Call For Applications: Kenya Artificial Intelligence Accelerator Programme 2026 for Kenyan Startups and Innovators

Applications are open for the Kenya Artificial Intelligence Accelerator Programme 2026, a national initiative supporting high-impact AI solutions that can improve public-service delivery and contribute to Kenya’s green transition.

The programme is led by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE), the Technopolis Development Authority (TDA) and UNDP Kenya.

What the Programme Offers

Selected applicants will receive stage-appropriate support, including:

Access to AI compute resources

Data preparation support

Technical assistance

Guidance on responsible AI

Support to develop and advance high-impact AI use cases.

Programme Pathways

Applicants can apply under one of two pathways:

1. Public-Service Delivery AI

This pathway focuses on AI solutions that can strengthen public-service delivery.

It is open to:

Kenyan public institutions

Universities and research institutions

Startups and innovators.

2. GreenTech and Environmental AI

This pathway supports AI-driven solutions addressing environmental and green-transition challenges.

It is open to:

Startups and innovators

Universities and research institutions

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must generally:

Be legally established or formally recognised in Kenya

Submit a clearly defined problem or AI use case under an eligible pathway

Identify intended users, customers or beneficiaries.

Explain why AI is appropriate for the proposed solution.

Demonstrate the expected public, environmental, social or economic value

Have access to relevant data or a credible plan for obtaining and preparing the data

Identify a responsible focal person and team.

Participate in programme assessments, technical assistance and responsible AI reviews.

Comply with applicable Kenyan legal, regulatory, data-protection and intellectual-property requirements.

Requirements for Startups and Innovators

Startups and innovators applying under

 the GreenTech pathway must meet additional requirements, including:

Being legally registered and operating in Kenya

Having a technology-enabled solution addressing an eligible GreenTech challenge

Demonstrating that AI already contributes, or could materially contribute, to the solution

Having a committed core team

Understanding the intended customers, users or beneficiaries

Having a prototype or minimum viable solution (MVP)

Having access to relevant data, or a credible data-acquisition plan

Having the necessary approvals and licences, or a credible compliance plan

Demonstrating basic corporate governance and accountability arrangements.

APPLY HERE

Call for Applications: TEEEM Foundation Community Impact Grant 2026 (Up to $30,000 in Funding)

 Deadline 1 November 2026

The TEEEM Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grant Programme, offering funding of up to $30,000 to nonprofit and charitable organisations implementing sustainable, community-driven solutions.

The grant supports organisations working to create measurable and lasting impact through education, youth development, health, empowerment, entrepreneurship, economic opportunity and community development.

Grant Categories and Funding

Community Grants: $5,000–$10,000 for grassroots and local community projects

Growth Grants: $10,000–$20,000 to expand successful programmes and reach more communities

Transformational Grants: $20,000–$30,000 for large-scale initiatives with long-term impact

Eligible Projects

Funding is available for initiatives focused on:

Education and youth development

Health and essential community needs

Equality and empowerment

Entrepreneurship and economic opportunity

Community infrastructure

Sustainable community development

Who Can Apply?

The grant is open to nonprofit and charitable organisations with a demonstrated commitment to community-centred development.

Strong applicants should demonstrate:

• Sustainable and measurable community impact
• Effective organisational leadership
• Financial accountability
• Community-driven programme design
• Innovative approaches to solving local challenges
• Alignment with TEEEM’s mission of empathy, equality, empowerment, education and service

Organisations working with underserved communities and young people are particularly encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Applicants are required to:

Download and complete the Community Impact Grant application form.

Prepare the required supporting documents and organisational attachments.

Combine the completed application and supporting materials into a single PDF.

Submit the application by email before the deadline.

Applications will be assessed based on mission alignment, organisational capacity, community need, sustainability and anticipated social impact.

APPLY HERE

Call For Applications: NESI Innovation Challenge 2026 (₦10 Million Pool Prize)

Deadline: 30, August 2026

Applications are now open for the NESI Innovation Challenge 2026, an innovation competition under Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry Week (NESI Week).

The challenge seeks innovative ideas and solutions capable of addressing challenges within Nigeria’s electricity supply industry and contributing to the development of a more efficient, reliable and sustainable power sector.

Prize

The challenge offers a ₦10,000,000 pool prize for outstanding innovations.

Who Should Apply?

The challenge is suitable for innovators, entrepreneurs, startups, technology developers, engineers, researchers and other solution builders with innovative ideas that can contribute to Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.

Applicants are encouraged to showcase solutions that can address real challenges across the power sector and demonstrate potential for practical impact.

Focus Areas

Innovations may focus on areas related to:

Electricity generation

Power transmission

Electricity distribution

Renewable energy

Energy efficiency

Power-sector technology

Smart grid solutions

Electricity access

Energy management

Digital solutions for the power sector

Sustainable energy solutions

Why Apply?

Successful innovators will have an opportunity to showcase their solutions within the Nigerian electricity ecosystem and compete for a share of the ₦10 million pool prize.

The challenge also provides an opportunity to gain visibility, connect with relevant industry stakeholders and demonstrate how innovation can contribute to solving Nigeria’s electricity challenges.

APPLY HERE

Pulitzer Center Lavwa Lenpak African content creator program 2026 for African content creators ($500 participation stipend)

Application Deadline: August 26, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Pulitzer Center Lavwa Lenpak African content creator program. Join the second cohort of Lavwa Lenpak, our program for content creators in Africa, and learn how to use investigative journalism to engage your community and make an impact. 

This second edition of the program is dedicated to governance and human rights in the forestry sector, with a particular focus on the Congo Basin.

Pulitzer Center is seeking African content creators to contribute in strengthening their status as trusted voices within their communities, drawing inspiration from journalism. 

By equipping content creators to better understand issues of public interest, strengthen their critical thinking, and produce reliable content, Lavwa Lenpak builds a bridge between Pulitzer Center-supported journalism and audiences in Africa, transforming complex journalistic investigations into accessible, engaging digital content tailored for social media.

Requirements

Lavwa Lenpak is seeking 10 content creators who are willing to learn journalism-based content creation and whose audience consumes content about the Congo Basin region or Africa. You can apply if:

You create content on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

You have an established online community and an engaged audience.

You are interested in public interest issues, education, social justice, governance, transparency, accountability, natural resources, forest protection, or community rights.

You are open to learning and developing content inspired by investigative or public-interest reporting.

You are open to making complex subjects understandable and engaging for your audience.

You are based in or create contents on the Congo Basin or Africa.

The program welcome applications from content creators, issue-based influencers, journalist-creators, and community voices.

Benefits 

• Access to Pulitzer Center-supported reporting and journalistic resources. 
• Opportunities to collaborate with journalists, as well as personalized feedback on their content. 
• Masterclasses on disinformation and the role of trusted voices, creative storytelling, and scriptwriting. 
• A participation stipend of $500, paid at the end of the program upon approval of all required deliverables.
•  The opportunity to contribute to a broader conversation on accountability, forest governance and human rights in Africa.

APPLY HERE

Call For Applications: Digital Entrepreneurship Training and Business Support Programme for Women and Girls in Northern Nigeria

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) is inviting applications from eligible women and girls in Kano and Bauchi for its Digital Entrepreneurship Training and Business Support Programme.

 

The programme is designed to address the gender digital divide and expand business opportunities for women and girls in Northern Nigeria by providing practical entrepreneurship and digital skills needed to start, strengthen, and grow sustainable businesses.

What the Programme Offers

Participants will receive training and support in:

Entrepreneurship and business development

Financial literacy

Digital marketing

Business planning

Innovation

Mentorship

Business growth strategies

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

Be a woman or girl living in Kano or Bauchi

Be between 18 and 35 years old

Be digitally literate

Have access to a smartphone or

computer

Have an existing business or a viable business idea

Be available to complete the training

Demonstrate commitment to growing a business

Training Location

Kano or Bauchi

Training dates will be communicated to successful applicants.

Selection Process

Applicants will be selected based on:

Eligibility requirements

Commitment to participate fully

Business potential

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

APPLY HERE

Call for Applications: TTSWG Innovation Makers Challenge 2.0 (Win Up to ₦6 Million)

DEADLINE: 15, August 2026

Applications are now open for the Innovation Makers Challenge 2.0, an initiative by The Time-Travelling Solutions Working Group (TTSWG) designed to support early-stage, revenue-generating startups in the technology and sustainability sectors.

The challenge provides funding, mentorship, incubation, and a national platform to help innovative startups scale their impact.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

Early-stage startups

Revenue-generating businesses

Technology startups

Sustainability-focused ventures

Entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions with the potential for social and economic impact.

Prizes

Successful participants will compete for the following cash prizes:

Grand Winner: ₦6,000,000

First Prize: ₦2,000,000

Second Prize: ₦1,500,000

Programme Benefits

Selected startups will receive:

Cash funding to accelerate business growth

Business mentorship from industry experts

Startup incubation support.

National exposure and visibility.

Access to a platform for scaling innovative solutions.

APPLY HERE

ECOWAS Startup Awards 2026: Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for $65,000 Prize

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened applications for the second edition of its Startup Awards, giving startups across the region, including Nigeria, an opportunity to compete for a total cash prize of $65,000.

The programme is designed to identify and support innovative startups while promoting digital entrepreneurship, innovation and economic integration across West Africa.

Applications opened on August 3, 2026, and will close on August 31, 2026. The official application portal lists the deadline as 10:59 p.m. GMT on August 31.

Who Can Apply?

The awards are open to startups based in ECOWAS member states. The programme will select 60 startups from across the region for participation.

Applicants should have an innovative business operating within one of the six priority sectors:

• EdTech and Skills Development
• FinTech
• HealthTech
• AgriTech and Food Systems
• CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation
• Tourism, Hospitality and TravelTech

Female-led startups are particularly encouraged to participate.

How to Apply

Step 1: Visit the application portal

Interested startups should visit the official ECOWAS Startup Awards application portal and begin the application process.

Step 2: Provide your startup information

Applicants will be required to provide relevant details about their startup, including information that demonstrates the nature of the business, the problem it addresses and the solution it offers.

Step 3: Explain the innovation

Applicants should clearly demonstrate what makes their solution innovative and how it responds to a specific need or challenge.

Step 4: Highlight the team and business model

The application should demonstrate the capacity of the team to execute the idea, as well as explain the startup’s business model and financial viability.

Step 5: Demonstrate market potential and impact

Startups should show the potential of their businesses to scale across markets, alongside their social and economic impact and alignment with ECOWAS priorities.

Step 6: Submit before the deadline

Completed applications must be submitted by August 31, 2026. Applicants are advised to ensure that all required information is provided before submitting their entries.

How Startups Will Be Selected

Applications will be assessed using several criteria, including problem clarity and solution fit, innovation and originality, team capacity, market potential and scalability, business model and financial viability.

Social and economic impact, alignment with ECOWAS priorities, as well as the quality of the pitch, online voting and data integrity will also form part of the assessment.

The scoring is weighted as follows:

Problem clarity and solution fit: 20 per cent

Innovation and originality: 20 per cent

Team capacity and execution ability: 15 per cent

Market potential and scalability: 10 per cent

Business model and financial viability: 10 per cent

Social and economic impact: 10 per cent

Alignment with ECOWAS priorities: 10 per cent

Pitch, online voting and data integrity: 5 per cent

What Selected Startups Will Get

Selected startups will participate in virtual masterclasses from September 21 to 25, 2026, before proceeding to the physical programme in Abuja from September 28 to 30.

The regional finals will take place on September 30, where finalists will pitch their businesses before an independent jury of industry experts, investors and policy stakeholders.

APPLY HERE

Call For Applications: TTS Nigeria Program 2026 (Free Training +Job Placement)

Applications are open for the TTS Nigeria Programme, an initiative in partnership with the Mastercard Foundationand Tech4Dev, designed to equip young Nigerian women with skills for tech-enabled career opportunities.

The programme offers free training and job placement opportunities across several sales, banking, and customer-focused roles.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is open to women aged 18–35 who are interested in developing their careers in tech-enabled roles.

Available Career Opportunities

Participants may be trained and considered for roles including:

Sales Executive

Telesales

Direct Sales Agent

Retail Banking Officer

Relationship Officer

Customer Acquisition Officer

What You’ll Get

Free professional training

Job placement opportunities

Skills development for tech-enabled careers

Exposure to the financial and technology sectors

Inclusive career opportunities

How to Apply

Interested applicants can complete the online application form:

APPLY HERE

Call for Applications: Pave Her Way Women’s Grant Programs 2026 (Up to $90,000 in Funding)

Applications open for the Pave Her Way Women’s Grant Programs, a global funding initiative designed to empower women through financial support, mentorship, leadership development, and access to a network of change makers.

The program supports women at different stages of their personal and professional journeys, whether they are established leaders creating impact, innovators developing transformative ideas, or women seeking financial assistance to advance their education or careers.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is open to women who:

Have demonstrated leadership in their communities or professions

Are developing innovative projects benefiting women and girls

Need financial support for education or career advancement

Face financial barriers to achieving their goals

Want to scale their impact and expand their leadership

Are committed to empowering women and creating positive social change.

Applicants from all sectors are encouraged to apply, including education, healthcare, business, technology, science, journalism, social entrepreneurship, arts, environmental conservation, government, and community development.

Funding Opportunities

1. Change Agent Prize

This award recognizes accomplished women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and measurable impact in improving the lives of women and girls.

Funding:

Up to $90,000

Additional Benefits:

Optional mentorship

Cohort learning experience

Networking opportunities

Access to a global community of women leaders

2. Disruptor Award

The Disruptor Award supports women with innovative projects or ideas that have the potential to create meaningful change for women and girls.

Projects may focus on:

Women’s economic empowerment

Education

Healthcare

Technology

Entrepreneurship

Leadership development

Gender equality

Climate resilience

Financial inclusion

Social innovation

Community development

Funding:

Up to $90,000

Additional Benefits:

Mentorship

Cohort-based learning

Professional networking opportunities

3. Financial Aid Program

This programme provides financial assistance to women facing economic challenges that limit their ability to pursue education, professional development, or opportunities for personal growth.

Funding may be used to:

Continue education

Access professional development opportunities

Overcome financial hardship

Invest in career advancement

Funding:

Up to $30,000

Additional Benefits:

Optional mentorship

Optional cohort experience

Networking opportunities

Programme Benefits

Successful applicants may receive:

Funding of up to $90,000

Leadership mentorship

Professional development opportunities

Cohort learning experiences

Global networking opportunities

Access to an international community of women leaders and changemakers

 

Application Timeline

Applications Open: August 2026

Application Deadline: To be announced

Application Timeline

Applications Open: August 2026

Application Deadline: To be announced

APPLY HERE

Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) Young Innovation Challenge 2026 for young Innovators.

Application Deadline: 31st August 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) Young Innovation Challenge. Through strategic partnerships, KCDF has expanded the programme’s reach, enabling more innovators to access critical funding and technical support. In 2026, we are pleased to partner with I&M Foundation to implement the Young Innovators Challenge (YIC). While the name has evolved to reflect a broader innovation agenda, the Challenge remains committed to supporting youth-led solutions that address sustainable development challenges.

By combining resources and expertise, KCDF and I&M Foundation aim to award a total of 16 innovators (10 organisations and 6 Individuals) in this edition, seeking to strengthen their enterprises and accelerate scalable solutions that contribute to Kenya’s green transition. The finalists will be unveiled in 2027.

Awards Categories

Category 1: To award six Young Innovators 

Grant Amount: Up to KES 1,500,000

Eligibility: Individual youth (aged 15–35) with tested and impactful environmental innovations. (i.e an Individual or a group of individuals not formally registered)

Category 2: To award 10 Youth-led Organisations    

Grant Amount: Up to KES 5,000,000

Eligibility: Registered youth-led organisations/companies with scalable sustainable solutions. (i.e Civil Society organisations, Company Limited with shares, Company limited by Guarantee e.t.c) 

Timelines

Applications Open: 31st July 2026

Applications Close: 31st August 2026

Information Session: 19th August 2026 @10.00 am

Review & Site Visits: By December 2026

Notification of Awards: By January 2027

Only innovators residing in Kenya and whose actions are implemented in Kenya are eligible to apply

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted via the links provided below:

You will need to submit:

A technical application

A high-level budget

Any supporting documents, such as videos or pictures

APPLY HERE

Call For Applications: Women at the Front of Digital Space Fellowship 2026 (Cohort I)

Applications are now open for the Women at the Front of Digital Space Fellowship 2026 (Cohort I), a capacity-building programme designed to empower women with practical digital skills, leadership training, mentorship, and career development opportunities.

The fellowship aims to increase women’s participation and leadership in the digital ecosystem by equipping participants with the knowledge, networks, and tools needed to thrive in technology and digital innovation.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will have access to:

Comprehensive digital skills training

Leadership and professional development sessions

Mentorship from experienced professionals

Networking opportunities with women in technology

Practical learning and collaborative projects

A community of women advancing digital innovation and leadership.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to women who are interested in building careers and leadership in the digital space, including:

Students

Recent graduates

Early-career professionals

Entrepreneurs

Digital creators

Technology enthusiasts

Women seeking to develop digital and leadership skills.

Applicants should review the official application form for the complete eligibility requirements.

Programme Focus

The fellowship is designed to help participants:

Strengthen digital and technology skills

Build leadership capacity

Expand professional networks

Develop career opportunities within the digital ecosystem

Contribute to inclusive digital transformation.

Why This Matters

Although women’s participation in the digital economy continues to grow, they remain underrepresented in many technology-related fields. Programmes like the Women at the Front of Digital Space Fellowship help bridge this gap by providing mentorship, practical training, and a supportive community that enables women to build successful careers in digital innovation.

APPLY HERE

Call for Applications: Lagos Youth Climate Action Fund 2026 for Youth-Led Climate Projects (Up To $5,000 Grants)

Young people in Lagos with innovative solutions to climate change can now apply for grants of $1,000 to $5,000 through the Lagos Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), an initiative supported by the Lagos State Government and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The program is designed to fund youth-led projects that promote a greener, cleaner, and more climate-resilient Lagos by supporting practical and innovative environmental solutions.

 

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

Be part of a youth-led group.

Be between 15 and 24 years old.

Have an innovative climate action project

 focused on addressing environmental challenges in Lagos.

Grant Amount

Successful youth groups will receive microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to implement climate action projects across Lagos State.

Project Focus

The programme seeks projects that contribute to:

Climate action

Environmental sustainability

Community resilience

Green innovation

Youth-led environmental solutions

Pre-Launch Webinar

Interested applicants are required to attend a mandatory information webinar where organisers will explain the eligibility criteria, application process, funding requirements, and project expectations.

Date: Tuesday, 4 August 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

Register for the pre-launch webinar: 

APPLY HERE

Complete the registration form with their first name, last name, and email address.

Attend the webinar to receive guidance on the application process.

Prepare a youth-led climate action proposal once the official application portal opens.

 APPLY HERE