The Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards recognizes projects and contributions in advancing the sustainable development goals in Commonwealth countries. The Award has five categories: (1) Well-being (i.e. health, education, human rights etc.); (2) Prosperity (i.e. economic development, trade, etc.); (3) Peace; (4) Planet and the natural environment; and (5) Partnerships for sustainable development. 15 winners will each receive a trophy, a certificate and prize money of £3 thousand. Eligibility extends to individuals, governments, social enterprises, and businesses in Commonwealth countries. The deadline for nominations is 31 January 2021. Innovation for Sustainable Development Award 2021
Africa
European Commission — Civil Society Development in Suriname
The European Commission (EC) aims to strengthen civil society organizations in Suriname. The EC seeks applications for projects that enhance life in Suriname’s hinterland communities. Projects with focus on climate change mitigation, women’s empowerment, and youth participation may request up to €1 million. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations established in the European Union or Suriname. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 15 February 2021. Details
European Commission — Developing the Agri-Sector in Ethiopia
The European Commission (EC) seeks to support micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises in the agri-sector in Ethiopia. The aim is to develop and implement one business incubation program to support agri-business and agro-entrepreneurs in order to improve market access and value chains in the agribusiness and hybrid agri-tech sectors. The EC invites applications from non-profit organizations interested in developing a “Program to support Entrepreneurship and MSME creation (Business incubators)” in Ethiopia. The overall amount made available under this call for proposals is €5 million. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 16 February 2021. Click here
Flame Tree Initiative — AgriBusiness Development Entrepreneurship Lab
Flame Tree Initiative (FTI) provides training, partnerships, and resources to promising African entrepreneurs seeking to create enterprises that address local development challenges. DELab is a development entrepreneur training program for aspiring social entrepreneurs and individuals who want to launch or scale their agricultural enterprise. DElab is a free virtual workshop for 20-25 participants. Applicants must propose an idea for a social enterprise focused on the agricultural sector. Submissions will be accepted until 06 November 2020. AgriBusiness DElab
British Council — Funding for Climate Challenge Workshops
The British Council offers grant funding for interdisciplinary research workshops on climate change. Researcher Links Climate Challenge (RLCC) grants are designed to provide financial support to host virtual research workshops for participants from the UK and partner countries (Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa, Egypt, and Brazil). Lead applicants are required to take an interdisciplinary approach by bringing together early career researchers from different fields. Workshops must take place before the end of August 2021. The application deadline is 27 November 2020. Link
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin (Cabo Verde)
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for large grants (up to US$110 thousand) for projects that support the conservation and preservation of biodiversity in coastal areas of Cabo Verde. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English and Portuguese. LOIs must be submitted by 30 November 2020. Access to CEPF
African Academy of Sciences — Food Security and Nutrition in Africa
The Grand Challenge Africa makes seed grants to innovative projects and technologies that achieve food security and nutrition in Africa. The challenge focuses on the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. The call seeks innovative global development and health solutions related to achieving food security and nutrition. The call will fund projects up to US$100 thousand for a maximum of 2 years. Applicants can be colleges and universities, government laboratories, research institutions, for profit and non-profit organizations. The call encourages scientific collaborations between African researchers and other organizations across the continent. The application deadline is 04 December 2020. Find the call
African Academy of Sciences — Prize for Scientific Discovery and Technological Innovation
The Olusegun Obasanjo Prize for Scientific Discovery and/or Technological Innovation honors African scientists who have made outstanding contributions in scientific discovery or technological innovation. The bi-annual prize will be awarded in each of the following fields: (1) Biotechnology, (2) Energy, (3) Information and Communication Technologies, or (4) Material Sciences. The prize may be awarded to an individual or jointly to two or more persons who will share the cash award of US$5 thousand. The prize is open to all African scientists and technologists. Candidates have to be nominated but self-nominations will also be accepted. The last date for receipt of nominations is 22 December 2020. Details here
African Leadership Academy — South African Ideas Festival
The South African Ideas Festival (SAIF) is an entrepreneurial development festival for the young African leaders with ideas to bring meaningful change in their societies. The categories for application are based on the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 15 (Life on Land), and Goal 13 (Climate Action), among others. Applicants must be between the ages of 14-19 years and apply in teams consisting of 3-5 people. Participants can win cash prizes and consulting services with African Leadership Consulting Group. The application deadline is 02 January 2021. Link to SAIF
SVG Ventures — THRIVE Africa Challenge
Silicon Valley Global Ventures is an investment, technology and advisory firm that invests in companies that go through their accelerator program. The THRIVE Africa Challenge seeks innovative solutions specifically designed for the African agrifood industry. SVG Ventures will select the best startups and scale-ups for investment. The winner will participate in the Silicon Valley Startup Bootcamp (Summer 2021) and have the opportunity to pitch their idea in front of global investors. The challenge is open to agrifood companies in Africa. The application deadline is 20 November 2020. Link to THRIVE Africa