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

Call For Applications: Smart Africa & FAO Innovate Africa Challenge 2026 (3rd Edition)Up to US$50,000

Deadline: August 31, 2026

Applications are now open for the Innovate Africa Challenge 2026 (3rd Edition), an innovation challenge launched by Smart Africa in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that address Africa’s agricultural and climate challenges.

Under the theme “From Ideation to Deployment,” the challenge seeks AI-powered innovations that can improve climate-smart agriculture, enhance resilience, and deliver measurable impact for farmers across Africa.

Challenge Benefits

The winning team will receive:

US$50,000 to support the deployment, validation, and scaling of its AI solution

Technical support and validation in real-world farming environments

Exposure to leading partners in agriculture and technology

Opportunities to scale solutions across Africa

Increased visibility within the African innovation ecosystem.

Who Can Apply?

The challenge is open to:

Startups

AI innovators

Technology companies

Agritech entrepreneurs

Researchers

Organisations developing AI-powered agricultural solutions

Applicants must:

• Be a legally registered for-profit entity in one of the 39 Smart Africa Alliance member countries
• Have been operational for at least six months
• Be willing to deploy their solution in at least one of the focus countries if selected
• Develop an AI-enabled solution addressing climate-smart agriculture or related climate challenges.

Focus Areas

Eligible solutions may address areas such as:

Climate-smart agriculture

Crop monitoring and yield prediction

Precision farming

Smart irrigation

Pest and disease detection

Water resource management

Climate resilience

Sustainable food systems

Other AI-enabled agricultural innovations.

APPLY HERE

Call for Applications: African Union CIEFFA Online Capacity Building Training 2026(Fully Funded)

DEADLINE: 31, July , 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 African Union CIEFFA Online Capacity Building Training, a fully funded virtual programme designed to equip young Africans with practical skills in digital technology, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and gender-responsive leadership.

Organized by the African Union International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA) in partnership with ImpactHER, the programme supports the African Union’s vision of promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic development while closing the gender gap in ICT across the continent.

The training will be delivered entirely online, allowing participants from all African countries to learn remotely and connect with experts and peers across Africa.

Training Areas

Participants will receive training in:

Gender Equality in Education

Digital Skills

Entrepreneurship

Financial Literacy

Eligibility Criteria

Be an African woman or man.

Be between 18 and 35 years old.

Demonstrate leadership or active involvement in democratic governance, youth participation, peace and security, elections, or related fields.

Be affiliated with youth-led organizations, civil society organizations, government institutions, or initiatives focused on governance, human rights, leadership, or youth development.

Be committed to participating throughout the programme.

Commit to replicating the knowledge gained within their communities or organizations after the training.

Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Successful participants will receive:

Fully funded online training and mentorship.

Practical skills in digital technology, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.

Industry-relevant knowledge to improve employability and business growth.

Certificates in Digital Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Literacy (participants must attend at least 80% of sessions in each programme).

Access to the African Union CIEFFA and ImpactHER professional networks.

Increased opportunities to participate in future fully funded in-person African Union programmes and activities.

Networking opportunities with participants and experts from across Africa.

APPLY HERE

Call for Applications: GET Compass SMEBusinessGrant 2026 (Up to ₦2 Million in Funding)

   DEADLINE:  Aug 20, 2026

Applications are now open for the GET Compass SME Grant 2026, an initiative by the Grooming Endowment Trust (GET) designed to support early-stage small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria with grant funding of up to ₦2 million.

Beyond financial support, the programme equips entrepreneurs with business development training, mentorship, and practical knowledge to help them scale sustainably and improve their operations.

Eligibility Criteria

Be 18 years or older

Be Nigerian citizens

Own a business that is not more than three years old.

Have a registered business (including CAC registration or other recognised business registration)

Show evidence that the business is operational.

Be available to attend the mandatory two-week workshop in Lagos.

Grant Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

Up to ₦2 million in SME grant funding

A two-week business development workshop in Lagos

Business advisory and mentorship

Capacity-building sessions to strengthen business operations

Support to improve business growth, expansion, and sustainability.

APPLY HERE

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Call For Applications: WomenPower2030 Seed Grant 2026 for Women-Led Organisations in Nigeria and Sierra Leone (€5,000 Seed Grant)

Applications are now open for the WomenPower2030 Seed Grant 2026, an opportunity for eligible women-led and women’s rights organisations in Nigeria and Sierra Leone to receive up to €5,000 to implement initiatives that advance women’s rights, leadership, gender equality, climate action, and sustainable development.

The grant is being offered under the WomenPower2030: Feminist Accelerate Action for Sustainable Development project, implemented by the Women Environmental Programme (WEP).

Grant Benefits

Selected organisations can receive:

Up to €5,000 in seed funding

Support to implement projects lasting 3 to 6 months.

Opportunities to advance initiatives focused on women’s rights, gender equality, climate action, and sustainable development.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is open to organisations that:

Are women-led and focused on women’s rights

Have women making up at least 70% of their management team

Are affiliated with the Gender Advocacy Movement for the Environment (GAME) or another national, regional, or global women’s movement or network

Have demonstrable capacity to effectively deliver projects

Are based in Nigeria or Sierra Leone

Have not been convicted of fraud or other criminal activity.

Areas of Focus

Proposed initiatives should focus on one or more of the following areas:

Policy monitoring and dialogue with policymakers

Education and awareness on gender and sustainable development.

Movement building

Demonstrating equitable and sustainable solutions and services

Gender-specific training and women’s leadership training

Tracking SDG and climate policies and budgets

Social media and mainstream media campaigns.

Note: Projects focused only on awareness-raising activities or workshops will not be accepted. Priority will be given to initiatives that seek to influence policy, demonstrate sustainable solutions, and promote gender-responsive budgeting.

Project Duration

Projects must run for 3 to 6 months.

Grant Amount

Each selected initiative can receive a maximum of €5,000.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

Completed application form in Word format

Detailed budget in Excel format

Certificate of registration

Letter of reference

Track record of previous activities, such as reports, media links, or testimonials,

 compiled into one document.

The application should not exceed 10 pages, excluding attachments.

Application Deadline

July 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. WAT.

APPLY HERE

Nigerian Entrepreneurs Can Now Apply for Wema Bank’s Free SME Business School 2026

Date: 27th – 29th July 2026

Applications are now open for the Wema Bank SME Business School 2026, a free capacity-building program designed to equip small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners with the practical knowledge and business management skills needed to build, grow, and sustain successful businesses.

Organized by Purple Academy, Wema Bank’s corporate university, the SME Business School aims to bridge critical knowledge gaps affecting Nigerian businesses through expert-led training and practical learning sessions.

About the Program

The Wema Bank SME Business School is designed to strengthen the capacity of entrepreneurs by providing practical insights into business management, strategy, digital transformation, funding, financial management, and sustainable business growth.

The program is open to both Wema Bank customers and non-customers and seeks to help entrepreneurs improve business structure, productivity, profitability, and long-term competitiveness.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

Small and medium-sized business owners in Nigeria.

Entrepreneurs seeking to improve business performance.

Both Wema Bank customers and non-customers.

Individuals interested in acquiring practical business management knowledge.

No academic qualification is required to participate.

Program Benefits

Participants will receive:

Free business management training

Practical business development and growth strategies.

Learning sessions facilitated by experienced industry experts.

Networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs.

Business advisory support.

Certificate of participation upon completion.

Access to knowledge that supports business sustainability and expansion.

APPLY HERE

 

Call For Applications: ECOWAS COYWA Program for African Entrepreneurs

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched applications for the COYWA Program aimed at supporting African entrepreneurs, innovators, youth-led enterprises, and women-owned businesses across the region.

The initiative is part of broader regional efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship, innovation, youth empowerment, and economic integration across Africa. According to programme information, selected participants will benefit from business support, mentorship, incubation opportunities, and ecosystem exposure designed to help entrepreneurs scale their ventures.

The programme aligns with ECOWAS’ growing focus on innovation, startup development, and private sector growth across West Africa. Recent regional entrepreneurship initiatives supported by ECOWAS have targeted sectors such as technology, renewable energy, agribusiness, and youth enterprise development.

Programme Benefits

Selected participants are expected to receive:

Business incubation and acceleration support

Mentorship from industry experts and ecosystem leaders

Access to entrepreneurial training and capacity building

Networking opportunities with regional innovators and investors

Exposure to regional and international markets

Support for innovation-driven and impact-focused ventures.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is targeted at:

African entrepreneurs

Youth-led startups

Women-owned businesses

Early-stage innovators

SMEs and startups with scalable business ideas.

Entrepreneurs interested in regional growth and impact

Applicants with innovative solutions addressing social or economic challenges in Africa are encouraged to apply.

Why This Matters

Entrepreneurship and innovation remain central to regional economic growth efforts within West Africa. ECOWAS has increasingly expanded initiatives focused on startup development, youth employability, regional integration, and SME support.

How To Apply

Interested applicants can access the programme details and application resources through the official ECOWAS platform below.

APPLY HERE

Women in Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme 2026 for young African Women Leaders.

Application Deadline: May 3rd, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Women in Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme. Since 2021, the WIA Young Leaders program has aimed to support and highlight young African women who are actively contributing to building a dynamic, innovative, and inclusive Africa. This initiative is part of the fight for equal opportunities and enables the training of young African women leaders by providing quality support in their professional careers and social advancement, helping them fully realize their potential.

Profile

Applicants must:

Be women, aged 25 to 40

Be citizens of an African country

Francophone, Anglophone, Lusophone – Ideally speaking several languages

Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to Africa

Be actively engaged in a professional, entrepreneurial, research or leadership role

Application Timeline:

Call for applications – April 2 – May 3rd, 2026

Each year, the WIA Young Leaders program opens its call for applications, inviting talented young African women to apply. This phase seeks to attract candidates with strong potential.

Selection process – May 6, 2026

Candidates are carefully reviewed based on their academic achievements, career success, leadership abilities, and commitment to making a positive impact. The selection committee narrows down the pool to a shortlist of outstanding individuals.

Interview with the Jury – JUNE – JULY 2026

Shortlisted candidates proceed to a final interview stage, where they meet with a panel of 12 international jury members. These interviews allow candidates to showcase their ambitions, leadership potential, and personal journeys. 

SEPTEMBER 2026 Official announcement

Once the selection process is complete, the new cohort of WIA Young Leaders is officially announced online and in the press. This public announcement celebrates the achievements and potential of these outstanding young African women and introduces them to a global audience. 

APPLY HERE

NewsCall for Applications: Africa’s Business Heroes Competition 2026 ($1.5 Million in Funding)

Application deadline: April 28, 2026

Applications are now open for the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Competition 2026, offering African entrepreneurs the opportunity to win a share of $1.5 million in grant funding to scale their businesses and drive impact across the continent.

Organised by Africa’s Business Heroes, this flagship programme—backed by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy—has become one of Africa’s most competitive and visible platforms for supporting entrepreneurs.

Why this opportunity matters

Across Africa, entrepreneurs are solving real problems—from agriculture and healthcare to fintech and climate innovation. However, many lack access to capital, visibility, and the right networks to scale.

The Africa’s Business Heroes competition goes beyond funding. It provides a platform that amplifies African founders, connects them to investors and mentors, and equips them with the tools needed to build sustainable, high-impact businesses.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must be founders or co-founders of a business that is registered, headquartered, and primarily operating in an African country.

They must be African citizens or direct descendants of African citizens and must demonstrate at least three years of business traction, including revenue and market presence.

The competition is open to entrepreneurs across all sectors and age groups, as long as their businesses show clear impact and growth potential.

Benefits of the program

Selected finalists will compete for a share of $1.5 million in grant funding, with the overall winner receiving up to $300,000.

Beyond funding, participants gain access to high-level mentorship from global business leaders, tailored training in areas such as financial management and investment readiness, and exposure through extensive media coverage.

Finalists also join an exclusive pan-African network of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, creating long-term opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Program Structure

The competition follows a multi-stage process, starting with application review and progressing through interviews, due diligence, and semi-final pitches.

Top applicants advance through each stage, with 10 finalists ultimately selected to pitch at the Grand Finale for a share of the funding.

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Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 for young Nigerians (Fully Funded 12-Months Leadership Development Program)

Application Deadline: May 16th, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Fellowship Programme. Established in honour of the enduring legacy of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, Lagos State’s first civilian governor, LJLA is committed to preparing change-driven individuals by equipping them with technical expertise and a strong foundation in integrity, innovation, and public service.

The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) Fellowship is a fully funded, twelve-month leadership development programme designed to nurture Nigeria’s next generation of ethical, visionary, and impact-driven leaders. It provides young Nigerians with deep exposure to public governance, practical leadership experience, strategic learning, and a supportive community that accelerates personal and professional growth.

At its core, the Fellowship bridges theory and practice, equipping Fellows to lead with integrity, address systemic challenges, and serve society effectively.

The programme is full-time and merit-

based, offering a transformative journey into the heart of public service and leadership.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be a Nigerian citizens 

Between the ages of 25–35 as at the time of application.

Hold a minimum of an HND or a Bachelor’s degree.

Have at least two years of work experience.

Possess an NYSC or Exemption Certificate.

For civil servants, be within Grade Level 8–12.

Benefits

Innovative Leadership Curriculum

Participation in Community Projects

Hands-on Leadership Experience 

Leadership Seminars and Workshops

Interactive Session With Renowned Leaders

Local and International Policy Trips

One-on-One Leadership Coaching

Alumni Network

Paid Fellowship

A paid Fellowship. Fellows will reside in a fully furnished apartment for the duration of the programme.

Commitment

The program is full-time. Fellows are expected to commit fully for its entire duration, as the key components are intensive, such as work placements, leadership seminars, policy trips, mentorship engagements, and community projects.

Four Core Components

The Fellowship is intentionally designed around four interconnected components that together create a holistic leadership experience:

1. Leadership Development

The programme includes a rich curriculum of seminars and interactive learning experiences covering leadership theory, ethical governance, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive decision-making. This component also features dynamic sessions such as brown bag discussions, fireside chats with seasoned leaders, personalised coaching, and quarterly leadership seminars.

2. Work Placement

Fellows are placed within key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Lagos State Government as Special Assistants, where they contribute directly to policy formulation, project implementation, and governance processes. This immersive placement offers firsthand exposure to the workings of government and allows Fellows to apply leadership principles in real time.

3. Community Project

Each Fellow conceptualises and leads a high-impact community initiative tailored to address a real-world challenge. These projects promote civic engagement and social impact, enabling Fellows to translate leadership theory into tangible benefits for communities.

4. Fellowship Network

Beyond the year of formal learning, Fellows become part of a vibrant LJLA Alumni Network, a community of values-based leaders committed to lifelong learning, collaboration, mentorship, and positive change across sectors.

APPLY HERE