The Africa Sustainable Futures Awards recognize commercially viable and scalable initiatives contributing to sustainable development across Africa. The awards cover five categories: Access to Electricity & Infrastructure, Agribusiness, Healthcare, Local Manufacturing, and Tourism, with an additional Judges’ Award for Excellence. Winners will receive global visibility, recognition at the FT Africa Summit in London, and opportunities to network with global leaders. The application deadline is 30 June 2026. Link to the Africa Sustainable Futures Awards
Africa
African World Heritage Fund — Grants for World Heritage Conservation
The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) provides grants to implement projects and activities which focus on improving the state of conservation of World Heritage properties located in Africa. Project activities are restricted to African government institutions involved in the management and protection of World Heritage sites, both cultural and natural, as defined by UNESCO. The grant will cover direct costs related to project activities. Applicants can apply for up to US$10 thousand in project funding. Projects must be implemented within 12 months. The application for financial assistance closes on 31 July 2026. Link to the African World Heritage Fund
Canon Foundation — Japan-Africa Exchange Fellowship
The Canon Foundation invites applications for its Japan-Africa Exchange Program to support postgraduate scholars conducting research in African studies. The fellowship enables researchers based in African institutions to do research in Japan, and researchers based in Japanese institutions to do research in Africa. The program funds research visits lasting from a minimum of six to eight weeks up to a maximum of one year, with the option to split the time spent abroad. Financial support ranges from €22,500 to €27,500 per year. The application deadline is 15 September 2026. Japan-Africa Exchange Fellowship
Conservation, Food and Health Foundation — Local Project Support
The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation supports special projects and programs in the areas of conservation, food, and health in low- and lower-middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The foundation supports projects that demonstrate local leadership; develop the capacity of local organizations; and address a particular problem or question in the field. Eligibility extends to NGOs, community-based organizations, and academic institutions. There is no maximum grant size. Most grants will fall in the US$25 thousand to US$50 thousand per year range. The application deadlines for concept notes are 22 December 2026 and 15 June 2027. Guidelines
African Design Centre — Fellowship
The MASS Design Group African Design Centre (ADC) Fellowship supports emerging African designers and architects in transforming project insights into real-world social impact. The fellowship provides mentorship, training, and resources to catalyze innovation rooted in local contexts and community needs. Open to early-career professionals leading design-driven projects across Africa, fellows engage in capacity building and collaborative learning to scale sustainable architectural solutions. Applicants must be nationals of an African country and be no older than 35 years. Interested applicants should complete an online application by 14 June 2026. Details here
SOAS University of London — Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship
SOAS University of London offers two postgraduate scholarships aimed at nurturing future African leaders. The program supports international students starting a full-time, one-year taught master’s degree program in the 2026/27 academic year. Preference is given to applicants who are ordinarily resident in an African nation and who demonstrate a clear academic or professional interest in governance or development on the continent. Each of the two available awards provides a total value of £45,479, which covers full tuition fees and provides the remaining balance as a direct maintenance stipend for living expenses. The deadline for online applications is 17 June 2026. Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship
GoGettaz — Agripreneur Prize 2026
The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition supports innovative, young food and agribusiness entrepreneurs who are transforming the African food system. The contest is open to food system founders or co-founders aged 18 to 35 who hold nationality from an African Union member state. Eligible businesses can span any part of the agrifood value chain, including production, logistics, agro-processing, and digital farming solutions. The program features a total prize pool of US$160 thousand, which includes two US$50 thousand grand prizes awarded to one male-led and one female-led business, alongside four US$15 thousand impact awards for ventures excelling in areas like climate resilience, technology, and food security. The deadline for complete applications is 28 June 2026. Agripreneur Prize
Earth Journalism Network — Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions Story Grants 2026
The Earth Journalism Network invites applications for its Biodiversity Story Grants to support the production of in-depth media stories on biodiversity and nature-based solutions. Early-career and experienced journalists from Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan or Madagascar may apply. The program expects to award up to 25 grants with an average budget of €1.800 each. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2026. More
Turing Foundation — Grants for Marine Ecosystems
The Turing Foundation is committed to supporting biodiversity—especially marine and coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass, and coral reefs. Projects supported include protection of marine nursery habitats and climate-focused nature conservation efforts. Most grants are to Dutch and international organizations that work with local partners. Turing does not accept unsolicited applications, but it invites brief project summaries. More information
Savvy — Fellowship for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
The Savvy Fellowship is a 12-week online learning program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Savvy seeks early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs from across Africa working on solving the most pressing problems through innovation. Fellows will receive support, mentorship, and access to a lifelong community in support of their innovative business ideas. Fellows have to be no older than 40 years. The Savvy Fellowship program is open year-round and accepts applications on a rolling basis. More