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
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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$100-300 thousand. The applicant must be the Founder or a Co-Founder of the company. Applications close on 23 May 2025. African Business Heroes
EIT Climate-KIC — Green Business Idea Competition
ClimateLaunchpad is the world’s largest green business ideas competition. The competition invites business ideas that address climate change to support new clean-tech startups. Selected participants will take part in an idea boot camp and receive intensive coaching. The winner will receive €10 thousand, the runner-up €5 thousand. The submission deadlines vary by country (please check carefully). ClimateLaunchpad
Kurita Water and Environment Foundation — Water Research Grants 2025
The Kurita Water and Environment Foundation (KWEF) supports scientists of Asian nationality who are conducting water research. Research topics include technologies for water/wastewater treatment, water quality analysis, sustainability of water environment sanitation, water ecosystem, and agricultural water use – among other themes. Grants are up to ¥ 300 thousand per research project. Applicants should be under age 40. The application deadline is 02 May 2025. Application procedure
BeChangeMaker Africa — Social Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program
BeChangeMaker is an online training program for social entrepreneurs. Participants gain access to tools and technology for start-ups, coaching, mentoring, and access to a diverse global network of potential investors. Interested social entrepreneurs have to form a team of 2-5 people between the ages of 18 and 35 years and present a social challenge they wish to address. Applications are open until 31 May 2025. BeChangeMarker
Youth4Climate — Solutions and Climate Action
Youth4Climate aims to support the work of young people and youth-led organizations in five thematic areas: Climate and Environment Literacy, Sustainable Energy, Food and Agriculture, Nature Assets, and Sustainable Consumption & Production. Successful applicants will be awarded up to US$ 30 thousand to implement or scale their innovations. Proposals can be submitted in English, French, or Spanish. The application deadline is 26 May 2025. Link to Youth4Climate
Mastercard Foundation — Scholars Program at KNUST
The Mastercard Foundation provides economically disadvantaged young people in Ghana and Africa with access to university education. The Scholars Program at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (Ghana) 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 May 2025. Scholars Program at KNUST
Skål International — Sustainable Tourism Awards 2025
Skål International announces the call for submission to its 2025 Sustainable Tourism Awards. The idea is to enhance visibility and get recognition of outstanding performance in terms of sustainable and responsible tourism from all over the world. Companies, NGOs, government agencies, and educational institutions worldwide are welcome to submit an entry in one of nine available categories, including ‘Countryside and Biodiversity’ and ‘Marine and Coastal’. Applications close on 31 May 2025. Find the guidelines