The African Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation and Competence Building Systems (AfricaLics) seeks PhD students from universities in Africa to participate in the AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Program focused on Innovation and Development. The visiting fellowship program intends to increase international mobility and provide PhD students with global knowledge in the field of innovation and development (which includes a four-month study stay in South Africa). The scholarship is open to PhD students from low- and lower-middle-income countries in Africa. The deadline for the submission of applications is 02 October 2026. Details here
Africa
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Food Systems Transformation in the Central Sahel
The International Fund for Agricultural Development invites eligible organizations, government agencies, private sector entities, research institutions, or consortia to submit proposals for “Support for Food Systems Transformation in the Central Sahel,” a US$2 million grant supporting innovative, scalable interventions in the livestock, cassava, and rice value chains across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Proposals should demonstrate regional relevance, commercial viability, climate resilience, and inclusion of women and youth. The deadline is 16 October 2026. Food Systems Transformation
Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance — Call for Ideas
The Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance, an investor-led public-private initiative, invites applications to its Call for Ideas, seeking innovative financial vehicles designed to mobilize private capital for climate mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. Rather than funding projects directly, the Lab provides selected teams with roughly seven months of technical assistance, investor engagement, and go-to-market support worth over US$250,000, aimed at developing and launching the vehicle itself. Applicants must be cohesive teams with a proven track record in deploying capital or climate solutions, targeting implementation in ODA-eligible countries, with a specific focus this cycle on Africa, Asia-Pacific, Brazil, India, or Latin America and the Caribbean. Preliminary applications are due 18 October 2026. Call for Ideas
Bat Conservation International — Student Research Scholarships for Bat Conservation
Bat Conservation International (BCI) requests proposals from student researchers seeking financial support for bat conservation research projects. Research may focus on human-caused environmental changes (such as land development or climate change on bats), bat-human conflicts (such as hunting, roost disturbance, and persecution), or behavioral or ecological questions that aid the protection of a bat species. The geographical scope is Latin America and the Caribbean; Africa and its adjacent islands; and globally. BCI anticipates granting up to US$3,000 each. Additional funding is available through special awards. The scholarship is only open to students who are registered with a recognized academic institution. The application deadline is 31 October 2026. Link to Bat Conservation International
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development — Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) invites African women agricultural scientists to apply for a 24-month, non-residential leadership fellowship combining mentoring, leadership development, and technical training. Free to apply, no fees. Eligible countries: Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. Applicants need a minimum Master’s degree and at least seven years of professional experience, working in national research systems, ministries of agriculture, universities, or research institutions. The deadline is 06 November 2026. Visit AWARD
AGNES-BAYER Science Foundation — Research Grant 2026
The AGNES-BAYER Science Foundation Research Grant enables doctoral students from sub-Saharan African countries to undertake research in biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. The Grant aims to support African PhD students to carry out activities that are part of the doctoral research, including but not limited to field experiments and data collection or laboratory studies. A maximum grant of €7,000 will be awarded to each successful applicant. All applications must be submitted online by 16 October 2026. Research Grant for Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Agriculture
e-MOVE — Cashew Value Chain
e-MOVE invites young agripreneurs within the cashew sector to transform their ideas into investment-ready, climate-smart ventures. Selected participants receive €2,000 in direct funding, mentoring, tools, and incubation support. Agripreneurs in a member state of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States are eligible. The submission window is open until 30 October 2026. Link
Ashoka — Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership
Ashoka’s Changemakers invites young people running or proposing community civic-leadership projects to apply for tiered funding: early Civic Seed Grants (US$50–100), Civic Promise Awards ($250–500), Civic Impact Awards ($1,000), and Grand Prize Civic Leadership Awards ($5,000–10,000). Applicants must be aged 5 to 20 and located in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, or the United States. The final deadline is 31 January 2027. Carnegie Challenge
Gray Matters Capital — coLABS Impact Investing Fund
coLABS seeks scalable social enterprises that have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of women and girls around the world. coLABS strategically funds entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures that leverage women, and their critical role in the community through revenue-share investment capital. Seed investment ranges from US$100 thousand to US$250 thousand. Focus regions are South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Pre-screen forms can be submitted on a rolling basis. Details
Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology — East African Community Scholarship
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) invites applications for admission to four master’s programmes (Data Science and AI, Environmental Technology and Innovation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management, and Embedded and Mobile Systems), with a concurrent, fully-funded scholarship covering tuition, flights, a monthly stipend, and other allowances. Applicants must be citizens of an EAC Partner State other than Tanzania, under 35, with a bachelor’s degree. The deadline is 10 September 2026. Link