NewsCall for Applications: Africa’s Business Heroes Competition 2026 ($1.5 Million in Funding)

Application deadline: April 28, 2026

Applications are now open for the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Competition 2026, offering African entrepreneurs the opportunity to win a share of $1.5 million in grant funding to scale their businesses and drive impact across the continent.

Organised by Africa’s Business Heroes, this flagship programme—backed by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy—has become one of Africa’s most competitive and visible platforms for supporting entrepreneurs.

Why this opportunity matters

Across Africa, entrepreneurs are solving real problems—from agriculture and healthcare to fintech and climate innovation. However, many lack access to capital, visibility, and the right networks to scale.

The Africa’s Business Heroes competition goes beyond funding. It provides a platform that amplifies African founders, connects them to investors and mentors, and equips them with the tools needed to build sustainable, high-impact businesses.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must be founders or co-founders of a business that is registered, headquartered, and primarily operating in an African country.

They must be African citizens or direct descendants of African citizens and must demonstrate at least three years of business traction, including revenue and market presence.

The competition is open to entrepreneurs across all sectors and age groups, as long as their businesses show clear impact and growth potential.

Benefits of the program

Selected finalists will compete for a share of $1.5 million in grant funding, with the overall winner receiving up to $300,000.

Beyond funding, participants gain access to high-level mentorship from global business leaders, tailored training in areas such as financial management and investment readiness, and exposure through extensive media coverage.

Finalists also join an exclusive pan-African network of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, creating long-term opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Program Structure

The competition follows a multi-stage process, starting with application review and progressing through interviews, due diligence, and semi-final pitches.

Top applicants advance through each stage, with 10 finalists ultimately selected to pitch at the Grand Finale for a share of the funding.

APPLY HERE

Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 for young Nigerians (Fully Funded 12-Months Leadership Development Program)

Application Deadline: May 16th, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Fellowship Programme. Established in honour of the enduring legacy of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, Lagos State’s first civilian governor, LJLA is committed to preparing change-driven individuals by equipping them with technical expertise and a strong foundation in integrity, innovation, and public service.

The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) Fellowship is a fully funded, twelve-month leadership development programme designed to nurture Nigeria’s next generation of ethical, visionary, and impact-driven leaders. It provides young Nigerians with deep exposure to public governance, practical leadership experience, strategic learning, and a supportive community that accelerates personal and professional growth.

At its core, the Fellowship bridges theory and practice, equipping Fellows to lead with integrity, address systemic challenges, and serve society effectively.

The programme is full-time and merit-

based, offering a transformative journey into the heart of public service and leadership.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be a Nigerian citizens 

Between the ages of 25–35 as at the time of application.

Hold a minimum of an HND or a Bachelor’s degree.

Have at least two years of work experience.

Possess an NYSC or Exemption Certificate.

For civil servants, be within Grade Level 8–12.

Benefits

Innovative Leadership Curriculum

Participation in Community Projects

Hands-on Leadership Experience 

Leadership Seminars and Workshops

Interactive Session With Renowned Leaders

Local and International Policy Trips

One-on-One Leadership Coaching

Alumni Network

Paid Fellowship

A paid Fellowship. Fellows will reside in a fully furnished apartment for the duration of the programme.

Commitment

The program is full-time. Fellows are expected to commit fully for its entire duration, as the key components are intensive, such as work placements, leadership seminars, policy trips, mentorship engagements, and community projects.

Four Core Components

The Fellowship is intentionally designed around four interconnected components that together create a holistic leadership experience:

1. Leadership Development

The programme includes a rich curriculum of seminars and interactive learning experiences covering leadership theory, ethical governance, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive decision-making. This component also features dynamic sessions such as brown bag discussions, fireside chats with seasoned leaders, personalised coaching, and quarterly leadership seminars.

2. Work Placement

Fellows are placed within key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Lagos State Government as Special Assistants, where they contribute directly to policy formulation, project implementation, and governance processes. This immersive placement offers firsthand exposure to the workings of government and allows Fellows to apply leadership principles in real time.

3. Community Project

Each Fellow conceptualises and leads a high-impact community initiative tailored to address a real-world challenge. These projects promote civic engagement and social impact, enabling Fellows to translate leadership theory into tangible benefits for communities.

4. Fellowship Network

Beyond the year of formal learning, Fellows become part of a vibrant LJLA Alumni Network, a community of values-based leaders committed to lifelong learning, collaboration, mentorship, and positive change across sectors.

APPLY HERE

Google Hustle Academy Bootcamp 2026 for young Africans.

Applications are now open for the Google Hustle Academy 2026 – a free, high-impact training program designed to help SMEs scale using digital tools, strategy, and AI. Google have redesigned the programme to be shorter, more practical, and easier to attend without compromising impact.

Requirements

This new format is open to individuals and small businesses across Africa, whether you are:

An individual interested in Business and AI skills  

A Hustle Academy alumnus

A past applicant who did not qualify for the programme

A business owner looking to grow online

An entrepreneur exploring digital tools and new markets

Program Details

1) 60-minute Expert Webinars

Focused, practical sessions led by industry experts

Covering digital marketing, e-commerce, business strategy, financial management, and AI tools for growth.

Designed to fit into your busy schedule

2) 1-Day Bootcamps (3–5 Hours)

Three high-impact modules delivered in one day

Actionable frameworks, tools, and templates you can apply immediately

Live Q&A and interactive learning with facilitators and peers

Step 1: Join the Free Webinar (Open to All)

Start your journey with the official Hustle Academy Webinar

Step 2: Get Selected for the Bootcamp (Limited Slots)

After the webinar, selected participants will be invited to the Hustle Academy Bootcamp:

Focus areas:

Business strategy

Sales & growth

Digital marketing & AI

Financial planning

Leadership & scaling

Benefits

Participants will gain practical skills in:

Building and scaling an online presence

Digital marketing and ads optimisation

Business strategy and growth planning

Financial management

AI tools for your business or career growth

Content Overview

Business Foundations for Growth

Module 1: Master Your Market & Sales Funnel

Session 2: Upgrade Your Leadership in a Digital-First World

Session 3: Making Sense of AI

Sell and Scale with AI

Module 1: Launch Your Online Store with Confidence

Module 2: Practical AI for your business

Module 3: AI: From Busy to Productive

Digital Visibility & Content Creation

Module 1: Design a Marketing Strategy with AI

Module 2: Create Engaging Short-Form Content

Module 3: Practical AI for Marketing

Growth Strategy & Financial Planning

Module 1: Set Revenue Targets That Drive Growth

Module 2: Financial Planning for Businesses

Module 3: Craft a Winning Business Pitch

AI Skills for Individuals

Module 1: Making Sense of AI

Module 2: Think Like a Consultant: Smarter Business Decisions

Module 3: Practical AI for the Workplace.

APPLY HERE

D-Prize Challenge 2027 for Social Entrepreneurs to fight Poverty ($USD 20,000)

Application Deadline: May 17 2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 D-Prize Challenge. The D-Prize seed new organizations

distributing proven poverty solutions, all aiming to scale.

Requirements

You should have enormous ambition and can imagine yourself as a successful entrepreneur.

You are ready to launch your new venture, and if a pilot proves successful you are excited to

grow it into a world-changing organization.

If you are still a student or have existing commitments, you should have a clear idea of how

to transition into a full-time founder.

D-Prize is exclusively interested in ventures that will scale the distribution of an already

proven poverty intervention in the developing world.

Eligibility

D-Prize challenges are open to anyone or any team. The sole restriction is that individuals

and their immediate family on the judging panel may not participate as contestants.

D-Prize is also open to any business model (for-profit, non-profit, and everything in between).

All winners will be awarded up to $20,000. The award is offered in the form of a convertible

grant.

Application Timeline:

Round 1

First Round proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis, using the following deadlines. We

strive to send decisions out within four months. Judges may request additional information

via email before making a decision.

Early decision deadline: May 17 2026 at 23:59 PT (Pacific Time, UTC -7).

Regular deadline: June 7 2026 at 23:59 PT.

Extension deadline: June 28 2026 at 23:59 PT. Extensions are limited to the first people

who register at: www.d-prize.org/extension

Round 2

Top entrepreneurs invited to participate in Round 2 will be asked to respond to several pages

of short written questions to create a full proposal. These questions ask for more details

about your operations, budget, milestones, and other items. Participants will receive a Round

2 Proposal Packet with full instructions. Those invited to the Second Round will have about

two weeks to submit.

Final Round

Entrepreneurs invited to the Final Round will interview with judges over email and on the

phone. Depending on the promise and cost-effectiveness of a proposal, judges may award

up to $20,000 in funding. The average D-Prize award size is $16,000.

APPLY HERE

The Sahara Group Global Management Trainee Programme 2026 for young Nigerian graduates.

Application Deadline: April 17, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Sahara Group Global Management Trainee Programme. Sahara Group is a leading global energy and infrastructure conglomerate with operations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Driven by a bold M.A.D ambition, Sahara is transforming the entire energy value chain – upstream, midstream, downstream, power, and technology – to deliver sustainable, innovative solutions that create lasting impact. 

The #SaharaBeyondXXX GMTs are the next generation of bold thinkers and innovators; high‑potential professionals equipped to power our Beyond XXX journey and drive Sahara’s continuing transformation.

Are you looking for an experiential Masterclass in the realities of the business world?

Do you have the grit and mettle to thrive in a fast-paced environment?

Are you ready to make the commitment that will put you on an upward career trajectory with real time business exposure and projects?

If this sounds like you, show us what you’ve got. 

Designed for high‑potential young professionals, the programme supports a fast transition from learning to leadership; placing participants early into responsibility within Africa’s energy sector.

Programme Scope

The #SaharaBeyondXXX GMT Programme offers:

6 Months hands-on training with live projects and transactions,

End-to-end exposure to the energy value chain,

Deployment and rotation across key parts of the organisation,

Direct mentorship from senior leaders and subject-matter experts, and

Early leadership responsibility in fast-paced, high-impact environments.

The #SaharaBeyondXXX GMT Programme

It is an accelerated pathway for Xtra Talents poised to shape Africa’s energy future and power Sahara’s next chapter of transformation.

Eligibility

Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower(2:2) in any discipline or equivalent from an accredited tertiary institution.

0–3 years work experience

A Master’s degree or professional qualifications is an added advantage.

APPLY HERE

The Standard Chartered Foundation Women In Tech Accelerator 2026 for Women-led Businesses (USD 600K in grant funding).

Application Deadline: Varying by Country

Applications are now open for the 2026 Standard Chartered Foundation Women In Tech Accelerator. The Standard Chartered Foundation’s Women in Tech Accelerator supports impact-creating, tech-enabled, women-led startups in building thriving businesses across Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan. 

Village Capital partners with supports local implementing partners in each market to strengthen program delivery through strategic guidance, technical assistance, and shared learning frameworks, ensuring founders receive high-quality, locally tailored support.

Requirements

Are you a woman leading an impact-creating, tech-enabled startup operating in Bahrain, Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE, Uganda, or Zambia?

Benefits

Peer Connections

Build relationships with a wide network of mentors and industry leaders within relevant sectors.

Funding

Access capital, with over USD 600K in grant funding distributed annually across markets.

Growth

Receive personalized development plans tailored to each entrepreneur’s needs.

Training

Strengthen investment-readiness through training that refines business models and growth strategies.

APPLY HERE

APPLY HERE FOR NIGERIA

APPLY HERE FOR ZAMBIA

APPLY HERE FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Call For Applications: Bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp Business Accelerator 2.0 (Up To N3Million Grant )

The ScaleUp Business Accelerator Program is Bet9ja Foundation’s flagship entrepreneurship program designed to identify, support, and accelerate high-potential Nigerian SMEs and startups. Through non-dilutive grant funding, structured training, mentorship, and market access, the program equips early-stage businesses with the tools and support needed to scale sustainably and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.

Selected businesses receive up to ₦3 million in grant funding and compete in the ScaleUp Pitch Challenge, where the winning business is awarded an additional ₦5 million grant.

Program Benefits 

Mentorship

Work closely with experienced mentors and industry experts who provide hands-on guidance tailored to your industry.

Funding

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Access non-dilutive funding to help you build and scale your business without giving up equity.

Growth

Unlock access to investors, partners, a growing community of ScaleUp alumni and new markets.

Who should apply

Businesses that:

Are registered in Nigeria (CAC or Business Name registration).

Have operated for a minimum of 6 months.

Are generating revenue.

Demonstrate clear traction (revenue, customers, or pilot programs).

Show strong scalability potential beyond their current market.

Founders that:

Are Nigerian citizens or legal residents.

Are between 22 and 40 years old at the time of application.

Are founders or co-founders actively involved in the business.

Can commit to full participation in the 10-week accelerator.

Eligible Industries

The Bet9ja Foundation ScaleUp Business Accelerator welcomes startups and growing businesses across a wide range of industries. Our program is designed to provide tailored mentorship, access to funding and strategic growth opportunities for businesses with the potential to scale sustainably.

 Agriculture & Agritech

 Healthcare Services & HealthTech

 Fintech & Financial Services

 EdTech & Skills Development

 Renewable Energy & CleanTech

 Retail & E-commerce

 Light Manufacturing & Production

 Logistics & Transportation

 Fashion & Lifestyle

 Professional & Business Services

 Hospitality & Tourism

 Creative Industries & Media

 Others

APPLY HERE