The Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant supports early-career scientists who conduct impactful research that will provide solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing problems. The proposed research should be focused on the intersection between biodiversity and the economy; environmental tipping points; pollution and impact on the environment; or the impact of basic sciences on sustainable development. A grant of US$150 thousand will support a research project or program for up to three years. Applicants must have strong links to an African academic institution, research institution, government institution, NGO, or for-profit organization. The application deadline is 02 May 2025. JWO Research Grant
Africa
Village Capital — Greentech Africa
Village Capital supports an investment readiness program to advance innovative and sustainable solutions, actively contributing towards building resilience and mitigating the effects of climate change across Africa. The program currently accepts startups from Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa, which promote sustainable solutions for underestimated communities. The program will run for twelve weeks. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, through 09 May 2025. Greentech Africa
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 16 May 2025. Digital Energy Challenge
Orange Telecom — Orange Social Venture Prize 2025
The Orange Social Venture Prize recognizes entrepreneurs and start-up organizations that make innovative use of technology in agriculture, energy, and other fields of development. The geographical focus is Africa and the Middle East. Prizes range from €10 thousand to €25 thousand, plus professional support for a period of six months. In addition, Orange will reward more start-ups with the International Women’s Prize worth €20 thousand. The registration deadline is 18 May 2025. Orange Social Venture Prize
African Business Heroes — Business Heroes Competition 2025
African Business Heroes aims to support the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their local communities by working to solve the most pressing problems. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages. Ten finalists will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant money. All Finalists win grant funds from US$100-300 thousand. The applicant must be the Founder or a Co-Founder of the company. Applications close on 23 May 2025. African Business Heroes
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
Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens — Youth AgriChampions 2025
The Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC) hosts the 3rd edition of the Youth AgriChampions – a Peer2Peer workshop series on climate adaptation in agriculture. The workshop is designed for youth grassroots voices in smallholder farming and agricultural entrepreneurship in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia. Participants are invited to share their on-the-ground experience with adapting their practices to climate change. Interested participants have to submit their application before 24 March 2025. Details here
PAGES — African Mobility Fellowship
PAGES runs an International Mobility Research Fellowship Program for African early-career scientists on past global changes. The program aims to contribute to the development of collaborative research and the promotion of paleoscience networks in Africa. The fellowship supports African early-career scientists pursuing international research experience in paleoscience and is intended to support costs associated with international travel and living expenses while abroad. The next deadline for new applications is 15 August 2025. African Mobility Fellowship
Royal Academy of Engineering — Research Fellowships
The Royal Academy of Engineering offers Research Fellowships to early-career researchers to support them to become future research leaders in engineering. (Note: This may include one or more thematic areas covered by the Terra Viva Grants Directory). Each application is capped at a maximum contribution from the Academy of £625 thousand over five years, at 80% of full economic costs. The Academy welcomes applications from early-career researchers worldwide. The deadline for applications is 17 September 2025. Engineering Research Fellowships
International Land Coalition — Emergency Fund for Land and Environmental Rights Defenders (Africa)
The International Land Coalition (ILC) supports African environmental and land defenders who find themselves in emergency situations due to the nature of their work. The African Emergency Fund is intended to respond to emergency situations such as temporary relocation; urgent legal assistance; financial support to the family in case of a defender’s death, serious injury or imprisonment; and urgent medical support. Beneficiaries of the fund are ILC members (individuals in member organizations or organizations). ILC members can also apply on behalf of organizations and communities. Emergency requests can be submitted anytime (decisions will be made within 48 hours after submission). Details