SMEDAN GrowHer Accelerator Program 2026 for Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs

Applications are now open for the 2026 SMEDAN GrowHer Accelerator Program. SMEDAN presents the GROWHer Accelerator Programme, a transformative initiative for bold, ambitious women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Designed to help women-led businesses scale, access new markets, and secure funding, GROWHer equips participants with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed for lasting success.

GROWHer is a high-impact accelerator designed to fuel the growth of women-led businesses in Nigeria. Gain expert mentorship, essential business tools, and strategic connections to scale, access new markets, and secure funding. Take your business further with GROWHer!

Requirements

You’re eligible for GROWHer if your business meets these criteria:

Market-Ready – Offers a product or service ready for scale.

Women-led – Founded or co-founded by a woman aged 18-50.

Established – Operational for at least three years.

Financially Active – Holds an active business account.

Nigeria-Based – Registered and operating in Nigeria.

Benefits

Expert Mentorship – Gain insights from top industry leaders and successful entrepreneur 

Business Training – Strengthen your skills with high-impact workshops and strategic guidance. 

Powerful Networking – Connect with investors, industry experts, and like-minded women entrepreneurs. 

Funding Opportunities – Access capital to scale and grow your business.

 Market Expansion – Increase visibility and unlock new customer opportunities.

APPLY HERE

Black Women in Food Awards 2026 Application Are Now Open

The Black Women in Food Awards honor the leadership, innovation, creativity, and impact of Black women shaping the global food, beverage, and hospitality industry,  from chefs and restaurateurs to content creators, innovators, industry leaders, and storytellers.

These awards are part of the Black Women in Food platform, which also hosts the Black Women in Food Summit , a major networking and professional development event.

What the Awards Celebrate

Nominees are recognized across diverse categories that reflect the breadth of influence in the food ecosystem, including:

Game Changer – leadership & systemic impact.

Creator – content & product innovators

Innovator – tech, tools & solutions developers.

Culinarian – chefs, cooks, caterers

Hospitality Maven – guest experience leaders.

Amplifier – storytellers in media & content

Beverage Master – mixologists,

 sommeliers & beverage professionals

Corporate Champion – diversity,

 sustainability & business inclusion leaders.

Restaurateur – impactful restaurant owners/operators

…among others. 

Who Can Apply / Be Nominated

Anyone who self-identifies as a Black woman in any country around the world. 

Nominees should demonstrate significant accomplishments in one of the award categories, meaning meaningful impact, leadership, creativity, or contribution in the food, beverage, or hospitality field.

You can nominate yourself. self-nominations are allowed and encouraged.

Application (Nomination) Timeline

✔️ Nominations Open: Now

✔️ Deadline: January 31, 2026 (11:59 pm EST) 

✔️ Honorees Announced During: Black Women in Food Summit, April 23–25, 2026 in Washington, D.C. 

How It Works

Complete the Online Nomination Form: Applicants (or nominators) fill out a public nomination form available on the Black Women in Food website.

Provide Impact Details: You’ll be asked to describe the nominee’s achievements, influence, and how they fit the selected category. 

Selection by Expert Panel: A distinguished panel of industry judges reviews all nominations and selects honorees based on demonstrated impact and fit for each category. 

Honorees Announced at Summit: Recognitions are announced during the annual Black Women in Food Summit in April 2026. 

NOMINATE HERE

BLACK WOMEN IN FOOD AWARDS

Apply Now: Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership (Africa)

What the Fellowship Is

The Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership is a flagship leadership programme initiated by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) under the African Union (AU). It’s named in honour of Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and is designed to strengthen Africa’s public health leadership pipeline by equipping senior practitioners with advanced skills to lead transformative health programmes across the continent.

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is aimed at senior public health professionals from African Union Member States who are already working in the sector and show leadership potential or demonstrated leadership capacity. Relevant fields include:

Public health policy and governance

Epidemiology and disease surveillance

One Health (human-animal-ecosystem interface)

Sexual and reproductive health

Public mental health

Health financing and health systems

Human medicine and related disciplines.

Eligibility Highlights

To apply, you must:

✔ Be a citizen of an AU Member State

✔ Hold a postgraduate degree in a public health related field.

✔ Have at least 10 years of professional experience after completing a master’s degree.

✔ Be employed full-time in a public health position within a public or private institution.

✔ Demonstrate leadership capacity and a clear vision for contributing to public health in Africa .

What the Fellowship Offers

Selected Fellows receive a comprehensive, fully funded leadership development package that includes:

✔ Full access to digital and residential learning resources

✔ Travel, insurance, and daily allowances for residential sessions

✔ Software and technical support for online learning

✔ Mentorship, networking opportunities, and skills to lead public health initiatives at national and continental levels.

Important Dates (2026 Cycle)

📍 Applications Open: Now

📍 Application Deadline: 30 January 2026 

📍 Applicants Notified: By 30 April 2026 

📍 Programme Start: 1 June 2026 

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Africa CDC/AU portal. Incomplete or emailed applications will not be considered. 

Required Documents

Employer support letter confirming your availability and support for full participation.

Two professional recommendation letters

Personal statement (max 400 words) outlining your commitment to public health and leadership vision

Leadership challenge project proposal (max 400 words) describing a public health issue you want to address and how your fellowship will help you lead change.

It is also important to use the AU-specified CV template in cases where it’s required by the official portal. 

APPLY HERE

Black Impact Web Grant Application -2026 Are Now Open.

Applications are now open for the  Black Impact Web Grant. A digital equity initiative launched by Bombshell Impact Design Agency aimed at helping Black-led non-profits and social enterprises strengthen their online presence by providing a professional web design and digital strategy package worth approximately $5,000. 

This grant isn’t a cash award. instead, the winner receives a comprehensive website build + strategic digital support to boost visibility, credibility and long-term impact. 

Who Can Apply

To be eligible, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:

Be a Black-led organization (NGO, community-based organization, or social enterprise).

Have legal registration in their country of operation.

Work in social impact areas such as racial equity, community health & education, climate action, economic empowerment, or related fields.

Have at least a minimal digital footprint (e.g., basic landing page or active social media profiles).

Be ready to collaborate on brand refinement and website development.

What the Grant Provides

Instead of direct funding, the grant package includes: 

Strategic Brand Consultation - Define strong messaging and digital positioning.

Custom Website Design & Development - Professionally built, mobile-responsive site tailored to mission.

Content Strategy Guidance, Help in crafting compelling stories that attract support.

Technical Implementation - Setup for domain, secure hosting, and backend infrastructure.

Post-Launch Support -Technical support after launch for stability and updates. 

How to Apply

While exact deadlines and application links can vary by year, the general process is:

Confirm Eligibility - Ensure your organization meets leadership and mission criteria.

Prepare Impact Information - Collect statistics, narrative about your social impact, and explain why a website will help you grow.

Submit the Online Form - Complete the grant application via the Bombshell Impact Design Agency portal.

Vision Pitch - Share how a new website will help your organization reach its next growth stage.

Shortlist Consultation - Some applicants may be invited to discuss needs before final selection. 

Timeline (Typical)

The grant is often launched 

During Black History Month (February).

Deadline: Frequently late February (e.g., 28 Feb 2026 for the 2026 edition).

Final recipient announcements usually follow soon after review.

APPLY HERE

(Applications Are Now Open ) A Fully Funded 2026 Midwifery Leadership Journey. For Women in West Africa

Applications are now open for The 2026 West Africa Midwifery Leadership Journey. it's a 12-month, fully funded leadership development experience designed to strengthen the leadership capacities, influence, and professional networks of mid- to senior-career women working to improve midwifery and maternal-newborn health outcomes. It is delivered by WomenLift Health in partnership with the Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN), with sponsorship supported by global health partners. 

WomenLift Health.

Key Details

Duration: May 2026 to April 2027 

WomenLift Health

Format: Hybrid (combination of virtual learning and two in-person residencies) 

Cost: Completely free. All programme expenses including travel and accommodation are covered for participants. 

Application Deadline: 31 January 2026 (11:59pm WAT)

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is meant for women leaders with substantial experience in midwifery, maternal and newborn health, or related fields — including but not limited to clinical care, education, policy, research, innovation, and administration.

Eligibility Highlights

Identify as a woman. 

10–25 years of professional experience (mid- to senior-career level).

Resident and professional practice in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Senegal, or Nigeria. 

Strong English communication skills for interactive sessions.

Work that advances midwifery and maternal & newborn health (MNH)  clinical, policy, educational, research, innovation, or systems leadership roles count. 

Note: Non-midwife candidates may also be eligible if their work significantly contributes to midwifery practice and MNH improvements.

APPLY HERE

Tony Elumelu Foundation Opens 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme

Africa’s Leading Entrepreneurship Philanthropy Catalyses Next Generation of African Entrepreneurs

US$5,000 non-refundable seed capital, world-class training, and mentorship for Africa’s boldest founders

24,000+ entrepreneurs funded, 2.5 million trained, 1.5 million jobs created, US$4.2 billion in revenue generated since 2015

Lagos, Nigeria – 1 January 2026 – The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has opened applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, calling ambitious young founders from all 54 African countries to apply. 

Successful applicants receive US$5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, intensive business training, mentorship, and direct access to Africa’s largest entrepreneurship network.

Since 2015, the Programme has funded over 24,000 entrepreneurs, trained 2.5 million Africans, created more than 1.5 million jobs, and generated over US$4.2 billion in revenue, proving that African entrepreneurs can transform the continent.

The Programme is also driving inclusive growth, with women now making up 46% of TEF entrepreneurs – the highest female participation rate recorded by a programme of this scale.

Applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme are open from 1 January to 1 March 2026.

APPLY HERE

Funding for Women-Led Initiatives in Africa

Eligibility Criteria: Open to applicants based in Africa, Nonprofit organizations, Grassroots organizations, Community-based organizationsn, Individual leaders, Social enterprises

Type of Funding: Flexible Grant

Target Region: Africa

Application Language: English

Objectives

Support initiatives led by women leaders that create positive community impact

Strengthen leadership and advocacy in women-led organizations

Promote sustainable development solutions driven by local needs

Empower women to influence social change and policy

Provide adaptable funding that meets community priorities

Project Themes

Women’s leadership and empowerment

Advocacy for gender equality and women’s rights

Community development and sustainability

Economic empowerment and entrepreneurship

Social innovation for local challenges

Financial Support: Up to $5,000 per selected organization or leader

Application Deadline: Ongoing

APPLY HERE