APPLICATION OPEN 2026 MILEAD FELLOWS PROGRAM For Young African Women Leaders

ARE YOU AN EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG AFRICAN FEMALE LEADER, DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? THE 2026 MILEAD FELLOWS PROGRAM IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHINE!

Join the 2026 MILEAD Fellows Program for Young African Women Leaders!

For over a decade, MILEAD Fellows have been catalysts for transformative change, breaking barriers, implementing life-changing initiatives, and challenging systems that discriminate against women and girls. Our program is crafted to identify, nurture, and elevate the next generation of African female leaders, equipping them with the skills and support needed to thrive in leadership roles across Africa.

The MILEAD Program offers fellows world-class knowledge, skills, values, and support systems crucial for success as 21st-century women leaders. The program will be granted to 25 outstanding young women who have demonstrated leadership potential in their community, organization, or profession.

If you’re a passionate emerging African woman leader ready to create a positive impact, we want you to apply! We’re seeking dynamic young women aged 19-25 interested in honing transformational leadership skills to tackle issues facing women and girls in African communities.

The program features a three-week residential Summer Institute in Ghana and a community change project. Selected candidates may be full-time students or professionals during the program, except during the 3-week summer institute.

APPLY HERE

APPLY Now For Petty Traders Grant Support Programme: Up to N100,000 (Nigeria)

Jan – Mar, 2026 

The Petty Traders Grant Support Programme is a community-driven initiative designed to empower aspiring and existing small-scale business owners. It provides financial assistance to individuals who need low start-up capital for petty trading, such as buying and selling goods or offering basic services. For existing traders, the grant can serve as additional funding to strengthen and expand their businesses.

This programme provides seed capital between ₦10,000 and ₦100,000 to help petty traders generate sustainable income. Unlike most funding opportunities, no business registration is required, and the process is simple, with minimal documentation. As long as you are a Nigerian resident within the required age bracket, you are eligible to apply.

Key Features of the Petty Traders Grant Support Programme

Supports individuals to start or grow a small business.

Specifically designed for petty traders requiring little start-up capital.

Provides seed capital of ₦10,000 – ₦100,000.

Easy access with minimal documentation.

Open to all Nigerians within the required age bracket residing in the country.

Available to applicants with or without CAC registration.

Application Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

Be between 18 – 55 years old.

Be an entrepreneur or aspiring entrepreneur.

Own a business or have a business idea/initiative.

Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN Slip).

Provide the details of one contact person.

Have a verifiable residential address.

Hold a valid 10-digit bank account number.

Reside in Nigeria.

Submit a duly completed application form.

Key Dates

Application Opens: 29th of January,2026

Application Closes: 31st of March,2026

Disbursement for Petty Traders Grant Support Programme: April - May,2026

 

How to Apply for the Petty Traders Grant Support Programme 2026

Step 1: Register

Submit your personal and business details through the application form.

Click here to register

Step 2: Onboard

Fill out the form carefully with correct details to avoid disqualification during verification. Review your entries before submission—changes cannot be made once submitted.

⚠️ Do not apply more than once.

Step 3: Get Paid

After successful registration:

You may be contacted for further information or clarification.

Shortlisted candidates will be published on this website. Applicants are encouraged to check regularly for updates.

Once verified, you will be notified of your eligibility for the grant.

APPLY HERE

WEBSITE

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