The African Impact Challenge supports early-stage African entrepreneurs. In 2024, the challenge focuses on Botswana. Top-performing teams will receive up to US$25 thousand in either grant funding or a simple agreement for future equity investment. Projects and business ideas can focus on any sector as long as they are impact-focused entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood. The idea should address an identified problem/challenge and provide a comprehensive solution using a technology component. Registration for the 2024 challenge closes on 15 April 2024. African Impact Challenge
agriculture
ygap — Poverty Solutions for South Africa
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
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
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Zambia
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Zambia. CFLI provides funding to projects that create income-earning opportunities for women (which may also include rural agricultural development). The average contribution is C$30 thousand to C$40 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit local, national, or community-based organizations. The deadline for submission is 05 February 2024. CFLI Zambia
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
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
IntelliDigest — Global AgriFood TechPreneur
The Global AgriFood TechPreneur Program is a 12 months food system sustainability business development program for young graduates who wish to transform the food system, end hunger, malnutrition, obesity and food waste. Graduates are invited to submit an application about a food system challenge in their country and their solution to addressing it. Selected participants will be trained to develop a robust and sustainable business plan. Application for the competition is until 20 February 2024. AgriFood TechPreneur
University of Reading — Research Grant
IMAGINE if… is a research grant for the provision of research and business support by the University of Reading and Henley Business School. The research grant is worth up to the value of £100 thousand. Shortlisted finalists will be paired with counselors and researchers before preparing a business proposal to solve a global development challenge. Candidates aged 18 and over from around the world are eligible to apply. The closing date for entries is 07 January 2024. Details here
AgFunder — Foodtech and Agtech Accelerator
The GROW Impact Accelerator Program is a five-month accelerator for startups operating in new frontiers of foodtech and agtech. The program is designed for international startups looking to expand into Asia, and for regional startups to launch on the global stage. Companies receive US$100 thousand worth of cash and in-kind investments. Applications are open until 02 February 2024. GROW Impact Accelerator