Call for Applications: Join the Pan-African Incubation Programme for AgriTech Startups.

Deadline for applications: 27th April 2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a call for applications for AgriTech startups to join the timbuktoo Pan-African Incubation Network and the timbuktoo AgriTech Hub, hosted in Ghana, with support from the Government of Japan, which is designed to identify, support and prepare promising startups building innovative solutions for Africa’s agricultural transformation. 

Anchored within timbuktoo, UNDP’s pan-African platform supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, the programme supports technology-driven solutions with the potential to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve food systems, increase farmer incomes and build climate-resilient agriculture across the continent. 

About the Programme 

Agriculture remains one of Africa’s most important economic sectors, employing more than half of the continent’s workforce and sustaining millions of livelihoods. Yet farmers and agribusinesses continue to face challenges, including limited access to markets, climate vulnerability, inefficient supply chains, and constrained access to finance. Technological innovation is increasingly playing a critical role in addressing these challenges and unlocking new opportunities across the agricultural value chain. Through the timbuktoo AgriTech Hub hosted in Ghana, UNDP is supporting the next generation of African entrepreneurs building solutions that can transform agriculture at scale. Selected AgriTech startups will join the timbuktoo Pan-African Incubation Network, a distributed ecosystem of incubators, innovation hubs, mentors, and investors working together to support startups across Africa.

Startups admitted to the programme will receive structured incubation support delivered by accredited incubators within the timbuktoo ecosystem, alongside access to the broader continental network of founders, ecosystem partners, and investors. Participants will also gain access to the timbuktoo Pan-African Incubation digital platform, powered by Seedstars’ SIGMA platform, which provides founders with structured tools, mentorship matching, learning resources, and AI-powered guidance to accelerate startup growth and prepare for investment readiness.

Programme Benefits  

AgriTech Startups selected for the programme will benefit from a combination of local incubation support and pan-African ecosystem access, including: 

Structured incubation programmes delivered by leading African incubators 

Access to experienced mentors, entrepreneurs and sector experts 

Participation in a pan-African network of founders, incubators and ecosystem partners 

Access to the SIGMA digital platform for startup development and progress tracking 

Receive investment readiness support, including pitch development and investor engagement 

Participate in demo days and ecosystem events across Africa 

Access potential pathways to acceleration programmes and early-stage investment opportunities .

Programme Eligibility Criteria 

Eligible startups must: 

Be based in Africa or building solutions targeting African agricultural markets 

Have a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) 

Have a committed founding team 

Address a clearly defined challenge within the agricultural value chain 

Demonstrate potential for growth and scalability 

Solutions may address areas such as climate-smart agriculture, precision agriculture, agricultural data and analytics, market access platforms, agri-finance, supply chain innovation, food processing, or sustainable agricultural inputs. 

UNDP particularly encourages applications from startups led by women, youth entrepreneurs, and founders working in underserved or rural communities. 

How to Apply 

Applications are open on a rolling basis, with startups admitted through quarterly cohorts. 

The first cohort will begin in May 2026, with additional cohorts starting every three months. 

APPLY HERE

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The Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Postgraduate Scholarships 2027 for study in South Africa (Fully Funded)

Application Deadline: 14 April 2026 23:59 GMT+2.

Applications are now open for the 2027 Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Postgraduate Scholarships. The scholarship combines financial support with a leadership programme that will challenge you, grow you, and connect you to young African changemakers.

Requirements

It is for young leaders who have a combination of intellect and character.

You must be academically strong: your marks should be above 70% or an upper second.

You must also have demonstrated leadership on your campus or in your community. 

If you are between the ages of 19 and 29 in the year of applying, you are eligible.

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is for postgraduate study (Honours and Masters degrees) in any field. 

Financial support

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship offers comprehensive funding for the core costs associated with your studies. It covers tuition for a one-year Honours degree or a two-year Masters degree in any field at a recognised South African institution of higher education.

This includes tuition and registration fees, allowances for study materials, research, and medical aid, accommodation and meals, personal allowance and economy class travel to and from your home country to your South African university at the beginning and end of your degree.

Cost Covered

Tuition and registration fees as set by your university or institution

A study materials allowance as set by the MRF

Accommodation and meal allowances as set by the MRF

A medical aid allowance as set by the MRF

A personal allowance as set by the MRF

Research and conferencing grants can be made available on request

Economy-class flights for international scholars from their home countries to their institutions at the start and end of their studies.

The leadership development programme

The programme is built on our founding principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, and a belief that leadership begins with inner transformation.

The program aim to keep Nelson Mandela’s legacy alive by equipping young African leaders with the competence and courage to transform the continent into a place where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive.

The programme is delivered primarily through a series of week-long residential workshops which you will attend during your time in residence.

Application Timeline

March: Applications open on Monday, 9 March 2026. Candidates can add recommenders on the platform and begin uploading their documentation and working on their personal essays. See ‘requirements’.

April: Applications close by the end of Tuesday, 14 April 2026 23:59 GMT+2. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted under any circumstances.

July: You will be notified by mid-July whether or not you are through to Round Two.

July: You will be notified by the end of July whether or not you are through to Round Three.

August: You will be notified by the end of August if you are invited for an interview in the Final Round, or if you have been unsuccessful.

October: Interviews will be conducted in South Africa in October. If you are in the final round and you are based outside South Africa, you will be flown in for an in-person interview with our selection committee. You will be notified by the end of October if you are selected as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.

October-December: Selected Mandela Rhodes Scholars must do their best to secure acceptance at their university of choice, and their study visa for travel to South Africa in January.

APPLY HERE

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Young Trade Leaders Programme 2026 for young people worldwide.

Application Deadline: 1 May 2026 (23.59 CET).

Applications are now open for the 2026 World Trade Organization (WTO) Young Trade Leaders Programme. The WTO is inviting applications for the 2026 Young Trade Leaders Programme, an initiative aimed at fostering a better understanding of the WTO’s work and international trade among young people and creating a network of Young Trade Leaders around the world.

The Young Trade Leaders Programme was created in 2024 to establish a closer link between young people and the WTO. Candidates selected to be « Young Trade Leaders » will be exceptional young people who demonstrate a clear understanding of how trade can be of benefit to people and planet. They will bring new perspectives and ideas about the role of trade and the WTO, while also having the opportunity to learn about the organization’s work and play a role in advancing its mission.

Requirements

Young people between the ages of 18 and 28 with a strong interest in international trade are encouraged to apply.  

Benefits

Selected Young Trade Leaders have the opportunity to:

 gain a greater understanding of the workings of the WTO and international trade

 publish articles, blogs, podcasts and social media content on trade-related topics.

 Attend an in-person one-day training programme at the WTO in Geneva

 coordinate a session during the WTO’s annual Public Forum.

 benefit from existing WTO training programmes.

 benefit from WTO Secretariat advice and mentoring.

 receive support when organizing WTO-related activities in their home countries.

They will not receive remuneration, but they will be invited to travel to Geneva to participate in the 2026 WTO Public Forum in September. 

Application Procedure:

Young Trade Leaders are selected for one year. For more details on the 2026 programme and information on how to apply, consult the information note.

The deadline for applications is 1 May 2026 (23.59 CET).

Short-listed candidates will be invited to take part in an interview in May 2026.

The start date for successful candidates is 1 July 2026.

APPLY HERE

The RwandaAir RISE Graduate Development Programme 2026 for young Rwandan graduates.

Application Deadline: April 4, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Rwanda Air RISE Graduate Development Programme. The RwandAir Inspiring Success & Excellence (RISE) Graduate Development Programme is a first-of-its kind 24-month fast-track programme taking recent graduates and young professionals through a structured learning plan across key strategic business units within the airline. These include Human Resources, Information Technology, Finance, Operations, Engineering, and Commercial.

The initiative is committed to developing local talent and creating a sustainable pipeline to support the country’s transformation plan and growth.

Requirements

The program welcome recent graduates and young professionals with up to two years of relevant work experience who meet the following requirements to apply:

Rwandan Nationality.

Bachelor’s degree with a First-Class Honours in Business Administration, Aviation Management, Engineering, or other aviation-related fields or a Master’s degree with a Second Class, Upper Division Honours in aviation-related fields.

Strong English proficiency with proven results

IELTS Academic – minimum score 6.5

TOEFL iBT (Academic) – minimum score 85

Additional languages are an advantage

Demonstrated leadership, growth mindset, and problem-solving skills.

Passion for aviation.

Willingness to relocate or travel as required.

Benefits

Comprehensive Industry Exposure: Gain experience through structured rotational assignments across Human Resources, Information Technology, Finance, Operations, Engineering and Commercial to develop a broad understanding of airline operations.

Leadership & Skill Development: 

Receive on-the-job training and mentorship from senior leaders focused on solution-driven projects that solve real business challenges.

Professional Growth: 

Regular assessments based on assignments, mentorship, and leadership feedback.

Competitive Benefits: 

Receive a competitive salary, airline staff benefits including rebate tickets, life and health insurance, and continuous development opportunities.

Clear Career Path: 

Transition into a mid-career position aligned with their skills and interests after successfully completing the programme.

APPLY HERE

Herconomy Enterprise Challenge 2026 For Female Business owner.

Deadline: March 22nd, 2026

The Herconomy Enterprise Challenge 2026 is a major initiative aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs in Nigeria by providing funding, mentorship, and visibility, with a total of ₦3,000,000 in grants available. 

Prizes & Benefits

Winner: ₦1,500,000 Grant + 3 Months of Free Workspace.

1st Runner-Up: ₦1,000,000 Grant.

2nd Runner-Up: ₦500,000 Grant.

Additional Benefits: Access to investors, mentorship, and business resources to scale. 

Application Steps

Repost the Enterprise Challenge flyer on your Instagram page.

Upload a 1-minute pitch video on Instagram describing your business.

Fill out the application form (link available in Herconomy's Instagram bio).

Use the hashtags: #Herconomy #HerconomyEnterpriseChallenge2026.

Eligibility & Deadline

Deadline: March 22nd, 2026.

Requirement: Applicants must be active savers on the Herconomy app.

Focus: Open to female-led businesses in Nigeria seeking to scale. 

Related Event: Herconomy Wealth Building Summit 2026

Date: March 31, 2026.

Location: Lagos, Nigeria.

Focus: A free, in-person (by selection) summit focusing on financial growth, featuring grants, stocks, and gold investment gifts. 

APPLY HERE

Lagos Innovates Female Founders & Funders III Programme for female founders (₦9M+ in Prizes)

Application Deadline: 4 April 2026

Applications are now open for the Lagos Innovates Female Founders & Funders III Programme. The Female Founders & Funders III programme is designed for female founders building innovative startups across Lagos State. It’s a 6-week intensive programme designed to support female-founded startups in Lagos with expert mentorship, investment readiness training, and direct access to investors and ecosystem partners.

The programme is hybrid. Weekly sessions take place in Lagos with options for virtual participation where applicable.

Requirements

You Should Apply If:

Founded or co-founded by a woman

Have a working product or MVP

Solving a clear market problem

Operating or planning to operate in Lagos

Benefits

Expert Mentorship

Weekly one-on-one guidance from experienced founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders to accelerate your growth.

Investor Readiness

Support refining your pitch deck, financial models, and investor engagement strategies to attract capital.

Network Access

Curated connections to VCs, angel investors, corporate partners, and ecosystem stakeholders.

Application Timeline:

8 March 2026: Applications Open

4 April 2026: Application Deadline

15 April 2026: Cohort Announcement

6 Weeks: Programme Duration (Starting April 2026)

June 2026: Investor Showcase

APPLY HERE

Julius Berger Vocational Support Programme 2026 for young Nigerians.

Application Deadline: Unspecified

Applications are now open for the 2026 Julius Berger Vocational Support Programme, an initiative designed to equip young Nigerians with practical technical skills and industry-recognised training that can open doors to meaningful careers.

Requirements

To apply, applicants must:

Be Nigerian and 18–28 years old

Possess a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE)

Reside in Abuja

Women pursuing opportunities in technical fields are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications are also highly encouraged from persons within disadvantaged groups, including PWDs and IDPs.

Course Offerings

The company has carefully designed curricula for training in the following technical expertise to enable beneficiaries learn a skill that will remain commercially viable for the foreseeable future. Unlock your future in the building trades with a training programme specialising in:

Masonry Level 1 (10 Months)

Carpentry Level 1 (10 months)

Solar and Electrical Works (10 Months)

APPLY HERE