National Innovation Accelerator Program for Innovators and Startups (Uganda)

Deadline: 20-Feb-2026

The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Uganda is inviting innovators, developers, and early-stage enterprises to apply for a 5-day Accelerator Program. The initiative supports product refinement, market readiness, and growth in sectors such as smart agriculture, digital tourism, light manufacturing, industrial efficiency, and ICT for development, offering mentorship, investment guidance, and pilot opportunities.

About the Program

The Uganda ICT Accelerator Program is designed to strengthen innovative solutions by guiding participants through product development, testing, and market validation. The program focuses on creating real-world impact while fostering collaboration among innovators, startups, and university teams.

Priority Sectors

Smart Agriculture: Solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, or sustainability in agriculture.

Digital Tourism: Technology-driven tools to promote tourism, enhance visitor experience, or improve tourism infrastructure.

Light Manufacturing & Industrial Efficiency: Innovations that optimize production, reduce costs, or improve processes.

ICT for Development: Digital tools and platforms that address social, economic, or governance challenges in Uganda.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible participants include:

Individual innovators with a working prototype or concept

Startup teams in early stages of development

University groups working on tech or sector-specific solutions

Developer communities and coding groups

Early-stage enterprises seeking mentorship and investment

Program Features

5-Day Intensive Accelerator: Participants engage in hands-on product refinement and development.

Advanced Hackathon: Focused challenges to solve sector-specific problems and accelerate prototype development.

Mentorship: Guidance from industry leaders, sector experts, and potential investors.

Market Readiness: Support in product validation, pilot testing, and scaling strategies.

Investment Opportunities: Participants gain exposure to potential investors and funding networks.

Benefits

Transform prototypes into market-ready solutions

Access to expert mentorship and technical guidance

Opportunities for pilot projects and real-world application

Networking with investors, industry experts, and fellow innovators

Skill-building in product development, market strategy, and business growth.

How to Apply

Prepare a concise application highlighting your innovation, sector, and stage of development.

Include technical details, prototype descriptions, and potential market impact.

Submit the application through the Ministry’s designated online platform before the deadline.

Shortlisted participants will be notified and invited to attend the 5-day Accelerator.

APPLY HERE

APPLY HERE

Entries Open: Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science

Deadline: 08-Apr-2026

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science recognize outstanding women researchers in STEM and impactful initiatives that support girls and women in science careers. Winners receive US$50,000, global recognition, mentoring from The Estée Lauder Companies, and an invitation to an award ceremony in London or New York. The Awards feature two categories: Scientific Achievement and Science Outreach.

About the Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science celebrate excellence in scientific research and initiatives that promote gender equity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine).

The Awards aim to:

Recognize early-career women scientists

Promote research excellence in STEM fields

Support outreach initiatives that inspire girls and young women

Strengthen retention of women in STEM careers

The program is supported by The Estée Lauder Companies and provides financial awards, global visibility, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

Award Categories

1. Scientific Achievement

This category recognizes early-career academic women in STEM who have demonstrated exceptional research excellence.

It focuses on:

Original research contributions

Scientific innovation

Academic impact

Leadership in STEM research

2. Science Outreach

This category honors initiatives that:

Promote and engage girls and young women in STEM subjects

Improve access to science education

Support retention of women in STEM careers

Introduce innovative and scalable outreach models

Applications may come from individuals, organizations, departments, or project teams.

Award Benefits and Prizes

Winners Receive:

US$50,000 cash prize

Invitation to the award ceremony in London or New York

Travel and accommodation expenses covered

Coverage on Nature’s official website (nature.com)

Opportunity to present their work to scientists at The Estée Lauder Companies

Mentoring support from The Estée Lauder Companies

Global recognition in the scientific community

Runners-Up Receive:

US$5,000 cash prize

Invitation to the award ceremony (travel and accommodation covered)

Shortlisted Applicants Receive:

Profile feature on the Nature Awards website

Access to an exclusive coaching and networking community.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility differs by category.

Scientific Achievement Category – Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Identify under the Awards’ inclusive definition of women (including trans women, genderqueer, and non-binary people)

Hold an MD, PhD, or doctorate by dissertation

Be within 10 years of completing their doctorate by 31 December 2024

Hold a non-tenured position, including:

Non-permanent postdoctoral roles

Tenure-track positions

Be working in:

Natural sciences

Technology

Engineering

Mathematics

Medicine

Reside in a country where it is lawful to apply

Meet all eligibility requirements set by the Promoter

Important Notes on the 10-Year Rule

The 10-year period does not need to be continuous

Extensions are granted for:

Parental leave

Approved leaves of absence

If an applicant holds both a PhD and an MD, the most recently awarded degree determines eligibility timing.

APPLY HERE

Call for Income Improvement and Economic Inclusion Projects (Morocco)

Deadline: 27-Feb-2026

The National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) – Phase III (2026) has launched a call for proposals in Taroudant Province, Morocco under the Income Improvement Axis. The program offers up to AED 200,000 per project, covering 90% of costs, to support cooperatives and youth or women’s economic groups that create sustainable employment and strengthen local production chains. Projects must demonstrate economic viability, job creation potential, and compliance with legal requirements.

Objectives of the Program

The initiative seeks to:

Promote the social and solidarity economy

Support economic inclusion of young people and women

Enable cooperatives and economic interest groups to access financial and technical support

Enhance local production chains

Create sustainable employment opportunities

Priority is given to projects that contribute to long-term income stability and regional economic growth.

Funding Details

Maximum Grant Amount: Up to AED 200,000 per project

Funding Coverage:

Covers up to 90% of total project cost

Requires a minimum 10% financial contribution from the project owner

In addition to financial support, selected applicants receive:

Technical assistance

Proposal development guidance

Institutional coordination with relevant government agencies.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Cooperatives and cooperative unions

Women’s economic interest groups

Youth economic interest groups.

Key Conditions

Women must represent more than 50% of beneficiaries

Groups must be organized in accordance with Law 112-12

The entity must comply with legal and financial regulations.

Eligible Projects

Projects must:

Demonstrate high return potential

Show the ability to generate real employment opportunities

Align with local production chain studies

Sectors considered eligible include:

Agriculture

Traditional industries and crafts

Tourism

Services

Income-generating initiatives connected to structured production chains are strongly encouraged.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a complete file containing:

A formal request addressed to the Regional Governor

Certificate confirming the applicant does not practice any public or private professional activity

Legal documents of the entity carrying the project

Financial documents of the entity

Technical and financial feasibility study

Project card using the approved model

Certified financial status of the entity for the past year

Supporting documents explaining the project concept

Incomplete files may result in rejection.

APPLY HERE

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)

APPLY HERE

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:

APPLY HERE AND READ MORE

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.

APPLY HERE

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.

Website

APPLY HERE