The Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) supports entrepreneurs using technology to drive social and environmental change across Africa and the Middle East. Orange invites tech-based startups and individuals to apply if their projects address local needs in fields such as health, education, agriculture, or sustainable development. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and based in one of the 17 participating countries, including Botswana, Egypt, Morocco, and Senegal. The competition features a national stage followed by an international grand prix, where three winners receive prizes of €25 thousand, €15 thousand, and €10 thousand respectively, alongside an additional €20 thousand International Women’s Prize for projects supporting women’s empowerment. The deadline for applications is 10 May 2026. Social Venture Prize
MENA
UNESCO — Fellowships in Archaeology and Conservation
UNESCO invites applications for a nine-month fellowship at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. This program provides an archaeological internship focused on multidisciplinary methods and conservation practices for seven selected professionals. Eligible candidates must be no more than 40 years old, hold a Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts degree in archaeology or conservation, and be a national of one of the invited Member States across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The fellowship includes international travel costs, health insurance, and a monthly allowance of PLN 1,800 for Bachelor’s degree holders or PLN 2,200 for Master’s degree holders. Additionally, participants receive a one-time pocket allowance of US$120. The deadline for National Commissions to submit nominations to UNESCO is 15 May 2026. Link
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Virtual Data Mobilization Workshop for West Asia
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Asia Regional Support Team invites applications for a virtual workshop designed to train data holders in biodiversity data management and publication. The program is open to government and organizational representatives from West Asian countries, including Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Participants will learn project planning, data capture, and the use of GBIF tools, with successful graduates receiving a certification badge. While the workshop is free to attend for the 35 selected participants, no direct financial grants are provided. The program runs from 18 May to 30 June 2026. The deadline for applications is 17 April 2026. More information
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Morocco and Mauritania
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects designed by local partners in Morocco and Mauritania. Funding is primarily available to local, national, or community-based non-governmental organizations and municipal or national government institutions. Projects must align with thematic priorities such as inclusive governance, gender equality, environmental action, or peace and security. Contributions typically range from CAN$20 thousand to CAN$50 thousand per project. The deadline for applications is 01 May 2026. CFLI Morocco
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Sustainable Water Management
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites research consortia to submit projects focused on sustainable water management. The program targets the upscaling of nature-based solutions to address extreme weather events and seeks to enhance policy development through innovative water footprint concepts. Eligibility requires a consortium of at least three legal entities from three different participating countries, including at least one from an EU Member State or associated country and at least one from a Mediterranean Partner Country (such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, or Morocco). Funding amounts vary by section: Section 1 projects typically receive approximately €2.7 million each from EU funds, while Section 2 projects receive a minimum of €1.5 million supported by national funding bodies. The deadline for pre-proposals is 15 May 2026. Water Management
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Farming Systems
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites research and innovation consortia to apply for its “Farming Systems in the Nexus” calls. The program is divided into two sections: Section 1 focuses on enhancing sustainable farming within Mediterranean wetlands for conservation and coexistence, while Section 2 addresses the upscaling of agroecology practices at the farm level. Eligibility requires a consortium of at least four independent legal entities established in at least three different PRIMA participating countries, including at least one EU Member State or associated country and at least two Mediterranean Partner Countries (such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon, or Türkiye). Section 1 projects typically receive approximately €2.7 million in EU funding for a 36-month duration, whereas Section 2 projects are supported by national funding bodies with varied amounts, often around €1.5 million per project. The deadline for pre-proposals is 15 May 2026. Farming Systems
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Agro-Food Value Chain
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites research consortia to submit proposals for its calls focused on the Mediterranean food value chain. The program aims to reduce food losses and waste through circular economy models and to improve the sustainability of food systems. Eligibility requires a consortium of at least three legal entities from three different participating countries, including at least one from an EU Member State or associated country and at least one from a Mediterranean Partner Country (such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, or Tunisia). Funding for Section 1 projects is approximately €2.7 million provided by the EU, while Section 2 projects are supported by national funding bodies with amounts typically reaching €1.5 million. The deadline for pre-proposals is 15 May 2026. Agro-Food Value Chain
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Young Innovators Award 2026
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites young entrepreneurs and researchers to apply for its 2026 Young Innovators Award. The program recognizes outstanding digital and technological solutions that address sustainability challenges in the Mediterranean region, particularly in the fields of water management, sustainable farming, and the agrifood value chain. Eligible applicants must be under 35 years old and be citizens or residents of a PRIMA participating country, which includes various nations across the European Union and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The award provides a financial prize of €10 thousand to the winner in each category to support the further development or scaling of their innovation. The application deadline is 22 May 2026. Young Innovators Award
OPEC Fund for International Development — Young Professional Development Program
The Young Professional Development Program (YPDP) is a two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from OPEC Fund member countries for a career in global development. The themes include poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development, environment, and other related science and technology fields. YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different departments and access to professional networks. To be selected for the program, applicants must be 30 years of age (or younger) and hold a Master’s degree. The deadline for applications is 11 April 2026. More about the YPDP
Australian Government — Australia Awards Africa
The Australian Government invites applications for the Australia Awards scholarships to provide mid-to-senior-level professionals from eligible African countries the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Australia. The program targets individuals from 25 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa, who work in priority sectors such as agriculture, climate change, and international security. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and possess five years of relevant post-graduate work experience. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, return air travel, a one-off establishment allowance, and a contribution to living expenses for the duration of the study. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026. Australia Awards Africa