Vital Voices offers GROW Fellowships to women entrepreneurs who own small and medium-sized businesses. The program includes customized business skills training, technical assistance, leadership development, and access to networks to grow their businesses. Thematic business areas may include agriculture, fisheries, and forestry with potential for growth. A limited number of need and merit-based scholarships will be available. The deadline for applications is 15 April 2025. GROW Fellowships
agriculture
African Development Bank — Agri-Food Financing
Seed Lab offers capacity building supporting agri-food businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa. Prioritization will be given to businesses with integrated gender-inclusive and climate-resilient practices. The 3-month program offers help with strategic planning, financial management, business operations, and leadership, to support sustainable growth. The deadline for applications is 25 April 2025. More information
Village Capital — Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Africa
Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Africa 2025 is a program that supports climate-focused startups in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Village Capital seeks entrepreneurs focused on climate adaptation, renewable energy, blue economy, and food security solutions. Participants will access mentorship, investor connections, financial modeling support, and exposure opportunities. Eligibility extends to for-profit entities in the target countries. Applications close on 30 April 2025. Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship Africa
Africa Food Prize — Call for Nominations 2025
The Africa Food Prize honors outstanding contributions to agriculture and food production in the challenge to combat hunger and reduce poverty in Africa. The Prize can be awarded for a specific contribution or achievement, or a series of efforts and results within the last few years. Nominations are open to qualified candidates irrespective of their nationalities, professions, or locations. The Prize is US$100 thousand (to be shared if there is more than one winner), a diploma, and a trophy. The deadline for nominations (English, French) is 27 June 2025. Find the prize
Mastercard Foundation — Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria
The Mastercard Foundation supports economically disadvantaged yet academically gifted youth in Africa who are committed to effecting positive change on the continent. The Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria provides financial support (tuition, accommodation, learning materials, transportation, and monthly stipend) for studies in all subject areas; however, there is a preference for science students (including agriculture and natural resources). Applicants must prove critical economic needs to be eligible. Applications close on 30 June 2025. Scholars Program
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Woman Greening Food Systems Award
PRIMA seeks innovative solutions for greening food systems, emphasizing practices led by women in the Mediterranean region, focusing on environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and resource efficiency in agriculture, food production, and waste reduction. PRIMA will award two winners with €10 thousand each. The deadline for nominations is 15 July 2025. Know more
United Nations — Leaders for Sustainable Development
The Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative recognizes young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative offers Young Leaders a range of benefits designed to support and amplify their impact. The United Nations seeks applications from young people of all backgrounds from all around the world. Applications are being accepted until 18 April 2025. Young Leaders for the SDGs
SAIS — Female Founder Award
The SAIS Female Founder Award is a company development and accelerator program for African tech start-ups in the agriculture, food, and livestock sectors. The award aims to strengthen the visibility of female-led start-ups and to promote female founders in Africa. The three winners will win in-kind support worth up to €30 thousand. The application deadline is 12 May 2025. SAIS Female Founder Award
Women in Food and Agriculture — Mentorship Program
The Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) and Alltech invite applications to the 2025 Mentorship Program from agri-food professionals from around the world. The mentorship program provides educational and supportive sessions as well as aid networking among all participants. The program welcomes people of all career and education levels. Applications for mentors and mentees have to be submitted by 22 June 2025. WFA Mentorship Program
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education — Masterclass Water-Energy-Food
The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus Training 2025 provides capacity-building for professionals working at the intersection of water, energy, and food security. The program is open to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners globally. A limited number of full and partial sponsorships are available to financially needy candidates who meet the criteria to participate in the WEF Nexus in-person Advanced School. The application deadline is 13 April 2025. WEF Nexus Masterclass