The Africa Earth Observation Challenge (AEO Challenge) is an open innovation competition aimed at fostering African early‑stage businesses across all sectors that leverage Earth Observation data to tackle pressing development challenges—such as climate change, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, natural resource monitoring, sustainable development, and healthcare. Eligible applicants must be based anywhere in Africa. Finalists and winners receive a comprehensive support package including cash prizes totaling up to US$10 thousand distributed among the top three teams. The application deadline is 29 August 2025. Africa Earth Observation Challenge
Africa
Canon Collins — Postgraduate Study in South Africa in Climate Justice
The Canon Collins Trust seeks to support exceptional individuals who are committed to social justice in Southern Africa. In 2026, climate justice will be a priority. Climate Justice related scholarship applications may be in a science or applied science field as long as the application can demonstrate its relevance to climate justice-related matters. The value of the scholarship ranges from R20 thousand to R100 thousand. Applicants must be nationals of Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe. The deadline for applications is 02 September 2025. Climate Justice Scholarship
European Union — Europe–Africa Partnerships
The Joint Innovation Facility provides funding of €100 thousand to €250 thousand to consortia led by African organizations from 14 target countries—including Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and others. Eligible proposals must leverage digital technologies to scale climate‑focused innovations in areas like climate mitigation, adaptation, blue tech, smart cities, energy, or mobility. Applicants must form cross‑border consortia (Africa–EU or intra‑Africa). The deadline for submission is 15 September 2025. Joint Innovation Facility
African Union Commission — Africa Think Tank Platform
The Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP) invites consortia of three to five legally registered African think tanks—with representation from at least two African sub‑regions—to submit proposals for multi‑year funding (~US $10 million per consortium over up to 2½ years). The call supports policy‑relevant, collaborative research addressing at least four of the six priority themes: (economic transformation and governance; climate change; regional trade; food security; human capital; digitalization. Applications must be submitted no later than 24 September 2025. Africa Think Tank Platform
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 2025. Link to Bat Conservation International
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Professional Fellowships 2025/26
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships support mid-career professionals from developing Commonwealth countries to make professional visits (typically of three months) with UK host organizations. Applications are invited in the thematic area of clean energy, air, and oceans. Fellows must be Commonwealth citizens, refugees, or British-protected persons — and they must be permanent residents in a developing Commonwealth country. Applications are submitted by UK host organizations. The closing date for applications is 22 August 2025. Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
SEED — Workshop and Support for Eco-Enterprises
The SEED Replicator program offers incubation workshops to identify opportunities for enterprise creation and to guide aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners looking for partnerships to build an eco-inclusive business model. SEED Starter program guides participants from the early stages of ideation to the generation of a viable business plan. SEED Replicator targets entrepreneurs without a business idea as well as early-stage entrepreneurs who are trying to identify partnership opportunities and grow their impact. SEED Catalyser guides enterprises to refine their business models and optimize their impacts. SEED Accelerator develops the investment readiness and operational excellence of established eco-inclusive enterprises looking to scale up. Successful alumni can apply for a SEED Grant which pays for your immediate necessary activities, measures, or machinery required to establish the new enterprise. SEED programs are currently offered in the following countries: Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malawi, Morocco, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, and Zambia. Click here for more information
Misereor — Grassroots Development
Misereor is the international development agency of the Catholic Church in Germany. Its mission is to fight hunger, disease, poverty, and other forms of human suffering in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Issues and themes include climate change and justice; food security and agriculture; access to land; energy for the poor; and extractive industries. Misereor posts guidelines in multiple languages regarding how to request funding support. Applications can be sent at any time. Find the Guidelines for the Submission of Funding
Water Witness International — Fair Water Action Fund
The Fair Water Action Fund supports civil society organizations, journalists, and researchers in the Global South—especially in Africa—to promote water justice and hold governments and corporations accountable for water security. Grants range from £3,000 to £36,000 for projects up to 12 months that focus on advocacy, community monitoring, investigative reporting, and systemic change. Eligible applicants include grassroots networks, NGOs, academic centers, and independent media. Priority is given to countries facing water scarcity and governance challenges. The next application deadline is 31 July 2025. Fair Water Action Fund
Worthington Enterprises — West Africa Clean Cooking Fund
The West Africa Clean Cooking Fund supports community-based clean cooking projects across Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The fund seeks proposals from NGOs and impact-driven organizations and includes an initial up to US$1 million commitment from The Worthington Companies Foundation to drive impactful clean cooking proof of concept pilot projects across the region. Clean Cooking Fund