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11/02/2026

Call for Applications: Growing Roots Grant for Nigeria 2026 (Up to $10,000 Funding for Early-Stage Social & Environmental Ventures)
The Growing Roots Grant for Nigeria is now open for applications from early-stage ventures, social enterprises, and impact-driven founders working to address social, environmental, and community development challenges across Nigeria. This grant opportunity provides non-equity funding of up to $10,000 (USD) to support solutions that drive sustainable impact and strengthen local communities.

About the Program

The Growing Roots Grant is aimed at founders and teams who are building solutions that contribute to positive social or environmental outcomes in Nigeria. Funding is intended to help ventures grow, validate their ideas, scale activities, or pilot new technologies and approaches that improve livelihoods and strengthen communities.

The grant is non-dilutive,meaning winners receive funding without giving up equity or ownership in their ventures.

Who Should Apply (Eligibility)

This grant call is open to individuals or teams who meet the following criteria:

✔ Based in Nigeria or operating with clear impact in Nigerian communities
✔ Founders of early-stage ventures, social enterprises, or community initiatives
✔ Projects that demonstrate a clear social or environmental impact (e.g., climate, health, education, livelihoods, food security, inclusion, sustainability)
✔ Ventures with a viable concept or early traction, even if pre-revenue
✔ Applicants able to commit to implementing their project plan upon receiving funding.
Entrants can be individuals, nonprofit organisations, startups, or community groups focused on lasting impact.

Funding & Benefits
💰 Grant Funding (Up to $10,000 USD)

Selected applicants will receive cash support (non-equity) of up to $10,000 to implement, pilot, or scale their project.
📊 Strategic Support (where offered)

While the core benefit is funding, many Growing Roots programs also connect winners to:

Mentorship and advisory support
Ecosystem introductions to potential partners
Visibility through showcase or network platforms

(If mentorship or networking components are confirmed for this edition, details will be provided on shortlist notification.)
How to Apply

Visit the official application form: check comment section
Complete the online form with your:
Name and contact details
Venture or project overview
Impact focus and community benefit
Clear description of how you intend to use the grant
Current status, team, and traction (if any)
Submit before the deadline indicated on the form.

Be sure to provide clear, concise, and compelling information, strong applications describe both the problem and your solution’s potential impact.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Access to early-stage funding is one of the biggest barriers for impact-focused founders and community innovators in Nigeria. The Growing Roots Grant helps bridge this gap by providing non-dilutive financial support that enables founders to:

Pilot solutions and validate impact
Build community resilience
Expand reach and serve more beneficiaries
Strengthen organisational capacity

This support boosts both social and environmental outcomes while empowering changemakers to scale solutions sustainably.

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UNDP timbuktoo EdTech Accelerator Program 2026 for African EdTech StartupsThe UNDP Timbuktoo EdTech Accelerator Program,...
02/02/2026

UNDP timbuktoo EdTech Accelerator Program 2026 for African EdTech Startups
The UNDP Timbuktoo EdTech Accelerator Program, has officially launched the “Get Ready 4 Timbuktoo EdTech” incubation for 2026. This pan-African initiative aims to accelerate education innovation by preparing early-stage startups for continental and global growth.
Program Details

Application Deadline: 18 February 2026.
Program Duration: 3 months of intensive, fully virtual support.
Format: 100% online.
Cohort Size: Up to 50 African EdTech startups.
Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the program, startups must:

Location: Be based in any African country.
Stage: Have a working or testable prototype available.
Challenge Areas: Address clear educational hurdles such as access to quality education, inclusion, learning outcomes, employability, or teaching methods.
Commitment: Be able to dedicate approximately 6–8 hours per week for the 3-month duration.

Key Benefits for Startups

Tailored Mentorship: Weekly sessions with experienced EdTech founders, AI specialists, and product leaders.
Structured Learning: Access to expert-led modules covering growth, financing, marketing, and learning sciences.
Financial Support: Selected startups may receive grant-based funding for prototyping or user testing.
Ecosystem Access: Connection to the wider timbuktoo innovation network, including potential investors and continental partners
Target Segments

The program specifically seeks solutions in:

Early Childhood (ECE) and K-12 education.
Higher Education and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training).
Skills development, upskilling, and workforce training.
Career guidance and employability support.

Interested founders can apply; see comment section

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Call For Applications: Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders ProgramSir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, is an initi...
28/01/2026

Call For Applications: Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program
Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, is an initiative that continues its mission to empower outstanding young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa with the skills, resources, and funding needed to drive sustainable development in their communities.

With 70% of its population under 30, Africa holds immense potential to address pressing global challenges while unlocking vast opportunities. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of investing in young African leaders to accelerate meaningful change. The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program embodies this vision, providing an innovative platform to support 10 young African leaders, aged 18-35, with capacity-building, seed funding, and resources to impact further initiatives that promote sustainable development in their local communities.

These selected participants will be formally recognized as the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders, joining a growing community of impactful leaders committed to transforming their local communities and shaping Africa’s future.

Eligibility

18-35 years old
Have demonstrable leadership qualities or a proven track record of leadership experience
Have potential for personal and professional growth
Leading a social impact project related to the sustainable development goals (preferred)
Be able to attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland in person, August 12-14, 2026
Proficient in English (Intermediate Level)
Interest in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues

Program Benefits
Participation in pre-Youth Assembly preparation workshops

To help support their Youth Assembly experience before attending the conference.
Participation in the AFS Youth Assembly in Switzerland, August 12-14, 2026

The AFS Youth Assembly is a global platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact. Annually attracting 700-900 participants from over 100 countries, including 40% from Sub-Saharan Africa, it empowers young leaders to connect with like-minded peers, trailblazers, and influencers while developing critical skills and global competence. Leaders receive special recognition at the Closing Ceremony of the Youth Assembly.

Participation in the “Effect+ in the Community”intensive workshop in Switzerland, August 2026

To build changemaking skills and a scalable training framework. Access to resources, tools, and experiences designed to visions into actionable change. Local Community Impact: Upon returning home, the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders will replicate the “Effect+ in the Community” workshop for at least 100 young people in their local communities. The expectation is that these workshops will scale the impact of program beneficiaries and foster a ripple effect of sustainable development.
Impact Projects

After returning from the AFS Youth Assembly, leaders will initiate their own impact projects utilizing seed funding provided. They will work on their projects for a period of 6 months with mentorship and support from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network.

Application Deadline: February 20, 2026

To apply, find application link in the comment section

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Call for Applications: Her Africa Early Stage Incubator (HAESI) 2026 — Empowering Young Leaders Across Africa. The Her A...
28/01/2026

Call for Applications: Her Africa Early Stage Incubator (HAESI) 2026 — Empowering Young Leaders Across Africa.
The Her Africa Early Stage Incubator (HAESI), an initiative of the Alliance for Women and Girls (AFWAG) — is now open for applications for its 2026 cohort. This fully supported incubator programme is designed to empower early-stage social entrepreneurs who are building ventures, organisations, or initiatives that advance gender justice and improve the lives of women and girls across Africa.
What the Her Africa Early Stage Incubator Is

The HAESI program is more than a typical incubator, it’s a leadership and ecosystem-building pathway that equips early-stage founders with the skills, perspectives, networks, and tools needed to transform their organisations and tackle systemic barriers affecting women and girls across the continent.

Participants engage in a six-month leadership journey that emphasises strategic growth, organisational resilience, collaboration, and community care, all within a Pan-African peer environment.
Who Should Apply (Eligibility)

This opportunity is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:
Social entrepreneurs under 35 years old with leadership roles (founder, co-founder, or equivalent) in ventures or initiatives focused on gender justice across Africa.
✔ Founders of organisations or projects that have been operating for no more than three years, with demonstrated or intended impact on women and girls.
✔ Exceptional innovators at the ideation stage (with strong, early concepts) are also welcome to apply, provided their work aligns with the programme focus.
✔ Ventures may address issues such as education, health, gender equality, environmental sustainability, economic opportunity, and poverty alleviation as they relate to women and girls.
Program Benefits & Support
Leadership and Organisational Growth

Participants develop enhanced leadership skills, including self-awareness, strategic thinking, resilience, communication, and systems-level problem solving,to lead more effectively within their organisations and contexts.
Improved Organisational Sustainability

The incubator strengthens operational planning, strategic frameworks, financial confidence, and access to resources that improve organisational efficiency and long-term viability.

Increased Social Impact

Individuals and organisations refine their approaches to achieve measurable improvements in outcomes for women and girls in their communities.
Networking, Mentorship & Collaboration

Participants join a Pan-African community of peers, mentors, and experts, creating space for collective learning, partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders, and sustained mutual support.
Continuous Learning & Alumni Engagement

Participants gain ongoing access to AFWAG’s resources, workshops, and alumni network, catalysing continued personal and organisational development beyond the programme.
How to Apply

Visit the official program page: check comment section
Review eligibility criteria and program details on the page.
Complete the online expression of interest or application form with accurate information about you and your venture.
Submit before the cohort deadline (check the portal for current closing dates and instructions).

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Call For Applications : CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship Program 2026 For  Early-Stage Innovators ( Monthly StipendsApplic...
28/01/2026

Call For Applications : CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship Program 2026 For Early-Stage Innovators ( Monthly Stipends
Applications are now open for the 2026 CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship Programme, an incubation initiative designed to support early-stage civic technology ideas and solutions across West Africa. The fellowship welcomes ideas at any stage and scale, from local and hyperlocal initiatives to regional platforms, and supports diverse uses of technology including radio, SMS, print, artificial intelligence, and social media.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Across West Africa, many civic challenges persist around governance, service delivery, climate resilience, and civic participation. Yet, early-stage innovators working on solutions in these areas often lack the technical support, funding, and networks needed to grow. The CivicHive CivicTech Fellowship addresses this gap by providing structured incubation, mentorship, and financial support to help civic tech ideas move from testing to early scaling. The programme is focused on strengthening civic space, accountability, and citizen participation through practical, context-driven innovation.

Thematic Focus Area

The fellowship supports civic tech solutions working within the following areas:

Artificial Intelligence for Good, focusing on responsible AI use to address social challenges, strengthen accountability, reduce bias, and promote transparent and inclusive AI governance.
Low-Cost Climate Tech Solutions, supporting affordable, tech-driven innovations for climate adaptation, agriculture, environmental management, food security, and community resilience, especially in resource-constrained settings.
Technology for Social Good in Health, Education, and Justice, targeting improved access to essential public services, rights protection, and closing service delivery gaps.
Advocacy and Social Movements, supporting tools that strengthen civic organising, collective action, and citizen-led movements, particularly in shrinking civic spaces or contexts of exclusion.

Eligibility Requirement

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:

Be a citizen or resident of any West African country.
Apply as an individual or as part of a team working on a civic tech idea or solution.
Have tested the solution or have been in operation for between one and three years.
Ensure the solution aligns with at least one of the fellowship’s thematic areas.
Demonstrate a clear public-interest or social impact focus, particularly in accountability, participation, service delivery, or civic space strengthening.
Be available to fully participate in all fellowship activities for the duration of the programme.
Be open to mentorship, peer learning, collaboration, and iteration within a regional civic tech ecosystem.

Benefit

Selected fellows will receive technical, product, and legal support, mentorship from experienced civic tech leaders, access to a regional civic tech network, a monthly stipend throughout the fellowship, support to prepare solutions for launch and early scaling, and a fully funded trip to attend the 2026 West Africa Civic Tech Conference. A total of 15 civic tech solutions will be incubated under the programme.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

Applications open on January 23, 2026, and close on February 11, 2026.
Fellows will be announced on February 23, 2026.
The fellowship programme will run from March 3 to June 30, 2026, with lab sessions scheduled between March 31 and April 16, 2026.
Demo Day will take place on July 23, 2026.

For More Information, Apply Here; check comment section

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SheAscends Accelerator Program for Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria 2026 (₦1,000,000 Per Business)SheAscends is a women-fo...
22/01/2026

SheAscends Accelerator Program for Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria 2026 (₦1,000,000 Per Business)
SheAscends is a women-focused accelerator supporting growth-stage entrepreneurs in Lagos, Nigeria.The program helps female founders unlock financial access, strengthen investment readiness, and scale impact-driven businesses. Through practical mentorship from industry experts and training workshops (virtual and in-person), She Ascends builds the capability women entrepreneurs need to grow.

Benefits of SheAscends Accelerator

Access to Growth Capital: Up to ₦1,000,000 per business for qualified participants. Capital to buy equipment, stock inventory, or invest in what moves your business forward.

Visibility and Storytelling: Featuring selected startups in case studies, media showcases, and Seedstars channels to highlight your journey and impact.

Ecosystem Opportunities: Strategic Partnerships, Facilitation of collaborations with development agencies, investors, and corporates committed to advancing women entrepreneurs.

A Community of Women Founders: Join a cohort of women entrepreneurs. Share challenges, learn together, and build relationships that outlast the program.

Training Workshops: Virtual and in-person sessions covering financial management, pricing, operations, and everything else you need to scale with confidence.

Who is this for?

Business Stage: Early and Mid-Growth stage businesses with proven revenue. You’ve moved past the idea phase, you’re selling, serving customers, and ready to scale.

Ownership: Women in ownership/leadership, women as core customers, or women-forward employment practices.

Priority Sectors: We welcome businesses across industries. Food, retail, fashion, beauty, services, agriculture, and more.

Business Model: For-profit, tech-enabled (traditional businesses with a strong digital edge are eligible).

Annual Revenue: Minimum ₦6,000,000 annual revenue.

Age and Location: Between the age of 30–45 years old and based in Lagos, Nigeria (Pilot phase)

Application and Timeline

Application Period: January 9 – February 9, 2026

Applicatio Review & Screning: February 10 – March 9, 2026

Physical Worshop & Virtual Training: March 2026

Grant Award: March 2026

Where to Apply: check comment section

Call for Applications: ACT Trust Foundation Grant Program 2026 For Non-Profit OrganizationsThe ACT Trust Foundation is n...
22/01/2026

Call for Applications: ACT Trust Foundation Grant Program 2026 For Non-Profit Organizations
The ACT Trust Foundation is now accepting applications for its grant programme, focused on supporting scalable, high-impact initiatives that drive sustainable development across Africa. This year, the Foundation is prioritising programmes that leverage community mobilisation, technology, and collaboration to deliver measurable impact while ensuring the inclusion of marginalised and vulnerable groups.

ACT Trust Foundation seeks organisations implementing solutions in Health and Entrepreneurship that demonstrate strong governance, sustainability, and the potential to drive systems-level change. Special emphasis is placed on initiatives that intentionally include women, rural youth, children, and persons with disabilities.
Why This Grant Matters

Across Africa, many community-based organisations and social enterprises are addressing critical gaps in healthcare access and economic empowerment but face limited funding to scale their impact. The ACT Trust Foundation Grant is designed to bridge this gap by supporting organisations that are not only delivering results but are also positioned to expand, collaborate, and create long-term change.

By prioritising inclusion, sustainability, and innovation, the programme aims to strengthen grassroots solutions that improve livelihoods, promote equity, and contribute to resilient communities across the continent.
Focus Areas

Supported projects must align with one or both of ACT Trust Foundation’s core focus areas:

Health
Entrepreneurship
Priority is given to interventions that integrate technology, foster partnerships, and demonstrate clear pathways to scale and sustainability.

Eligibility Requirements

Organisations applying for the ACT Trust Foundation Grant must meet the following criteria:

Operate within the Foundation’s focus areas of Health and/or Entrepreneurship.
Be legally registered in an African country for a minimum of two years (24 months).
Be registered as a non-profit organisation or social enterprise.
Demonstrate a strong governance structure, including a Board of Directors or Trustees and a management team.
Provide evidence of previous or existing funding sources.
Show evidence of matching funds for the proposed intervention.
Have a minimum of three paid staff members, either full-time or part-time.
Be directly responsible for implementing the proposed programme
Implement the programme within Africa.

Additional Considerations

The following are added advantages during the selection process:

Partnership or collaboration with another organisation.
Clear inclusion of marginalised and vulnerable groups, including women, rural youth, children, and persons with disabilities.
Use of technology to enhance reach, efficiency, or scalability

What Selected Organizations Gain

Successful applicants will benefit from:

Grant funding to implement high-impact programs
Support to scale proven interventions
Opportunity to strengthen organizational capacity and sustainability
Increased visibility and credibility through association with ACT Trust Foundation
Contribution to inclusive, community-driven development across Africa

How to Apply

Interested and eligible organizations should review the full grant guidelines and submit their applications through the official ACT Trust Foundation portal: check comment section.

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⏳ THE WAIT ISN’T OVER – BUT THE CLOCK IS TICKING!You asked, and we listened. The Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO) app...
22/01/2026

⏳ THE WAIT ISN’T OVER – BUT THE CLOCK IS TICKING!

You asked, and we listened. The Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO) application deadline has been officially extended to January 31st, 2026!

This is more than just a competition; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime launchpad for your brightest ideas. Whether you’re looking to scale an existing concept or bring a brand-new innovation to life, this is your moment.

Why apply?

💰 Seed Funding: Get the financial backing to turn blueprints into reality.

🤝 Mentorship: Work 1-on-1 with industry titans.

🌐 Networking: Connect with leaders shaping the future of engineering.

📈 Impact: Redefine your life’s trajectory and create a lasting legacy.

Don't let your innovation stay on paper. Tap into the opportunity now.

🔗 Apply here:Check comment section📍 New Deadline: 31st January 2026

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22/01/2026

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Call for Applications: Leventis Foundation Nigeria One-Year Agricultural Training Programme 2026The Leventis Foundation ...
21/01/2026

Call for Applications: Leventis Foundation Nigeria One-Year Agricultural Training Programme 2026
The Leventis Foundation Nigeria is now accepting applications for its 2026 One-Year Agricultural Training Programme, a fully funded initiative designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills in modern, sustainable agriculture and agribusiness.

Established in 1987, the Leventis Foundation has remained a leading force in agricultural capacity development, operating six agricultural training schools across Nigeria in partnership with State Governments. These schools provide hands-on, market-oriented training that prepares participants for productive careers across the agricultural value chain.

About the Programme

The training is a comprehensive, one-year residential programme focused on modern farming techniques, agribusiness development, and responsible natural resource management. It targets young men and women who are passionate about agriculture and committed to building sustainable livelihoods within the sector.

Training is delivered through practical fieldwork, classroom instruction, and enterprise-based learning, ensuring participants graduate with real-world, income-generating skills.

Why This Programme Matters

Agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s most important sectors for employment, food security, and economic growth. However, many young people lack access to practical training and modern farming knowledge.

The Leventis Foundation Training Programme addresses this gap by developing skilled, self-reliant farmers who can improve productivity, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to food system transformation within their communities. Graduates of the programme are empowered to become change agents in Nigeria’s agricultural and rural economy.

Programme Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

A full one-year agricultural training programme
Hands-on practical experience across multiple agricultural enterprises
Training in sustainable and climate-smart farming practices
Entrepreneurial and agribusiness development skills
Tuition, accommodation, and feeding provided completely free of charge
Opportunity to build a long-term career in agriculture and agribusiness
Areas of Training

Participants will receive training in the following areas:

Crop Production
Enterprise Development, including
Processing, Packaging, and Value Addition
Animal and Fishery Production
Basic Agricultural Engineering
Farm Management and Extension Services
Agroforestry and Beekeeping

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to both male and female applicants who meet the following requirements:

Must be physically fit
Must be able to read and write in English, with evidence of at least junior secondary school education
Must be between 18 and 40 years of age
Must demonstrate a clear interest in agriculture
Must pass both written and oral assessments before final selection
Proof of a farming background is an added advantage

Training School Locations

Training will take place at the following Leventis Foundation Agricultural Training Schools:

Yaba, Abaji, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja
Osun State
Panda, Kano State
Gombe State

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted on or before 21 February 2026.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should complete the online application form via the official Leventis Foundation portal: CHECK COMMENT SECTION

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Call for Applications: Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition 2026 (Funding, Visibility, and Mentorship for...
21/01/2026

Call for Applications: Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition 2026 (Funding, Visibility, and Mentorship for Innovators)
The Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition is a prestigious global innovation challenge that invites founders, educators, and entrepreneurs to submit education-focused ventures that have the potential to improve learning outcomes, expand access, and transform education systems worldwide. This competition provides funding, visibility, mentorship, and strategic support for early-stage and growth-stage ventures with promising solutions.

Who Should Apply (Target Participants)

The competition welcomes teams and ventures that are developing or scaling education-focused products, services, or platforms. Eligible applicants include:

✔ Early-stage startups building novel EdTech or learning platforms
✔ Social enterprises addressing learning gaps, equity, or inclusion
✔ Organizations with solutions for teacher support, assessment, or workforce readiness
✔ Innovators improving educational outcomes through technology, curriculum, community engagement, or analytics

The competition is global in scope, and ventures from Africa with strong evidence, traction, or potential for impact are encouraged to apply.

Competition Focus Areas

Submissions typically align with themes such as:

Technology-enabled learning platforms
Tools to support educators and learners
Solutions that expand access to quality education
Data-driven systems for assessment or personalization
Business models that link education and workforce opportunities

The competition values practical solutions that demonstrate potential for scale and measurable impact on learners and educators.

Benefits & Prizes

Participants in the Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition may receive:
💰 Funding Awards

Cash prizes are awarded to top teams, providing early financing to test, expand, or scale your venture.
📈 Mentorship & Coaching

Access to expert advisors, education leaders, and business mentors who help refine strategy, strengthen plans, and accelerate ex*****on.
🎤 Pitch Exposure

Opportunity to present your business plan to a panel of judges, investors, and strategic partners during competition events.

Networking

Connect with a global ecosystem of funders, educators, innovators, and fellow founders at dedicated forums and showcases.
📣 Visibility & Credibility

Placement in a well-recognised competition can enhance visibility, credibility, and access to later-stage funding opportunities.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Visit the official competition site: check comment section.

Review eligibility criteria and submission guidelines on the site.
Prepare your application materials:

Executive summary and pitch deck
Business model and impact description
Evidence of traction and validation (if available)
Team background and qualifications

Complete the online application form with accurate information.
Submit before the competition deadline listed on the portal.

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