Apply Now For The Florish Africa grants program 2026. For Women Entrepreneurs.

Flourish Africa is the women empowerment movement founded by Apostle Folorunso Alakija to serve as a catalyst for female empowerment and development. Borne out of her passion to see women become truly fulfilled and empowered, the Flourish Africa movement was designed to create a platform for both female millennials and adults alike to have access to information that will help them grow in the areas of their career, business, love, and relationships.

 Eligibility 

To qualify, you must:

Be a woman (18–50 years) 

Own a business in Nigeria

Have at least 51% ownership (if co-owned) 

Have access to internet (for training) 

Business stage:

Startup OR existing small business

 For advanced cohorts:

CAC registration may be required

At least 1 year in business + small team

How to Apply

Visit flourishafrica.com

Complete the online application and upload the required documents

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email for the next stage

APPLY HERE

WEBSITE

The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program 2026 for young Africans (12-month internship plus monthly stipend)

Application Deadline: Unspecified

Applications are now open for the 2026 Mastercard Foundation Associates Program. The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program connects talented young people with 12-month internships across Africa. The program works through partnerships with external organizations and Foundation partner organizations to support Associates in developing leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship skills following graduation.

Requirements

Recent graduates with 0–2 years of work experience

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni

Alumni of Mastercard Foundation programs

Young people, age 18 to 35, across Africa seeking meaningful early‑career experience

Benefits

12‑month internship placement

Hands‑on work experience

Leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship skill‑building

Mentorship and professional networks

A stipend is provided for the duration of the internship.

Career transition support

Program Journey

Recruitment & Selection

Placement in Internship Roles

Transition Pathways

How to Apply

Applicants may apply directly through the application links depending on their country of residence, or they can apply for remote roles. Roles will be posted on an ongoing basis.

APPLY HERE

APPLY For Beauty Hut Women’s Grant powered by Busha For Women in Beauty Business. Naira (6,000,000) in Funding. (2026)

Applications close March 26, 2026.

As a female-led company, Beauty Hut understands firsthand the grit it takes to build and scale a beauty brand in Africa. That’s why we’re committed to supporting ambitious women who are ready to take their businesses to the next level.

If you’re building and ready to grow, this grant is for you.

With a total grant pool of ₦6,000,000, we are proud to support ambitious female entrepreneurs across Nigeria. The first prize winner will receive ₦3,000,000, in funding to support and grow their business.

It’s designed to support female beauty entrepreneurs in Nigeria with funding, mentorship, and visibility.

Prizes:

🥇 1st place: ₦3,000,000

🥈 2nd place: ₦2,000,000

🥉 3rd place: ₦1,000,000 

Who Can Apply

You are eligible if:

You are a woman founder (or co-founder) 

Your business is:

In the beauty industry (skincare, haircare, wellness, retail, etc.) 

Your business:

Is operational for at least 6 months .

Is registered OR has a clear plan to register .

Operates in Nigeria .

You have a clear plan for how you’ll use the grant money .

Program  Benefits (Beyond Money)

This grant is not just funding:

 Cash grant (up to ₦3M)

 Mentorship from industry experts

 Live pitching opportunity

 Business workshops

 Visibility & exposure in the beauty industry .

APPLY HERE

Empowering the Next Generation of Female Entrepreneurs: Apply for the BOI–MTN Y’ellopreneur Program 2026

Applications are now open for the BOI–MTN Foundation Yellopreneur Program 2026, a high-impact initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs in Nigeria through capacity building, funding access, and business support services.

The programme is a collaboration between the Bank of Industry and MTN Foundation, aimed at reducing unemployment and strengthening women-led businesses across Nigeria.

About the Yellopreneur Program

The Yellopreneur Initiative is a flagship women empowerment program focused on equipping female entrepreneurs with the skills, funding, and advisory support needed to grow sustainable businesses.

The program combines entrepreneurial training, access to finance, and mentorship, making it one of Nigeria’s most structured support systems for women in business.

The latest phase (Yellopreneur 3.0) introduces a ₦1 billion matching fund to expand access to capital for women-led enterprises.

Program Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

📚 Entrepreneurship and business management training

💰 Access to loans of up to ₦5 million (single-digit interest)

🎁 Potential grant component (partial conversion after repayment)

🤝 Mentorship and advisory support services

📈 Support in developing bankable business plans

🌍 Access to markets, networks, and growth opportunities

The program is designed to help entrepreneurs become investment-ready and scalable.

Program Structure

The Yellopreneur program typically follows a structured process:

Training Phase – Selected applicants undergo intensive business training.

Business Plan Development – Participants create bankable business proposals.

Pitch Stage – Entrepreneurs pitch their businesses.

Funding Selection – Top participants receive financial support.

About 1,000 women are trained, with top candidates selected for funding support.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

Be a female entrepreneur in Nigeria

Own or run an existing business (typically 2+ years old)

Operate in sectors such as:

Agriculture

Manufacturing

ICT/digital services

Processing

Circular economy / waste management

Source materials locally where possible

Be willing to participate fully in the training and mentorship program.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

Visit the official MTN Foundation portal

Review eligibility requirements

Complete and submit the application form.

APPLY HERE

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

READ MORE HERE

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

Arts & Culture Trust Nyoloha Scholarship Programme 2026 for Young South Africans

Application Deadline: 5 April 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Arts & Culture Trust Nyoloha Scholarship Programme. The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is an undergraduate scholarship initiative designed to provide life-changing opportunities for school leavers to pursue tertiary studies in the performing, visual, and digital arts. Through a blend of mentorship, training, and live showcases, participants gain professional exposure, build networks, and prepare for sustainable careers in the creative economy.

The programme is proudly supported by Nedbank, Sun International and MTN South Africa.

Programme Highlights

Builds an alumni network connecting graduates to opportunities in the creative economy.

Identifies talent nationwide through auditions and portfolio reviews.

Provides three months of mentorship and workshops with industry leaders.

Culminates in a visual arts exhibition and performing arts showcase of finalists’ work.

Awards two full scholarships annually (up to R300,000 each) in Performing Arts and Visual/Digital Arts.

Eligibility

Individuals who are:

Between the ages of 17 – 25 years old.

Currently in Grade 12 OR have university exemption.

Need financial assistance to pursue a qualification in performing or visual arts as a South African tertiary/accredited institution, for studies commencing in 2027.

Not currently registered at a tertiary institution/accredited institution for the 2026 academic year.

Do not have an existing tertiary qualification in an arts/creative discipline from a South African tertiary/accredited institution.

Not considered a professional artist – (have specialized training/and or employed full time in their artistic discipline).

Not a 2025 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme participant or finalist.

Willing and able to commit to the 6-month duration of the programme.

Apply HERE

Lagos State Government Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP) 2026 for young graduates (Monthly Stipend).

Application Deadline: 10th April 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Lagos State Government Graduate Internship Placement Programme. The Lagos State Graduate Internship is a paid internship opportunity to begin your career while learning critical soft and hard skills, behavioural competencies, and emotional intelligence.

As a participant of the GIPP, you will learn critical soft and hard skills, behavioural competencies, and emotional intelligence. interpersonal, personal brand management and amplification.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be considered for the Lagos State Graduate Internship Placement, you must:

Have a bachelor’s degree in any field

Have completed NYSC mandatory service

Have between 0-3 years of work experience

Possess the Lagos State Resident Registration Agency (LASRRA) card

Benefits

Networking

Certificates to showcase your skills

Free CV review & interview prep

3-month internships

Stipends throughout training and internship

Skill Development

Professional Growth

APPLY HERE

UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea Fellowship Programme 2026 for Young Women Scientists in Africa.

Application Deadline: March 31st 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea Fellowship Programme. This initiative aims to bridge the persistent gaps on the African continent. It is designed to offer targeted support and focuses on promoting equal opportunities in science, by creating concrete opportunities for young women to become actively involved in various life science disciplines.

The Young African Women Scientists Programme, established in 2024 by UNESCO’s Executive Board and funded by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, aims to promote and support two exceptional young African women in the life sciences. The program seeks to encourage their active participation in their countries’ scientific and technological development. Each year, two young women will be awarded a grant of $25,000, with a total of $50,000, to advance their research and foster a promising scientific career.

Eligibility criteria

Must hold African nationality and conduct research at a recognized laboratory in Africa.

Must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.

Must hold a PhD in the field of life sciences.

Engaged in scientific research within the field of life sciences, focusing on advancing knowledge and contributing to sustainable development.

Please note that only Governments of African Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions can submit applications.

Application submission process

Applications must be completed either in English or French via the online form below.

The submissions should include the following: 

A proposal outlining an innovative research idea that can be completed within one year, considering the facilities available to the applicant.

A detailed work plan, including the project’s activities, objectives, and expected outcomes, with a timeline showing completion within one year.

A comprehensive budget breakdown for the $25,000 grant, clearly demonstrating how the funds will be allocated to implement the proposed project (e.g., materials, equipment, travel, publication fees, etc.). Given that the Grant Disbursement will be as follows:

$23,000 of the grant will be provided in advance at the start of the project.

$2,000 will be provided upon submission of a final report at the end of the fellowship period, detailing the project’s results and the use of the funds.

A summary of past research, including publications and other supporting documents, with significant publications highlighted.

A detailed CV, including academic qualifications, positions held, research experience, and current work.

Two recommendation letters from a thesis supervisor or peer in the research field (who is not part of the candidate’s immediate environment).

Please note that self-nominations shall not be considered as well as incomplete applications.

APPLY HERE

South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Data Science Graduate Development Programme 2027 for South African postgraduates.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Data Science Graduate Development Programme. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is looking for talented postgraduates to join its one-year Data Science Graduate Development Programme in February 2027.

Data science is an inter-disciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data. The core outcome of this programme is to develop deep capabilities in advanced analytics in central banking.

Program Format

Graduates will be placed in the Central Bank Departments within the SARB, from February 2027 to January 2028. During the programme, graduates will attend various learning interventions at the SARB Academy, including technical training. The programme offers opportunities for a Data Science track, and graduates will work in a Data Lab environment from time to time, on various use cases.

Duration of the programme: One year

Qualifications

To be considered, candidates must have a postgraduate qualification or be in the process of completing a postgraduate qualification (ideally completed the course work) in one of the following fields:

SARB Graduate                                                                                       

Data Science

Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence

Predictive Analytics Modelling

Statistics

Applied Mathematics

Digital Technology (Information Technology)

Fintech

Economics with Econometrics

Business Mathematics and Informatics.

Additional requirements

Coding with R and/or Python;

be a South African citizen;

be a curious, innovative and self-motivated individual with strong analytical skills;

have a proven track record of academic excellence with an overall average mark of 70% and above; and

have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Have Fintech experience.

APPLY HERE

Call For Applications: BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneur Program (GAP) – Up to (₦1,500,000) Grant . (Nigeria)

Applications are now open for the Graduate Agripreneur Programme (GAP) organized by the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATN Foundation). The initiative supports young Nigerian graduates with innovative agribusiness ideas through funding, training, and mentorship.

About the Program

The Graduate Agripreneur Programme (GAP) is designed to help graduates establish sustainable agribusiness ventures and demonstrate that agriculture can be a profitable career path.

The program equips participants with:

Practical agribusiness training

Mentorship from industry experts

Access to land and farming tools

Seed funding to start or scale their agribusinesses

The initiative also aims to reduce youth unemployment and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector by turning graduates into job creators.

The initiative also aims to reduce youth unemployment and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector by turning graduates into job creators.

Grant Value

₦1,500,000 equity-free grant per winner

Total funding for participants can reach over ₦22 million across the cohort depending on the number of selected agripreneurs.

Additional Benefits

Selected participants receive:

Agribusiness capacity development training

Mentorship and business advisory

Access to farmland and farming infrastructure

Market linkages and investor connections

Opportunity to launch agribusiness ventures within partner universities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants typically must:

Be graduates of agricultural or related faculties

Have a viable agribusiness idea or existing venture

Submit a detailed agribusiness proposal

Be willing to participate in training and pitch sessions.

Businesses can be at idea stage, prototype stage, or already operating.

Partner Universities

The program currently collaborates with institutions such as:

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

University of Ibadan

University of Ilorin

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike

Selection Process

The application process involves:

Submission of agribusiness proposal

Technical review by experts

Shortlisting of top applicants

Live pitch session before a panel

Final selection of winners.

APPLY HERE

Apply Now for the Bloom Grant up to ( $1000) In fundings. For Women Entrepreneurs In Nigeria..

Application Deadline: March 30, 2026

The Bloom Grant supports women entrepreneurs in Nigeria who are building businesses that create positive social impact in their communities. Selected entrepreneurs will receive up to $1,000 in funding to support the growth of their businesses.

We are looking for women who are building real businesses beyond the idea stage, demonstrating leadership, resilience, and commitment to improving their communities.

Eligibility Criteria:

✔ Must be a Nigerian woman residing in Nigeria

✔ Must own a registered business

 ✓ Business must be operational (not at idea stage)

✔ Early-stage businesses not more than 5 years in operation

✔ Must demonstrate clear social, economic, or community impact

✔ Must commit to post-grant reporting and visibility activities.

How to Apply

✔ Complete this application form

✔ Upload the required documents

Required Documents

✔ Business Registration

✔ Business Financial Statement

✔ Letter of Recommendation

✔ Up to 7 short essay responses

Please note that shortlisted applicants will be invited for a brief virtual interview as part of the selection process.

APPLY HERE

The Concordia University/Hindsight Ventures AFRISE Challenge 2026 for young African Entrepreneurs.

Application Deadline: 3rd April 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 AFRISE Challenge. The AFRISE Challenge provides an opportunity for high potential African youth and student entrepreneurs to rise up in their entrepreneurial journey, and contribute to local and regional economic development by becoming job creators.

Concordia University and Hindsight Ventures have partnered for this program, with a central theme focusing on how youth entrepreneurs can help “African” economies to “Rise”.

Requirements

The program is aimed at 18 – 35 year old African youth. We are looking for applications from Nigeria, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire & Senegal. 

AFRISE seeks to identify young innovators and entrepreneurs who have a scalable idea to solve a mass challenge.

Program Details

Accelerator Program

30 high-potential founders will be selected for a mentorship and leadership development accelerator, that will be delivered by successful founders, industry leaders, domain experts and investors; alongside leaders from Concordia University and Hindsight Ventures network.

International Demo Day

The Accelerator Program will culminate with an International Demo Day, wherein the Top-15 Entrepreneurs present at a Virtual Demo Day to a group of early stage venture investors and Entrepreneurship Support Organizations for accessing funding support (grant + equity based funding)

Technology Credits and other Support

Each startup gets in excess of $600,000 in technology credits from partners such as AWS, Zoho, IBM, Microsoft, Canva, DigitalOcean, FreshWorks and more.

APPLY HERE

Applications are Open for the Free Trade Fellowship Program 2026

Deadline: March 20, 2026

The Ominira Initiative is inviting applications for its Free Trade Fellowship Program, designed for Nigerian journalists, academics, and researchers seeking to deepen their understanding of economic development and free trade.

The six-month virtual fellowship will run from April to September 2026, providing selected fellows with structured learning opportunities and incentives tied to program-related activities.

About the Fellowship

The program aims to strengthen informed public discourse around:

Economic development

Free trade principles

Market-driven growth

Policy reform and regional integration

Selected fellows will primarily promote these concepts through:

Articles and opinion pieces

Research publications

Media engagements

Policy conversations and public commentary.

The fellowship is fully virtual, enabling participation from across Nigeria.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is open to Nigerian professionals in the following categories:

Journalists and media professionals

Academics and researchers

Civil society or NGO staff

Other professionals with relevant experience in economic or policy discourse.

Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in economic advancement and free trade advocacy.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the online application form and provide the following:

First and last name

Email address

Phone number

Gender

Occupation

Current city and country of residence

In addition, applicants must submit:

A written statement (maximum 200 words) explaining:

Their understanding of free trade and economic advancement

Why they wish to spend six months studying and advocating these concepts

Links to two of their best published articles or research outputs

A CV/Resume (maximum 10MB, accessible via link).

Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered.

What Fellows Can Expect

Over six months, fellows will:

Deepen their theoretical and practical understanding of free trade principles.

Engage in structured discussions and learning sessions.

Contribute to public discourse through media and research outputs.

Receive incentives tied to program participation and deliverables.

The program is designed to foster thought leadership and strengthen evidence-based economic conversations in Nigeria.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the official Google Form before March 20, 2026.

Applicants are advised to:

Carefully review the application questions

Ensure all uploaded documents are accessible

Adhere strictly to the 200-word limit for the personal statement.

Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

Professionals passionate about economic advancement and free trade advocacy are encouraged to apply and contribute to shaping Nigeria’s economic future.

APPLY HERE

The Standard Chartered Ghana Foundation Women In Tech Accelerator 2026 for Women-led Businesses ($10,000 in equity-free grants)

Deadline: 27 March 2026

Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC, in partnership with Village Capital is excited to announce the call for applications for the 6th Cohort of the Standard Chartered Foundation Women In Tech Accelerator. An annual philanthropic programme for young, women entrepreneurs led by the Standard Chartered Foundation and implemented in Ghana by Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, empowers women-led and women-owned businesses with the tools, training, and funding needed to leverage technology and build scalable, innovative businesses that address Ghana's pressing economic and environmental challenges for sustainable growth and social impact.

Despite women driving 34% of formal SMEs (World Bank, 2023) and 44% of micro-enterprises (Ghana Statistical Service, 2021), persistent barriers like limited access to finance (65%), digital skills gaps (40%), and regulatory hurdles (35%) (Mastercard Index, 2023) hinder their growth. The FWIT program directly tackles these challenges, fostering sustainable businesses with measurable social impact.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must:

Be Ghanaian women owning at least 50% of a registered business

Have a business that has operated for at least 12 months

Use technology or innovation in their product/service

Demonstrate social, economic, or environmental impact

Commit to full participation in the incubation process

(Women with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply!)

Benefits of the Programme

Selected participants will receive:

World-class training

 A "Mini MBA" in business development, leadership, and digital innovation

Personalized mentorship 

One-on-one advisory sessions with industry experts

Masterclasses & networking

Access to workshops and connections with top entrepreneurs

Support services

Legal, financial, and tech development guidance

Funding opportunity

Selected participants can pitch for up to $10,000 in equity-free grants

APPLY HERE

Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award 2026

The Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award 2026 is a global six-month accelerator program designed to empower women leaders who are building proven solutions in health and food security for low- and middle-income communities across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.

The award not only provides funding but is structured to boost investor readiness, strategic capacity, network access, and visibility for women founders tackling urgent global challenges, helping them scale solutions that benefit millions. 

Focus Areas

Startups and ventures that can apply should be driving measurable impact in areas such as:

Health innovations - from women’s and cardiovascular health to affordable access models and digital health infrastructure.

Food security solutions - fighting food waste, reducing malnutrition, boosting smallholder productivity, improving market access, and expanding water/sanitation services. 

 Who Can Apply

You’re eligible to apply if you are:

A woman founder, co-founder, or senior leader with decision-making authority in your venture.

Building a revenue-generating business or social enterprise that has already moved beyond the idea stage.

Addressing critical health or food security challenges with measurable impact for vulnerable communities.

Operating within the defined regions (Asia, Africa, Latin America, Middle East).

Generating traction with up to ~US$1 million in annual revenue, or strong evidence of growth if still pre-break-even.

Formally incorporated on or before 1 January 2025. 

Applications are open now and close on 13 April 2026 

APPLY HERE

APPLY Now for Orange Corners Acceleration Programme 2026: Cohort 13, ( Ghana)

DEADLINE March 27, 2026

The Orange Corners Ghana Acceleration Programme is a business accelerator that helps young entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses through mentorship, training, and funding opportunities.

It is an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, implemented in Ghana by GrowthAfrica with partners like banks and large companies.

Applications are open for the 2026 cohort, targeting growth-stage entrepreneurs in Ghana. 

Key Highlights

 Access to up to €50,000 funding (grant + low-interest loan).

 Mentorship from industry experts.

Structured business acceleration training.

 Networking with investors and corporate partners.

 Support to scale your business sustainably.

Focus Sectors

Cohort 13 prioritizes businesses operating in high-growth and impact sectors, including:

Agribusiness

Manufacturing

Climate-focused ventures

Health and healthcare innovation

Services

Technology and digital solutions

Creative industries

Businesses outside these sectors may also apply if they demonstrate strong scalability and sustainable impact potential.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for Cohort 13, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Founder Requirements

Aged between 18 and 35 years

Founder or co-founder of the business

Have a full-time co-founder dedicated to the company

Business Requirements

Operate a revenue-generating business

Minimum of 24 months of recurring revenue

Generate at least USD 30,000 annually

Employ at least three full-time staff

Address a real market need

Align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Demonstrate innovation and competitive advantage

Women entrepreneurs leading innovative ventures are strongly encouraged to apply

Who Can Apply?

Typical eligibility includes:

✔ Age 18–35 years

✔ Business operating for at least 24 months

✔ Generating revenue

✔ At least 3 employees

✔ Innovative, scalable business

✔ Impact aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Women entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to apply. 

APPLY HERE