Blue Carbon +, a joint initiative by Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy, seeks proposals to investigate the climate change mitigation benefits of specific coastal business models. Qualified post-doctoral researchers and research groups are eligible to apply for this opportunity to conduct literature reviews, field research, and life cycle assessments focused on saltwater agriculture, mangrove-positive shrimp and mud crab production, and seagrass-positive sea cucumber production. While the program is global in scope, current research locations include Portugal, Mexico, Indonesia, Ecuador, Vanuatu, and Zanzibar. The total available budget for this work is US$280 thousand, which covers a two-year project period. The deadline for applications is 10 May 2026. Details here
Africa
RES4Africa Foundation — Renewable Energy
The RES4Africa Foundation invites applications for the 2026 edition of RAISEAfrica, a program supporting renewable energy startups and entrepreneurs in Africa. The call is open to African citizens between 18 and 35 years old, or startups registered in Africa, who are developing innovative renewable energy solutions for the African market. Up to six selected participants will receive an initial entry contribution of €3,000, along with mentoring, coaching, and fundraising support. Additionally, participants can compete for the “Young Talent of the Year Award,” which offers a final prize between €5,000 and €10,000. The deadline for applications is 17 May 2026. Link to RES4Africa
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Burkina Faso
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) funds small-scale, high-impact projects in Burkina Faso. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and municipal or national government agencies. Projects must align with thematic priorities such as inclusive governance, peace and security, and economic growth that works for everyone. The average grant size ranges from CAN$45 thousand to CAN$50 thousand, with a maximum allocation of CAN$100 thousand per project. The deadline for applications is 22 May 2026. More
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Benin
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Benin. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and municipal or national government agencies. Projects must align with thematic priorities such as inclusive governance, peace and security, and economic growth that works for everyone. The average grant size ranges from CAN$45 thousand to CAN$50 thousand, with a maximum allocation of CAN$100 thousand per project. The deadline for applications is 22 May 2026. Know more
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development — Leadership Training
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) offers a series of leadership training courses for professionals in the African agricultural research and development sector. The program provides three distinct tracks: a virtual course for emerging leaders, a virtual course for women leading in times of change, and an in-person women’s leadership and management course. These courses target individuals ranging from rising professionals to senior-level managers who work in organizations such as agricultural research centers and international agencies. Applications are currently being accepted for sessions held between August and December 2026. AWARD encourages early registration due to limited space. Leadership Training
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education — Sahel, Middle East and Horn of Africa Scholarships
The IHE Delft Institute for Water Education offers scholarships for its Master of Science in Water and Sustainable Development. The program is open to professionals from several countries in the Middle East, the Horn of Africa, and the Sahel, including Egypt, Iraq, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria. Full scholarships cover the total cost of the program, including tuition fees, insurance, and international travel, plus a monthly living allowance of €1,220. Recipients are required to conduct their research in their home region in association with projects supported by the Water and Development Partnership Programme. The deadline for scholarship applications is 01 June 2026. More
French Development Agency — Digital Energy Challenge for Start-ups
The Digital Energy Challenge supports the development of innovative solutions for energy access, the integration of renewable energy, and utility performance improvement. The Call for Projects targets projects based in Sub-Saharan Africa. Projects must have a core element of digital technology (telecom, computer, or cloud-based). The Challenge will award grant-based funding of €150 thousand to 3 to 4 start-up projects. The application deadline for project submission is 17 June 2026. Digital Energy Challenge
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Fellowships
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) provides fellowships for the academic and professional staff to facilitate collaboration at a distance and the creation of valuable new partnerships between ACU member universities across the Commonwealth. ACU provides financial support of up to £5,000 per fellowship. Applications close on 25 June 2026. ACU Fellowships
Financial Times — Africa Sustainable Futures Awards
The Financial Times invites entries for the Africa Sustainable Futures Awards. This program recognizes innovative, private sector-led solutions that address development challenges across Africa in sectors such as energy access, agribusiness, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure. The awards are open to businesses and organizations operating commercially viable initiatives that demonstrate impact, scalability, and financial sustainability within the continent. While the awards provide significant international visibility and networking opportunities at the FT’s Africa Summit in London, specific cash prize amounts are not publicly specified. The deadline for submitting entries is 30 June 2026. Africa Sustainable Futures Awards
World Academy of Sciences — TWAS-Abdool Karim Prize in Biological Sciences
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) invites nominations for the Abdool Karim Prize in Biological Sciences. The prize aims to recognize scientists for their achievements in Biological Sciences. Eligible nominees are female scientists national of a low-income African country. The prize is a US$5 thousand cash award. Nominations should be submitted electronically before 30 June 2026. Award in Biological Sciences