Young Africa Works Innovation Fund
Funder: Mastercard Foundation
Description: African entrepreneurs creating employment opportunities for youth can apply for funding and incubation support.
Deadline: 31 May 2026
Link: https://mastercardfoundation.org/young-africa-works
African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP)
Funder: US Department of State & AWEP
Description: Female founders can access mentorship, training, and funding to scale their ventures across Africa.
Deadline: 31 March 2026
Link: https://africanwomen.org
Google.org Impact Challenge Africa
Funder: Google.org
Description: African social enterprises using technology for positive impact can apply for funding, mentorship, and global visibility.
Deadline: 30 March 2026
Link: https://impactchallenge.withgoogle.com/africa
Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) 2026
Funder: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Description: Researchers addressing global challenges in developing countries can apply for funding and collaborative opportunities.
Deadline: 10 April 2026
Link: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/global-challenges-research-fund
African Innovation Foundation – Innovation Prize for Africa
Funder: African Innovation Foundation
Description: African innovators can submit impactful solutions in health, agriculture, education, and technology for recognition and prize money.
Deadline: 30 June 2026
Link: https://innovationprizeforafrica.org
Seedstars World – Global Startup Competition
Funder: Seedstars
Description: High-potential startups from emerging markets can compete for USD 500,000 in equity investment and mentorship opportunities.
Deadline: 15 April 2026
Link: https://www.seedstars.com/competition
P4G Partnership Opportunity – Advancing Green Growth
Funder: Partnering for Green Growth (P4G)
Description: Organizations and startups can apply for funding and technical support to implement sustainable projects in emerging economies.
Deadline: 31 January 2026
Link: https://p4gpartnerships.org/call-for-partnerships
SDG Innovation Challenge – Driving Solutions for the Global Goals
Funder: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Description: Innovators addressing SDGs can compete for funding, mentorship, and exposure to international partners.
Deadline: 20 March 2026
Link: https://www.sdginnovationchallenge.org
Her Startup Program – Empowering African Female Entrepreneurs
Funder: Her Startup Initiative
Description: Female-led ventures across Africa can apply for mentorship, networking, and support to scale their businesses.
Deadline: 15 March 2026
Link: https://www.herstartup.org/apply
Westerwelle Young Founders Programme 2024
Funder: Westerwelle Foundation
Description: Early-stage African entrepreneurs can join a fully funded acceleration programme with mentorship, training, and funding opportunities.
Deadline: 31 March 2026
Link: https://www.westerwelle-foundation.de/en/young-founders