Are you a tech startup interested in mentorship and investor networking opportunities? Apply for the Market Access and Acceleration Program from the African Tech Startup Forum before 19 April 2024
Are you a tech startup interested in mentorship and investor networking opportunities? Apply for the Market Access and Acceleration Program from the African Tech Startup Forum before 19 April 2024
The African Tech Startup Forum, a Market Access and Acceleration Program designed to prepare, train, expose, and connect tech ventures with opportunities applicants for this year’s edition of the program. Its primary objective is to showcase exceptional tech innovations emerging from Africa and provide them with the necessary support and exposure to thrive in the global marketplace. The forum endeavours to accelerate the development and scaling of tech ventures across various industries by facilitating access to resources, mentorship, and strategic connections. Through this initiative, the forum seeks to advance the African tech landscape and drive the continent’s economic growth and technological innovation.
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
- Access to specialized resources, mentorship, and collaborative workspaces through the incubation program.
- Strategic connections facilitated by the B2B matchmaking platform to foster mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Investor sourcing assistance, connecting promising startups with potential investors to secure funding for scaling operations.
Target beneficiaries of the African Tech Startup Forum include tech ventures spanning all industries, encompassing established entities such as Accelerators and Incubators (ESOs) and early-stage startups operating within eligible African countries. These countries include Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Egypt, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana.
Applicants must create and submit a 1-3 minute video introducing themselves and their business or project. The video should articulate the applicant’s aspirations and objectives for participating in the program. Once created, the video must be uploaded as private or unlisted on platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo. It should be accessible to anyone with the link, and applicants are advised to have the link ready for submission along with their application.
To apply, visit Application form
Are you a woman social entrepreneur advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Apply for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge before 12 April 2024
Are you a woman social entrepreneur advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Apply for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge before 12 April 2024
The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a global competition for social entrepreneurs advancing or inspiring others to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will honor innovative women leaders globally who incorporate the SDGs in sustainable business practices and inspire others to follow suit.
Awardees will receive capacity-building and opportunities to connect to an unparalleled global network to advance their businesses. Additionally, awardees will participate in events surrounding the 79th UN General Assembly and in a dynamic pitch competition for an opportunity to receive a grant worth USD 20,000.
Interested entrepreneurs should fulfil the following criteria to apply:
- Woman entrepreneur with a lead decision-making role in a for-profit or non-profit organization/business
- Be at least 21 years old by 1 August, 2024
- Have a business/organization that has been in operation for three years as of 1 August, 2024
- Have at least three full-time employees
- Proficiency in writing and speaking English
- Have a business/organization that generates at least USD 75,000 in annual revenue or sales
- Be available to travel to New York and participate in events from 22-29 September 2024 or participate in a virtual program if needed from August through October 2024
To apply for the Challenge, visit: WE Empower UN SDG Challenge Application
Do you have a digital-enabled mobile solution for critical humanitarian needs? Apply for the GSMA Innovation Fund Challenge before 12 February 2024
Do you have a digital-enabled mobile solution for critical humanitarian needs? Apply for the GSMA Innovation Fund Challenge before 12 February 2024
The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), a global non-profit industry organization that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide, invites applicants for the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges. The Fund aims to support innovative mobile solutions for development (M4D) that address critical humanitarian needs.
The specific objective of this new Fund is to test innovative use cases, partnerships, and business models that can improve access to sustainable digital-enabled solutions for those affected by – or vulnerable to – humanitarian challenges.
Successful participants will be offered the following benefits:
- Funding of up to £250,000 to support developing, testing and scaling innovative M4D solutions.
- Technical support and mentorship to strengthen grant recipients’ projects and business models.
- Connect awardees to GSMA’s network of mobile operators and partners to facilitate the deployment of solutions.
Interested participants must fulfil the following criteria to apply:
- Projects must use mobile technology to deliver services addressing humanitarian challenges such as disaster response, refugee support, or crisis recovery.
- Target beneficiaries must include vulnerable groups such as women, children, elderly, disabled, or displaced people.
- Applicants can be technology companies, social enterprises, NGOs or other organizations.
- Proposed solutions should be scalable and have the potential for sustainable impact.
- Projects must coordinate or partner with mobile network operators for deployment.
To apply, visit Applications.
Are you an early-stage startup with a scalable business idea? Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme by 1 March 2024
Are you an early-stage startup with a scalable business idea? Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme by 1 March 2024
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), an African private-sector-led philanthropic foundation empowering young African entrepreneurs across 54 African countries, opened applications for the 2022 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is a 10-year flagship initiative with a commitment of USD 100 million to identify, train, mentor and fund entrepreneurs able to change the face of business in Africa. TEF training is designed to be self-paced for each entrepreneur to allow necessary flexibility for participants to learn while managing their businesses and other responsibilities.
Through the programme, successful applicants will be offered the following:
- 12 weeks of business management training
- Seed capital of USD 5,000
- Networking with business leaders from the TEF network
- Access to business advisory services and market linkages via the TEFConnect proprietary platform
Interested applicants are required to fulfil the following eligibility requirements:
- Have a scalable business idea or early-stage company operating for less than five years
- Be above 18 years of age
- An application must only focus on one business entity or idea
- Business must not adversely affect the environment, lives, and property
- Business ideas must be the original work of those making the submissions
To apply for the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, visit: TEF Entrepreneurship Programme Application
Are you an entrepreneur or graduate interested in enhancing your business skills? Apply for the Archipelagos Capacity Building program before 30 June 2024.
Are you an entrepreneur or graduate interested in enhancing your business skills? Apply for the Archipelagos Capacity Building program before 30 June 2024.
Archipelagos, a multi-year international cooperation program developed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, the Italian Financial Institution for International Development Cooperation, with the support of the European Commission, invites applicants for the Archipelagos Capacity Building program.
The program aims to support African SME growth, facilitate capital market access, and create a more enabling business environment through stakeholder engagement. Participating SMEs will embark on a tailored learning journey to increase their readiness for capital markets and long-term success.
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits
- Access online training courses through the Archipelagos digital platform to develop business skills
- Receive mentoring from experienced professionals to navigate challenges
- Connect with other businesses to establish partnerships and share best practices
- Explore potential collaborations and funding opportunities
Interested applicants must fulfil the following to apply:
- Be a small or medium enterprise operating in Africa
- Be willing to develop new capabilities and boost competitiveness
- Be willing to connect with other businesses and investors
- Be interested in pursuing opportunities to access debt financing
The most promising SMEs will receive support raising funds through innovative debt instruments backed by a European Commission guarantee facility. In addition, young entrepreneurs can strengthen their skills through the capacity-building program.
To apply, visit: Application form.
Are you a woman entrepreneur with an innovative solution making a positive difference in your community? Apply for funding from the Les Margaret Awards before 8 January 2024
Are you a woman entrepreneur with an innovative solution making a positive difference in your community? Apply for funding from the Les Margaret Awards before 8 January 2024
JFD, an international growth accelerator for women making a positive difference in their communities invites nominations for the Les Margaret Awards. The Awards aim to recognize and honour outstanding individuals and organizations making a positive difference in their communities.
Now in its third year, the annual awards shine a spotlight on social entrepreneurs, non-profits, activists, and community leaders driving impactful change. There are five categories that projects or initiatives can be nominated for: Education, Environment, Poverty Alleviation, Health, and Community Building.
Successful nominees will benefit from the following:
- Total of CAD 500,000 in prize money awarded among categories
- $100,000 grant for the Social Impact Champion of the Year
- Increased visibility, exposure and networking opportunities
- Resources to help scale projects and initiatives
- Recognition for outstanding work creating social impact
Nominees must fulfil the following to be eligible for the Awards:
- Be a citizen of a European, African country, or from Canada, with an innovative project that responds to societal issues
- Entrepreneur category: be a female founder or co-founder of a tech startup
- Intrapreneur category: have an innovative project in agreement with an employer while remaining an employee
- Junior category: be a young woman under 18 years with a project that highlights creative, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit
To apply for the awards, visit: Application form
Do you have an agribusiness with a climate-smart innovative solution? Apply for funding and business development support from CGIAR before 8 January 2024
Do you have an agribusiness with a climate-smart innovative solution? Apply for funding and business development support from CGIAR before 8 January 2024
The Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a global research partnership that unites organizations engaged in research on food security, invites applicants for the CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator program. The program aims to support agribusiness in scaling climate-smart innovations to solve pressing challenges in agribusiness value chains.
Successful applicants to the program will receive the following benefits:
- Technical assistance from CGIAR scientists that encourages agribusinesses’ adoption and strengthens their compliance, safety, and accountability practices.
- Technical assistance on impact measurement and management (IMM) from CGIAR scientists and experts.
- Technical assistance on investment readiness from CGIAR partners and its network to help secure private sector financing.
- Provision of a de-risking Grant of USD 20,000 to four successful companies at the end of the program.
- Access to investors and corporate partners to attract follow-on funding and potential business opportunities.
Interested agribusinesses must fulfill the following to apply:
- Be legally registered and compliant with regulatory authorities. Applicants should present the following supporting information:
- A Certificate of Incorporation for a Limited Company or Partnership Deed for a Partnership Business.
- Two years of audited accounts.
- Contact details of the company’s references.
- Team composition.
- Curriculum Vitae for the management team.
- Tax Compliance Certificate.
- Have a clear inclusive strategy for smallholder farmers, women, and youth within the business model in at least one of the dimensions: ownership, management team, workforce and policies, supply chain, and/or customers.
- Be a for-profit company and demonstrate commercial viability and either be profitable or on the path to profitability. NGOs, corporate companies, and consultants will not be considered
- Be operating in the following countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia
For more information on the program, visit: CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator
To apply, visit: Application
Calling Tech Entrepreneurs for the Africa Tech Summit Investment Showcase. Apply before 19 December 2023.
Calling Tech Entrepreneurs for the Africa Tech Summit Investment Showcase. Apply before 19 December 2023.
The Africa Tech Summit, an annual tech event that brings stakeholders in Africa’s tech ecosystem together, invites applicants for the investment showcase. The showcase provides exceptional African startups with direct access to international investors to pitch their business models to significant VC funds, corporate investors, development finance institutions and angel networks. It allows entrepreneurs to market their products efficiently, demonstrate traction and seek capital that may not otherwise be available locally.
Interested applicants must fulfil the following to apply:
- Companies must be from African countries
- Startups should have a minimum viable product
- Demonstrate strong growth potential
- Preference given to fintech, health tech, agritech, logistics and renewable energy sectors
- Early and growth investment stages considered
Selected startups are provided with exhibition booths, where they can creatively display demos, videos and marketing materials to capture investors’ interest. Short scheduled pitch sessions allow entrepreneurs face time to present their business proposition and field questions.
To apply, visit: Application form
Are you a startup entrepreneur with a tech solution addressing challenges in the healthcare sector? Apply for the HealthTech Hub Africa (HTHA) Accelerator Program before 11 December 2023.
Are you a startup entrepreneur with a tech solution addressing challenges in the healthcare sector? Apply for the HealthTech Hub Africa (HTHA) Accelerator Program before 11 December 2023.
HealthTech Hub Africa, a hybrid pan-African healthtech accelerator invites applicants for the 2024 HealthTech Hub Africa (HTHA) Accelerator Program. The program is designed to provide startups with the necessary resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them scale their solutions and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
- Access to mentorship from industry experts
- Funding opportunities from investors
- Networking with key stakeholders in the healthcare and technology sectors
- Platform to showcase solutions to a wider audience
- Valuable insights into market trends and user needs
- Guidance on refining business models and growth strategies
Interested participants must fulfil the following requirements to apply:
- Be a health technology startup based in Africa
- Have a viable and innovative solution addressing a significant healthcare challenge
- Demonstrate strong potential for scalability and impact
- Have a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype
- Have a dedicated and passionate team committed to driving the solution forward.
To apply for the program, visit: Application form
Do you have an innovative solution that contributes to sustainable development? Apply for funding from the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards before 15 October 2023
Do you have an innovative solution that contributes to sustainable development? Apply for funding from the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards before 15 October 2023
The Commonwealth Secretariat, an intergovernmental organisation that supports member countries and coordinates Commonwealth activities invites applicants for the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards. The aim of the Awards is to recognize and reward outstanding innovations that contribute to sustainable development within the Commonwealth member countries. These awards serve as a platform to showcase innovative ideas, technologies, and initiatives that have the potential to create positive social, economic, and environmental impacts.
Winning the Awards offers several benefits, including:
- Global recognition and visibility for the awarded innovation
- Increased opportunities for investment, partnerships, and collaborations
- Platform for knowledge sharing and learning among innovators and stakeholders
- Amplified reach and impact of the innovation
- Potential for further scaling up and replication in different contexts
Interested applicants should have innovative solutions that meet the following criteria:
- Implementation within a Commonwealth member country (Rwanda included)
- Contribution to the sustainable development goals of the specific nation
- Demonstrated clear and measurable impact on sustainable development
- Addressing social, economic, or environmental challenges
- Scalable, replicable, and potential for long-term sustainability
- Showcasing creativity, originality, and effectiveness in problem-solving
- Open to individuals, organizations, and partnerships across sectors
For more information and application details, visit the Awards Platform