Are you a woman entrepreneur looking to grow your business with affordable, long-term financing? Apply for the Shabuka Financing Program.
Are you a woman entrepreneur looking to grow your business with affordable, long-term financing?
The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) has launched “Shabuka”, a new financing initiative designed to make access to credit easier for women-led and women-owned enterprises.
“Shabuka,” meaning Be Proactive, provides low-interest loans and flexible collateral terms to empower women in business. The program aims to increase women’s access to finance from 15% to 30% of BRD’s lending portfolio by 2028. In addition to loans, it offers business mentorship and capacity-building support to help entrepreneurs strengthen their management and financial skills.
The program includes the following features and benefits
- Affordable rates: Annual interest rate of 12%, significantly lower than the market average of 17%.
- Flexible repayment: Loan terms of up to 10 years, giving businesses room to grow sustainably.
- Reduced collateral: Only 15% collateral required, which can include the value of the funded project itself.
- Loan amount: Between Rwf 100 million and Rwf 2 billion, depending on project size and potential.
- Non-financial support: Business training, mentorship, and advisory services included.
To qualify for the Shabuka financing program, businesses must the following criteria:
- Be at least 40% owned or led by women.
- Operate in one of BRD’s priority sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, exports, energy, housing, education, transport, ICT, and the digital economy.
- Have an existing or projected annual turnover of at least Rwf 5 billion.
- Demonstrate a focus on growth, sustainability, and socio-economic impact.
- Businesses with other active loans are still eligible to apply, as Shabuka is intended to help expansion, not debt refinancing.
Interested entrepreneurs can apply by sending their applications to shabuka@brd.rw.
The program is part of BRD’s ongoing commitment to support inclusive economic growth by enabling more women to access the financing they need to scale their enterprises.
Are you an entrepreneur working to restore degraded forests and farmland in Africa? Apply now for the AFR100 Land Accelerator Africa Project before 30 October 2025.
Are you an entrepreneur working to restore degraded forests and farmland in Africa? Apply now for the AFR100 Land Accelerator Africa Project before 30 October 2025.
The AFR100 Land Accelerator, led by AUDA-NEPAD in partnership with the World Resources Institute and Fledge, supports early- to growth-stage restoration entrepreneurs across Africa. The program is designed to equip entrepreneurs with technical training, mentorship, grants, and investor connections to scale land restoration businesses that benefit people and the planet.
The program combines financial and non-financial support, including a results-based grant, training, and networking opportunities. If your enterprise is committed to sustainable land restoration, the AFR100 Land Accelerator provides a strong platform to grow your impact.
Successful participants will receive the following benefits:
- A USD 5,000 innovation grant to support women and youth restoration entrepreneurs.
- Tailored mentorship and technical training, including weekly sessions and an in-person workshop.
- Access to a network of restoration entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem partners.
- Opportunities to showcase your business at the Impact Day event.
- Participation in a two-phase cohort program combining virtual and in-person learning.
- Increased visibility through AUDA-NEPAD and partner networks.
Interested applicants must fulfil the following criteria:
- Be an entrepreneur or enterprise focused on restoring degraded forests and/or farmland in Africa.
- Operate at early- to growth-stage with a viable, scalable business model.
- Demonstrate potential to benefit women and youth restoration entrepreneurs.
- Be able to commit to both the virtual and in-person phases of the program.
- Prepare and submit a business proposal with supporting documents as outlined in the call for proposals.
Interested entrepreneurs can submit their proposals directly through the AUDA-NEPAD website. Be ready to share details about your business model, traction, financials, and your vision for scaling land restoration solutions. Strong applications will clearly demonstrate both commercial viability and measurable environmental impact.
Apply here.
Are you a growth-stage fintech driving financial inclusion for women affected by migration? Apply now for SHIFT 2025 program before 1 October 2025.
Are you a growth-stage fintech driving financial inclusion for women affected by migration? Apply now for SHIFT 2025 program before 1 October 2025.
SHIFT (Scaling Holistic Inclusion in Fintech Transformation) is a program designed to support growth-stage fintechs and embedded fintech ventures operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, MENA, or Asia who are serving or ready to pivot toward serving women affected by migration and other vulnerable groups.
The program combines financial and non-financial support: a results-based grant, tailored mentorship, investor access, and visibility. If your fintech is growing and committed to inclusive financial solutions, SHIFT provides a powerful platform to scale your impact.
Successful participants will receive the following benefits:
- A $10,000 results-based grant to support pilot or expansion of inclusive financial solutions.
- Tailored mentorship and expert support, including migration specialists and peer learning opportunities.
- Investor and partner access through a network of more than 500 ecosystem players.
- Use of the SIGMA platform to test business models, track growth, and measure impact.
- Guidance on gender-inclusive practices such as sex-disaggregated data collection and gender KPIs.
- Opportunities for visibility through media features, podcasts, and case studies.
- Invitations to fintech and ecosystem events across participating regions.
Interested applicants must fulfil the following criteria:
- Operate in fintech or embedded fintech.
- Be a growth-stage company with proven traction and revenue.
- Have raised capital in the last 12 months or be actively fundraising.
- Be a for-profit and revenue-generating entity with clear scalability potential.
- Operate in Sub-Saharan Africa, MENA, or Asia.
- Serve, or be ready to pivot toward serving, women affected by migration or other vulnerable groups.
Interested fintechs can submit their proposals directly here. Be prepared to share details about your business model, traction, financials, and your vision for scaling toward women affected by migration. Strong applications will clearly demonstrate both commercial viability and social impact.
Are you an African start-up seeking to become investment-ready? Apply for the GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Programme before 28 September 2025
Are you an African start-up seeking to become investment-ready? Apply for the GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Programme before 28 September 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Programme (IRP). The IRP is a free, year-long, tailor-made support programme for African start-ups creating impact in the agricultural sector, either directly or through areas such as climate, livestock, energy, biotech, fintech, circular economy, logistics, or other agri-adjacent sectors.
The programme helps start-ups become investor-ready and grow through customised advisory, targeted technical support, and access to a vibrant community of founders, experts, and investors.
Selected start-ups will participate in a one-year, fully funded support programme, including:
- Up to €20,000 in technical assistance budget for consultancies, expert support, legal advice, online marketing, licenses, certifications, ESG governance, product optimisation, market entry strategies, customer acquisition, marketing and PR, graphic design, employee training, and more.
- Access to revolving working capital loans of up to €50,000 with a nine-month maturity at 1.5% interest.
- Up to €10,000 in digital agency advisory from an international IT consultancy firm to strengthen digital capacities, marketing skills, and data analytics.
- Fully sponsored trips to two in-person community events alongside the Africa Tech Summit in Nairobi (February of each year), plus one additional sector conference.
- Investment and partnership facilitation through invite-only pitch sessions, bespoke introductions to investors and funds, and guidance on fundraising strategy and due diligence.
- Membership in a community of over 100 portfolio companies.
Interested applicants should fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
Applicant companies will be evaluated against business model, technology, team, impact, and traction. Special consideration is given to companies with local founders and gender-diverse founding teams. To be eligible, companies should demonstrate the following:
- Geography and legal entity: Be for-profit and registered in Africa (all countries except South Africa).
- Team: Have a management team of at least two people.
- Stage: Be at pre-seed through Series A stage.
- Traction: Have a minimum viable product, evidence of revenue, and paying customers.
- Impact alignment: Operate in AgriFoodTech or an agricultural-adjacent sector with direct or indirect impact on agriculture or agricultural stakeholders.
If selected, start-ups should be prepared to:
- Nominate a management team member who dedicates an average of two hours per week to the programme and serves as a focal point for SAIS.
- Nominate and dispatch one employee to attend at least two in-person community events (February 2026 and February 2027, most likely in Nairobi).
- Provide data on company progress and growth during the programme and for one year after including, revenue, number of users, customers, funds raised, and employees (collected in compliance with data protection requirements).
- Facilitate access to customers or clients for an impact evaluation of products, services, or technologies.
- Collaborate with contracted experts and service providers to implement targeted technical support measures.
To apply, visit: GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Programme (IRP)
Are you an agripreneur ready to build climate resilience into your business? Apply now for the AFC BRACE Program before 27 July 2025.
Are you an agripreneur ready to build climate resilience into your business? Apply now for the AFC BRACE Program before 27 July 2025.
The Africa Food Changemakers(AFC) is now accepting applications for the Building Resilience Against Climate and Environmental Shocks (BRACE) Program, a targeted capacity-building initiative designed to help agripreneurs across Africa understand how climate change impacts their businesses and develop practical strategies for adaptation, mitigation, and access to climate finance.
Through a hybrid learning model, BRACE combines expert-led training, peer learning, and hands-on assignments to equip agripreneurs with the tools, resources, and networks needed to integrate climate-smart practices into their operations.
The BRACE Program is designed for:
- Agripreneurs aged 18 to 40 years
- Citizens of African countries
- Owners, representatives, or decision-makers of registered agribusinesses operating in Africa
- SMEs working in Crop Production and/or Animal Production sectors as producers, processors, marketers, aggregators, etc.
Successful participants will benefit from the following:
- A diagnostic assessment tool to evaluate their awareness and readiness to address climate risks within their agribusiness.
- A self-paced 6-week online learning journey featuring practical, climate-relevant content tailored for African agribusinesses.
- Hands-on assignments designed to help participants “green” their businesses and strengthen their positioning for climate financing opportunities.
- Opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, networking, and experience sharing through group discussions and co-created solutions.
- Access to industry experts and mentors through live interactive sessions.
- Practical resources, tools, and guidance to support investment decisions aligned with sustainable, climate-resilient agribusiness strategies.
- Membership in the AFC Hub Community offers ongoing access to resources, market linkages, funding opportunities, and visibility to support business growth and long-term success.
Participants should be prepared to dedicate approximately four hours per week to completing self-paced modules, assignments, and attending weekly live sessions, which will be scheduled on Thursday or Friday evenings across African time zones. Full engagement over the six weeks is expected, including timely submission of all course assignments and active participation in interactive sessions.
Apply now here!
Equity-Free Funding Opportunity for Fem Tech Solutions from UNICEF – Apply before 8 May 2025
Equity-Free Funding Opportunity for Fem Tech Solutions from UNICEF – Apply before 8 May 2025
UNICEF has launched an exciting opportunity for startups developing innovative technological solutions aimed at improving the lives of women and girls. The UNICEF Venture Fund is offering equity-free funding of up to $100,000 to early-stage companies leveraging frontier technologies to address pressing challenges in the fem tech space.
Selected startups will receive:
- Up to $100,000 in equity-free funding to help scale their solutions without giving up ownership.
- Access to UNICEF’s global network, which includes mentors, investors, and experts in technology and social impact.
- Technical guidance and business development support to refine their innovations.
- Opportunities to pilot solutions in UNICEF program countries, gaining real-world experience and validation.
Startups must meet the following requirements:
- Be registered in a UNICEF program country.
- Have a working prototype of their technology-driven solution.
- Be committed to open-source principles, meaning their solution should contribute to a wider tech ecosystem for social good.
- Preference is given to women-led startups and young entrepreneurs (under 35 years old).
For more details on eligibility, application guidelines, and required documentation, visit UNICEF Innovation website.
Applications for the Cohort 8 of the Jasiri Talent Investor Program are open. Apply now!
Applications for the Cohort 8 of the Jasiri Talent Investor Program are open. Apply now!
Jasiri, an organization focused on tackling poverty in Rwanda and Kenya, is now accepting applications for Cohort 8 of the Jasiri Talent Investor Program. The one-year, fully funded program is designed to help high-potential East African entrepreneurs develop the skills and knowledge they need to launch and grow successful businesses.
Through the program, successful applicants will receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors and access to resources, including business training, networking and financial support. Interested applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be citizens of Ethiopia, Kenya, or Rwanda with residence in their country or diaspora
- Be ready to pursue entrepreneurship as a full-time career and spend three months of residential intensive in Rwanda
- Be well informed and possess professional skills, with the ability to identify gaps and opportunities within the sector of interest
- Demonstrate problem-solving and value-creation abilities
- Be able to collaborate with equally ambitious peers within their cohort and co-found ventures from scratch
Interested participants will be taken through a comprehensive selection process including:
- Submission of the application
- Entrepreneurial assessment for successful applicants within seven days
- Innovation scenario assessment and pitch video for entrepreneurs that have passed the entrepreneurial assessment
- Psychometric test for entrepreneurs that have completed the innovation scenario assessment phase
- Selection conference to announce selected fellows to the program.
For more information on the program, visit Jasiri Talent Investor Program
To apply, visit Applications
Are you an entrepreneur eager to leverage AI for business growth? Apply for the Global AI Summit on Africa before 20 February 2025
Are you an entrepreneur eager to leverage AI for business growth? Apply for the Global AI Summit on Africa before 20 February 2025
The Global AI Summit on Africa, happening in Kigali, Rwanda, on April 3-4, 2025, is your gateway to AI-driven innovation, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships. This inaugural event is organized by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Rwanda in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Rwandan Ministry of ICT and Innovation.
Themed “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce”, the summit is designed to empower entrepreneurs, startups, and industry leaders with the tools, knowledge, and connections to scale AI-driven businesses.
The summit is designed to benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Government leaders and policymakers
- Industry executives and entrepreneurs
- Investors and venture capitalists
- Academics and researchers
- Civil society organizations
- International organizations
Successful applicants will be offered the following
- Access to AI Innovation: Learn from industry leaders and discover cutting-edge AI solutions tailored for Africa.
- Investor & Funding Opportunities: Meet venture capitalists and funding partners looking to invest in AI-powered businesses.
- Networking & Collaboration: Connect with policymakers, tech pioneers, and fellow entrepreneurs shaping Africa’s AI ecosystem.
- Skill Development: Gain hands-on insights into AI applications, market trends, and growth strategies.
- Market Expansion: Discover opportunities to scale your AI-powered business across Africa and beyond.
Participation in this Summit is by invitation only. Interested individuals and organizations should request an invitation to join the event here.
D-Prize Challenge 2025
Are you a start-up with a proven poverty intervention in need of funding? Apply for the D-Prize Challenge before 24 November 2024
D-Prize, a United States-based non-profit organisation, invites applicants for the D-Prize Challenge for social entrepreneurs with innovations to end poverty. Through the Challenge, D-Prize will identify effective interventions to support with seed funding of USD 20,000.
Interested participants should have innovations in at least one of the D-Prize focus areas, which include health, access to clean water, education, agriculture, livelihoods, energy and public services. Additionally, interested participants must fulfil the following to apply:
- Deliver an existing intervention with a need for high-risk capital that cannot be supported by your current revenue or donors
- Be operational for not more than 18 months and have raised no more than USD 30,000 in outside funding
- Application must be submitted in English (it does not have to be perfect, as long as it is enough to understand your idea)
For more information on the Challenge, visit Application Packet
To apply for the Challenge, visit: Application
Are you a woman with an innovative tech solution? Apply for funding from the Aurora Tech Award before 21 November 2024.
Are you a woman with an innovative tech solution? Apply for funding from the Aurora Tech Award before 21 November 2024.
The Aurora Tech Award, an annual global prize for women founders of tech startups, has opened its 2024 applications. The Award aims to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs in the tech industry and to provide them with the resources and support they need to grow their businesses.
Interested applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be operational for less than five years
- Be founded or co-founded and led by a woman
- Have a working prototype or Most Viable Product (MVP)
- Fit in the investment limit of USD 4 million in funding, including seed round
Winners of the Aurora Tech Award will receive:
- A cash prize of $85,000 – financial support for the top 5 winners
- Access to a network of mentors and investors
- The opportunity to participate in a global accelerator program
- Increased visibility and recognition for their startup
To apply for the Award, visit: Application