The Women’s Market Access Open Innovation Challenge invites women-led or gender-inclusive agribusinesses operating in Somalia to submit solutions that enhance market access, competitiveness, financial inclusion, and scalability for women agro-entrepreneurs. Funding and support will be provided to a select group of participants. The deadline for submissions is 31 August 2025. Details
business/enterprise
African Centre for Technology Studies — Innovation Challenge
The AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge offers up to US$100 thousand in seed funding to scale AI solutions already deployed in real-world settings across Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative supports innovations addressing climate action, agriculture, education, gender/disability inclusion, and inequality, and provides not only funding but also mentorship. Eligible applicants include individual researchers, startups, universities, and consortia based in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, and others in the region. The deadline to apply is 04 September 2025. AI4D
JPI Climate — Climate Services for Risk Reduction in West Africa
The Climate Services for Risk Reduction in West Africa (CS4RRA) aims to support interdisciplinary projects that enhance climate resilience across 16 West African countries. With funding of up to €2 million per project for durations of up to 36 months, the call targets initiatives that improve early warning systems, assess climate security risks, and integrate climate services into policy and financing mechanisms. Eligible consortia must include at least two institutions from different West African countries and one European partner, with the coordinator based in West Africa. The application process is two-stage, with pre-proposals due by 11 September 2025. More information
Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum — AWIEF Awards 2025
Each year, the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum Awards recognize Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in Africa for their economic performance and contribution to Africa’s growth and social development. There are 8 award categories, including agribusiness and renewable energy. Nominations should only be made relating to achievements made by a female entrepreneur and national of an African country. Nominees can be nominated or self-nominated. The deadline for entries is 17 July 2025. AWIEF Awards
RELX Group — Environmental Challenge in Water and Sanitation 2025
The RELX Group sponsors the RELX Group Environmental Challenge to recognize projects worldwide that best demonstrate sustainable access to safe water and/or access to improved sanitation. The challenge is open to individuals and organizations (profit and non-profit). Projects must advance sustainable access to safe water where it is presently at risk, and/or access to improved sanitation. The first prize is US$50 thousand; second prize is US$25 thousand. The submission deadline is 27 July 2025. About the RELX Group Environmental Challenge
Climate and Clean Air Coalition — Food & Nutrition Challenge
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) invites innovative, cross‑sector projects to reduce food loss and waste linked to methane and black carbon emissions while tackling malnutrition. Participants may include governments, NGOs, private sector entities, research institutions, and community organizations worldwide. Selected initiatives can receive funding, alongside technical support and alliance-building opportunities. The application deadline is 06 August 2025. CCAC Food & Nutrition Challenge
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — World Soil Day Award
The World Soil Day Award (WSDA) recognizes individuals and/or institutions that have made an effort to organize successful celebrations in the framework of the World Soil Day campaign of the previous year. The award consists of US$15 thousand and a trip to Thailand. The award is open to individuals, non-profit organizations, universities, and private companies. Applications have to be submitted by 01 September 2025. World Soil Day Award
Fund for Innovation in Development — Grant Program
The Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) supports innovation that contributes to reducing global poverty and inequality. FID encourages applications for solutions in education, health, climate change, and gender equality in all low- and middle-income countries. Nearly any type of applicant is eligible to apply, including researchers, governments, NGOs, and for-profit companies. FID makes five types of grants: Prepare Grants (up to €50 thousand) can be used to support the development of projects and proposals; Pilot Grants (up to €200 thousand) support the piloting of innovations that are early in development and need real-world testing; Scale Grants (up to €1,5 million) support the further testing and continued growth of innovations; Transition to Scale Grants (up to €4 million) support the transition of rigorously tested and validated solutions to widespread scaling; and Transforming Public Policy Grants (up to €150 thousand) support specific evidence-based innovations with demonstrated cost-effectiveness and scalability into public policies. FID accepts applications at any point throughout the year. Know more
German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety — Marine Litter Innovation Challenge
The PROTEGO Marine Litter Innovation Challenge empowers organizations in Ghana and Nigeria to develop and scale innovative solutions addressing marine plastic pollution in identified hot spots along the Gulf of Guinea. Participants can receive up to €40,000 in project funding. Eligible applicants include NGOs, companies, research institutions, or community organizations. The application deadline is 21 July 2025. Know more
International Federation of Inventors’ Associations — Regenerative Innovation Competition
The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) accepts applications for the prestigious Regenerative Innovation Competition. The initiative aims to unite visionaries from Latin America and the Caribbean, in an effort to generate breakthrough solutions in fields such as Renewable Energy and Urban Sustainability, among others. Participation is open to individuals aged 16 and above, including representatives of academic institutions, third-sector organizations, startups, and traditional businesses. The winners will be awarded medals and official certificates. The application deadline is 30 July 2025. InnovaCities 2025