The One Acre Fund Future Leaders Program ( 12-month) for impact-driven professionals.

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Applications are now open for 2026 One Acre Fund Future Leaders Program. The Future Leaders Program is a 12-month program designed to provide high-potential, impact-driven professionals such as yourself the opportunity to get hands-on experience with some of our most impactful work, coupled with targeted mentorship and professional development. Simply put, the Future Leaders Program is an accelerated path to where your career ambitions and potential impact meet.

Requirements

You should have:

The right to work in one of our existing countries of operation (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Burundi, or Malawi). We are unable to sponsor a work permit.

A bachelor’s degree or higher.

2-4 years of relevant work experience

Working proficiency in English, with fluency in one of our program country languages (Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Amharic, Chichewa, French, etc) is desired.

And have an aptitude for:

Exceptional project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Quickly translating strategy memos into structured project plans.

Designing systems, processes, and partnerships from the ground up.

Using data and sound business judgment to guide decisions and shape recommendations.

Some experience in or exposure to social enterprises, agriculture and/or rural development programs is advantageous, but not required.

Benefits

Participants in the Future Leaders Program will receive several professional development benefits including:

Direct mentorship from senior leadership within One Acre Fund.

Hands-on experience working on high-priority operational and strategic initiatives

Leadership development and professional training.

Exposure to large-scale agricultural and social enterprise programs.

Opportunities to build strong networks within the development sector.

Potential pathway to permanent employment opportunities within One Acre Fund after completing the program.

Note: One Acre Fund cannot support a work permit for this role, all candidates must have the right to work in one of our program countries

APPLY HERE

Calling all Young Women Farmers in Africa! FAO-EYPA Empowerment of Young Women Farmers in Africa Mentorship Programme 2026 (phase 2)

Deadline for Applications: 6 March 2026

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO), has launched Phase II of the Empowerment of Young Women Farmers in Africa through Inclusive Mentorship Programme (EYPA).

Building on the success of the pilot program, this phase specifically targets young women farmers across Africa to enhance their skills, confidence, and professional networks in agrifood systems.

Program Objectives

EYPA Phase II is designed to scale up the mentorship model from the pilot phase, focusing on:

Gender-focused mentorship: Addressing the specific challenges young women face in agriculture.

Capacity-building activities: Enhancing technical, organizational, and financial competencies.

Networking opportunities: Connecting young women farmers with peers, mentors, and industry leaders.

Economic empowerment: Supporting women-led agribusinesses and closing gender gaps in African agrifood systems

The program aligns with the goals of the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026), promoting equitable access to skills, markets, and opportunities.

Who Can Participate

Mentees: Up to 50 young women farmers from various African regions

Mentors: Experienced professionals in agriculture and agribusiness willing to guide mentees

Applications were opened in February 2026, with the submission deadline for expressions of interest on 6 March 2026.

Call for Mentees

Call for Mentors

Program Structure

The EYPA Phase II mentorship journey will provide participants with:

Tailored mentorship: Personalized guidance to address individual challenges and opportunities.

Skill-building sessions: Financial literacy, organizational management, marketing, and business planning

Market access support: Tools and networks to enhance the reach of women-led agribusinesses.

The program concludes with regional pitching sessions, where mentees present their agribusiness ventures, demonstrating the impact and sustainability of their projects.

Final Competition:

Location: PAFO Headquarters, Kigali, Rwanda.

Activity: Top mentees showcase their businesses and compete for two cash prizes.

Outcome: Recognition of leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence in agrifood systems.

Why EYPA Phase II Matters

EYPA Phase II is more than a mentorship program—it is a strategic intervention to:

Develop young women leaders in agriculture.

Promote gender equality and empowerment.

Transform African agrifood systems by fostering innovative and sustainable practices.

Build professional networks that support ongoing growth and collaboration

By equipping young women with essential competencies and mentorship support, the program amplifies their potential to become influential leaders and innovators in their communities and sectors.

FAO & PAFO Collaboration

Phase II reflects a strong partnership between FAO and PAFO, implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration emphasizes:

Shared commitment to youth and women empowerment in agriculture.

Creation of structured mentorship and capacity-building opportunities.

Long-term investment in agrifood leadership and innovation across Africa.

Key Highlights at a Glance

Program Name: Empowerment of Young Women Farmers in Africa (EYPA Phase II)

Hosts: FAO & PAFO

Target Participants: Young women farmers (mentees) and experienced agriculture professionals (mentors).

Focus Areas: Mentorship, capacity-building, market access, financial literacy, and agribusiness development.

Final Event: Regional pitching sessions culminating in Kigali, Rwanda.

APPLY HERE

Dangote Academy Industry Maintenance Technicians Program 2026 for young Nigerians.

Application Deadline: March 2nd, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Dangote Academy Industry Maintenance Technicians Program. Are you ready to launch your career through a world-class vocational training programme designed to build industry-ready professionals and close critical skills gaps in Nigeria’s industrial sector?

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the minimum academic and professional requirements as stated in the Programme advert.

Only candidates who provide complete and accurate information will be considered.

The Programme is open only to individuals who are legally eligible to work in Nigeria.

Application Process

Submission of an application does not guarantee selection or employment.

The selection process may include, but is not limited to, assessments, interviews, group exercises, and background checks.

The Company reserves the right to verify the accuracy of all information provided and may disqualify candidates for false or misleading statements.

APPLY HERE

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