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

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

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: 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: 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

website

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

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

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.

APPLY HERE

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

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

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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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