The ygap accelerator provides support to South African leaders with solutions to poverty. Entrepreneurs and startups with project ideas and solutions for their local community are invited to apply for the training program. The program offers a three-day accelerator followed by twelve months of tailored support including business skills development, strategy insights, mentor support, and more. Participants will gain access to professionals (designers, lawyers, coaches, etc.) and have the opportunity to apply for small grants. Eligibility extends to social entrepreneurs operating in South Africa, who are dedicated to creating a positive change in the lives of people living in poverty. Applications are closing on 31 July 2024. ygap South Africa
Africa
Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development — Development Projects in Arab Countries
The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) finances development projects in countries of the League of Arab States. Grants can be used for technical and economic feasibility studies; or seminars and conferences. Thematic areas include agriculture and dry lands, water supply, environment, and many others. Grant size varies from less than US$20 thousand to over US$10 million. Grants are made to governmental organizations, NGOs, and civil society organizations. There is no application deadline. More information
Federal Chancellery of Austria — Award for Innovation in Africa
The Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa (KAAIA) is open for applications. The award supports innovative solutions that enhance food security and food systems resilience throughout Africa. It welcomes applications from social entrepreneurs with digital or technology-powered solutions. The deadline for submission is 08 February 2024. Kofi Annan Award
Noel Buxton Trust — Promoting Livelihoods in Africa
The Noel Buxton Trust makes grants of up to £10 thousand per year for up to three years for projects in Africa that develop sustainable livelihoods in community settings. Past recent projects on the theme of economic development include examples in livestock raising, aquaculture, and credit for women-led businesses. The Trust especially welcomes applications in support of initiatives that help build sustainable futures in the semi-arid areas of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Sudan, and South Sudan. The Trust invites applications from registered civil society organizations in Africa, and from UK-based charities — including from diaspora organizations based in the UK – for projects in the priority countries. The next round of funding will run until 09 February 2024. More
Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa — Writing Workshop
The Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) provides writing training to Africa-based early career researchers working on the themes of governance, democracy, and green energy. The 5-day program will be organized as a writing retreat, with daily seminars and writing sessions. Successful applicants will be provided with funding to cover travel expenses to Ghana from Sub-Saharan Africa. The submission deadline is 10 February 2024. Writing Workshop Ghana
U. S. Government — Fellows Program for Young Women in Agribusiness
The Advancing Young Women Professional Fellows Program offers capacity-building in agro-entrepreneurship and agri-food system innovation and advances their ability to support women’s economic empowerment. The U.S. program will include a four-week professional internship in Michigan. The program is open to young female agribusiness entrepreneurs working in Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, or Zimbabwe. The application for the program will remain open until 16 February 2024. Information
Ashden Awards — International Awards for Sustainable Energy 2024
Ashden supports projects in sustainable energy in the UK and the developing world. The awards are made to pioneers in sustainable energy, saving energy, generating renewable energy, or promoting behavior change. The competition for the International Awards is open to businesses, NGOs, government organizations, and social enterprises whose activities take place in low- and middle-income countries worldwide. Winners are supported with prize money up to £25 thousand, plus assistance with mentoring and networking. The closing date for applications (Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish) is 25 January 2024. Ashden Awards
EnDev — Clean Cooking Solutions Ethiopia
The Innovation Challenge Fund supports entrepreneurs and businesses that focus on higher tier clean cooking solutions such as advanced biomass cookstoves or other innovative technologies that can significantly reduce emissions and fuel consumption compared to traditional cooking methods. The call targets Ethiopian organizations that promote clean cooking technologies, research, and businesses. Enterprises can apply until 27 January 2024. Know more
EcoSciGen — Climate Research Workshop
The Climate Research Workshop offers a unique training experience for individuals from Africa who are passionate about addressing climate change issues. The 6-month program offers scientific research training to equip young participants with the knowledge and skills needed to become independent researchers in the climate space. Young scholars must be between the ages of 18-26. Applications have to be submitted before 30 January 2024. Climate Research Workshop
EnDev — Solar Home System Liberia
The objective is to provide access to quality, clean, affordable, and better energy services in existing and underserved markets across Liberia through stand-alone solar home systems and close the affordability gap faced by the most vulnerable parts of the population. Companies will receive a financial incentive for achieving sales and installation of Solar Home System to customers. Private firms, NGOs, or cooperatives that follow commercial business models are eligible to apply for the program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 31 May 2024. Know more