (Free Online Course+ Three-Month Intensive Mentorship)


Applications are now open for the fifth edition of the LEAP Africa Leadership Accelerator Programme 2026, a capacity-building initiative created to address gender disparities in leadership across the African continent. The programme is specifically designed for high-potential young African women in corporate and entrepreneurial settings who are ready to advance into leadership roles.

The Leadership Accelerator Programme is a transformative leadership development experience for African women aged 23 to 35. It combines virtual learning, in-person engagement, and structured mentorship to equip participants with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to thrive as leaders within their organisations and industries.


About the Programme
The LEAP Africa Leadership Accelerator Programme is structured to support women at critical stages of their professional journey. By focusing on leadership capability, workplace challenges, and personal growth, the programme prepares participants to navigate complex professional environments and take on greater responsibility and influence.

Why This Matters
Despite growing participation of women in the workforce, leadership representation across Africa remains disproportionately low. The LEAP Africa Leadership Accelerator Programme addresses this gap by providing women with targeted leadership training, exposure, and mentorship, strengthening the pipeline of women leaders across sectors.

Programme Phases
Free Online Course
The programme begins with a free online course made up of 10 short-paced modules completed over a three-week period. The course addresses key issues affecting women in the workplace and factors that limit professional advancement. The modules were developed based on needs assessments conducted with over 200 respondents, ensuring the content reflects real challenges faced by African women in professional settings.


Three-Month Intensive Mentorship
Each participant will be paired with an accomplished mentor for a three-month mentorship period. Mentor matching is based on the individual needs identified by participants during onboarding. Mentorship sessions will take place once or twice monthly, focusing on career development, leadership growth, and personal advancement. Monthly check-ins will ensure mentorship goals and outcomes are achieved.

Who Should Apply
The programme is open to high-potential African women aged 23 to 35 who are currently working in corporate or entrepreneurial environments and are motivated to grow into leadership roles.


How to Apply
Interested applicants can find full application details and submit their applications through the official LEAP Africa Leadership Accelerator Programme webpage.

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Application are now open For Green Acceleration Programme (GAP) | South Africa



The Green Acceleration Programme (GAP) is designed to support female founders and women-led businesses operating within the green economy to access capital by ensuring investor readiness and compliance. Powered by WomHub and supported by GIZ, the programme will select 30 entrepreneurs to participate in a finance readiness journey aimed at unlocking new forms of capital.The GAP Programme is part of WomHub’s continued commitment to supporting female founders in becoming finance ready and can access the right type of capital accelerating inclusive growth in the green economy. 


Eligible businesses must be:

Applicants must have a registered company that has been in operation for a minimum of 6 months.

Female-founded, co-led, or managed
Working within the energy or broader green economy sector. 

Individual applicants must be South African citizens.

Applicants must be able to commit to the full duration of the programme commencing in July 2025.

Willingness to actively participate in the Programme.


Saturday, February 7, 2026

The Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program 2026 for young changemakers.




Application Deadline: February 24, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program. The Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassador Program is looking for its next cohort of global young changemakers to learn about and act on this challenge. Delivered by the World Bank’s Youth2Youth (Y2Y) community in partnership with Connect4Climate (C4C), the program carries forward the legacy of C4C champion Max Thabiso Edkins, who believed that youth inclusion is integral to shaping a resilient future. The fifth edition of this program presents an opportunity for global youth to deepen their knowledge of the world’s most urgent development challenges and work together to innovate responsive solutions.

Young changemakers selected as 2026 Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassadors will have the chance to: Learn from World Bank Group experts and partners on priority sectors including energy, water, agribusiness, gender equality, health, tourism and digital innovation, with job creation at the center; Act to respond to pressing challenges in connection with the World Bank Group’s Health Works, Mission300, Empowering Women, and AgriConnect campaigns; Network with peers and professionals from relevant sectors and regions; and Engage by taking part in a global alumni community and accessing impactful collaboration opportunities throughout the program and beyond graduation.



Requirements

To apply, you must be:

20-30 years old

Studying, entering the job market, or forging a career in a relevant sector
Interested in advancing sustainable growth for a livable planet in one or more of the following sectors: energy, water, agribusiness, gender equality, health, tourism, and digital innovation 
Curious, motivated, and eager to learn and grow.

Passionate about sustainability, green jobs, and the future of your community
Committed to collaboration, collective action, and the exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives with peers from across the globe

Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Prize for Innovation Competition 2026 for Nigerian SMEs & Students.

Application Deadline: March 16, 2026 Applications are now open for the 2026 Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Prize for Innovation Co...