GreenCape and Westerwelle Startup Haus Mombasa invite entrepreneurs to enter the 2026 FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge. The competition is open to pre-growth, sales-generating green businesses located in Botswana, eSwatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Tanzania. Eligible entries must offer economically viable business solutions in circular economy and waste, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, sustainable mobility, or water and wastewater. Finalists receive mentorship, access to funding networks, and a chance to pitch to investors, with the winner and finalists competing for cash and in-kind prizes valued at approximately US$20 thousand. The deadline for entries is 30 June 2026. Afri GreenPitch Challenge
Category: Cross-Cutting Subjects
The International Indigenous Women’s Forum invites applications for its 2026 Ayni Fund to support initiatives that promote the rights and development of Indigenous communities. Grassroots groups, networks, and organizations led by Indigenous women globally are eligible to apply, provided they have not previously received funding from this program. The call supports projects focused on seven key themes, including economic empowerment, climate change resilience, and the prevention of violence against women. Funding amounts are not explicitly specified on the main portal, though the fund provides direct financial grants alongside technical accompaniment. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2026. Ayni Fund
- Tags: agriculture, climate, community projects, june2026, women, worldwide
The Social Nest Foundation invites applications for its 2026 Startup Challenge to support early- and growth-stage ventures driving social and environmental transformation. Legally incorporated startups from any country are eligible to apply, provided they have a validated minimum viable product or a product already on the market. The competition focuses on five innovation areas, including climate tech, smart cities, agritech, health, and inclusive economic systems. The single winning startup receives a €10 thousand cash prize, alongside international pitch opportunities and matchmaking sessions with investors in Valencia, Spain. The application deadline is 14 July 2026. Link
The Sustainability & ESG Africa Conference & Expo invites applications for its Student Innovation Challenge to uncover practical solutions to systemic environmental, social, and governance issues. Eligible applicants must be 30 years of age or younger and currently enrolled at an accredited university or higher learning institution. Submissions must fall under one of four designated themes, including Nature, Biodiversity and Inclusive Economies. While the specific cash prize amounts or grant funding totals are not specified, winners will present their solutions at the main conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. The deadline for applications is 16 July 2026. Student Innovation Challenge
- Tags: Africa, awards/prizes, biodiversity, individuals, july2026, youth
The Institute for Security Studies invites submissions for its Young Changemakers 2026 essay and video competition, aimed at centering youth perspectives on Africa’s long-term future. The opportunity is open to African citizens between 18 and 30 years old who are currently residing on the continent or in the diaspora. Applicants must submit either an essay of up to two thousand words or a three-minute video addressing key development and governance transitions for Africa over the next two decades. Winners will receive fully funded travel to participate in a high-level dialogue in Pretoria, South Africa, alongside mentorship and publication opportunities. The deadline for submissions is 26 July 2026. Details here
- Tags: Africa, awards/prizes, individuals, july2026, media/journalism, youth
Schmidt Marine Technology Partners invites applications for its ocean innovation program to transform promising marine technologies into real-world conservation tools. Universities, non-profit organisations, and startup companies globally can apply with practical, scalable hardware or software projects that improve ocean health, enhance sustainable fisheries, or support habitat restoration. The program does not fund individuals directly unless they apply through an eligible institution or business. Grant amounts typically range between US$100 thousand and US$400 thousand to support the development, testing, and deployment of these systems. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Ocean Innovation Funding
The Khwarizmi International Award recognizes outstanding scientific achievements made by researchers, inventors, and innovators from all over the world. The disciplinary fields include Agriculture, Natural Resources, Animal Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology, Green Technologies, among others. The deadline for submission is 07 August 2026. Learn about the award
The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) offers a prize to recognize groundbreaking concepts by any individual, group of individuals, or organization, that offer exceptional potential in addressing peace and security challenges. All disciplines and fields are relevant (including climate change and environmental security). The winner will receive CHF10 thousand and a certificate. The deadline for applications is 23 September 2026. Details here
The School Enterprise Challenge is an international business program for schools run by the educational charity Teach A Man To Fish. It guides and supports teachers and students to plan and set up real, sustainable school businesses and generate real profits to help support their school or a social cause of their choice. Thematic areas include agriculture, drinking water and sanitation, and the environment, among others. Prizes are between US$250 and US$5 thousand, including in-kind donations like laptops and cameras. Please note that only pre-primary schools, primary schools, secondary schools and technical/vocational colleges are eligible (universities are not eligible to apply). Business Ideas have to be submitted by 06 October 2026. School Enterprise Challenge
Nominations are open for the World Summit Awards (WSA) and the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). Start-ups and social entrepreneurs are asked to submit their local digital innovations with high social impact. The 8 award categories include one on Environment & Green Energy (climate, sustainable resources, agriculture). The winner does not receive a monetary award but does benefit from partnerships and integrations. Applications are accepted from companies, organizations, or individuals. The deadline to apply for WSA and WSA Young Innovators is 15 October 2026. (Deadlines for national submission of applications for WSA may vary locally.) Find out more