Opportunities worth your time

NDE Renewed Hope

Call for Applications: NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) Phase 3 to Train Over 21,000 Nigerians

Applications are now open for the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) Phase 3, a nationwide programme designed to equip unemployed Nigerians with technical, vocational, entrepreneurial, agricultural, and digital skills for sustainable employment and economic empowerment. The fully funded initiative aims to train approximately 21,824 beneficiaries across Nigeria through practical skills acquisition programmes delivered at NDE training centres, accredited private vocational institutions, and state-owned training facilities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Why It Matters The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is one of Nigeria’s largest government-funded skills development programmes, designed to reduce unemployment by equipping young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant skills that support entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth. Training Areas Participants can receive training in: Advertisement • Vocational and Technical Skills • ICT and Digital Skills • Entrepreneurship Development • Agribusiness • Small Business Management Advertisement Under the Rural Employment Promotion (REP) programme,

Eligibility: Eligibility Criteria Applicants should: Advertisement • Be unemployed Nigerians interested in acquiring practical skills • Meet the age requirement for their selected programme (most agricultural programmes are open to applicants aged 18–50) • Possess

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

Mastercard x TAFTA Women Entrepreneurs Development

Call For Applications: Mastercard x TAFTA Women Entrepreneurs Development Program (WEDP)Cohort 3

Are you a young woman building a career or business in the creative industry and looking for the right skills, knowledge and support to take your work to the next level? Applications are now open for the Women Entrepreneurs Development Programme (WEDP) 3.0, a 3-day bootcamp designed to equip young women in the creative industry with practical tools to build, grow and sustain their businesses. The programme recognises that having a creative skill is only one part of building a successful business. Women entrepreneurs also need business knowledge, financial literacy, strategic thinking, market access, mentorship and the confidence to turn their ideas into sustainable ventures. Table of Contents Toggle Why This Program Matters What You Stand To Gain Who Should Apply? Why You Should Apply Why This Program Matters Many talented women have great creative ideas but struggle with turning those ideas into profitable and sustainable businesses. Advertisement WEDP 3.0 provides an opportunity to bridge that gap by helping participants develop the entrepreneurial and business skills needed to navigate the creative economy. Through practical learning and mentorship, participants will gain the kn

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

Cambridge Africa Mentorship

Call For Applications: Cambridge Africa Mentorship Programme (CAMP) 2026

Applications are open for the Cambridge Africa Mentorship Programme (CAMP) 2026 , a free mentorship initiative designed to support African students and members of the African diaspora who are preparing to apply for postgraduate study at the . CAMP is an initiative of the African Society of Cambridge University (ASCU) and aims to help African applicants navigate the competitive Cambridge postgraduate application process through structured online guidance and one-to-one mentorship. What the Programme Offers Successful mentees can receive: Free one-to-one mentorship from a Cambridge student, alumnus or staff member Guidance on the Cambridge postgraduate application process Support with CVs and personal statements Guidance on research proposals Advice on contacting potential supervisors Support with securing strong references Scholarship and funding guidance Mock interview preparation Progress tracking and feedback Insights into student life at Cambridge Access to a network of African scholars and applicants Limited need-based financial support for application fees . Who Can Apply? The mentee programme is designed for applicants who: Are from the African continent or African diaspora A

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

CyberSafe × SANS AI Security

Call for Applications: CyberSafe × SANS AI Security Fellowship 2026 for African Women (Fully Funded)

The CyberSafe Foundation, in partnership with SANS Institute, is inviting applications from African women interested in advancing their careers in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence security through the AI Security Fellowship 2026. The fellowship is designed to equip participants with specialised knowledge and practical skills at the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, helping women build stronger careers in the rapidly evolving digital security landscape. What the Fellowship Offers Selected fellows will have access to a fully funded learning and professional development opportunity, including: Advanced training in AI security and cybersecurity Access to SANS learning resources and training Practical, industry-relevant cybersecurity knowledge Professional development and career support Opportunities to connect with cybersecurity professionals and other women in the field Exposure to emerging challenges and opportunities in AI security Who Can Apply? The opportunity is designed for African women in cybersecurity who are interested in developing specialised expertise in AI security and strengthening their professional careers. Applicants should demonstra

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

NASA Open Science Essentials

Call For Applications: NASA Open Science Essentials Course 2026 | Free Online Course and Certificate

NASA is offering its Open Science Essentials (OSE) course, a free online learning opportunity designed to introduce participants to the principles, practices and tools of open science. The course is available to the general public, including students, researchers and professionals , and can be completed online at the learner’s own pace. What Is Open Science Essentials? Open Science Essentials is a concise, standalone course that provides a broad introduction to open science and how research can be made more transparent, accessible and reproducible . The course takes approximately two hours to complete. What Will You Learn? Participants will learn about: Advertisement The meaning and benefits of open science Open data and data-sharing practices Open peer review Collaborative research practices FAIR principles Open science and data management plans Open-source software Open research results Open licensing and research repositories Version control and persistent identifiers The role of AI in open science. Who Can Apply? The course is open to a broad audience, including: Students Researchers Scientists Educators Research managers Professionals Interested members of the general public.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

Coca-Cola Foundation Grants 2026 for NGOs and Social Impact Organizations

Call for Applications: Coca-Cola Foundation Grants 2026 for NGOs and Social Impact Organizations

The Coca-Cola Foundation provides philanthropic funding to organisations working on initiatives that create measurable and lasting impact in communities around the world. However, organisations should note that the Foundation’s official website currently states that it does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. Funding is guided by the Foundation’s priority areas and is generally provided through its established philanthropic partnerships. About the Coca-Cola Foundation The Coca-Cola Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. Since its establishment in 1984, the Foundation has supported community initiatives addressing major social, environmental and economic challenges. According to the Foundation, it has awarded more than $1.8 billion in grants over more than 40 years, supporting initiatives around the world. Advertisement The Foundation invests in transformative ideas and institutions through grants and impact investments, while also working with partners to deliver projects at scale. Key Focus Areas The Foundation’s current priority areas include: Sustainable access to safe water Watershed conservation Disaster preparedness and response Recycling value chai

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

awarded more than $1.8 billion in grants over more than 40 years, supporting initiatives around the wo

AfCFTA Digital Innovation

Call For Applications: AfCFTA Digital Innovation Challenge 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 AfCFTA Digital Innovation Challenge , an initiative of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat aimed at identifying and supporting innovative digital solutions that can strengthen cross-border trade across Africa. The challenge is particularly focused on solutions that advance the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade and the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, with emphasis on innovations that can help African MSMEs participate more effectively in intra-African trade. Who Can Apply? The challenge is open to: Individuals, teams, startups and enterprises from African Union Member States. African innovators and entrepreneurs aged 18–35 years . Women and young entrepreneurs developing digital solutions for trade. Applicants with operational digital solutions that are ready for expansion and scaling. Innovators whose solutions address barriers to cross-border trade and support AfCFTA objectives. What Kind of Solutions Are Eligible? Applicants should have digital solutions that demonstrate the potential to improve intra-African trade, particularly for MSMEs. Solutions will be assessed based on: Proven impact:

Eligibility: Citizens of African Union Member States aged 18 to 35 years

Timeline

September 4, 2026

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

Fidelity Bank Ghana and Innohub

Fidelity GreenTech Innovation Challenge 2026

The Fidelity GreenTech Innovation Challenge is seeking bold GreenTech solutions that address major challenges in Ghana's agricultural value chain. The 2026 programme invites TVET graduates, smallholder farmers, tertiary students and eligible businesses with innovative and scalable ideas.

Eligibility: Present an innovative idea that addresses a clear agricultural challenge in Ghana

Timeline

September 4, 2026

Location

Ghana

Funding or benefit

The programme benefits section says fifteen promising idea stage businesses will receive a share of up to GHS 1 million. The ideation section also states that innovators can win up to GHS 450,000 in grants.

Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA)

AFSA African Food Baskets Country Researchers 2026

AFSA is selecting 10 African Country Researchers to document the foods, dishes, beverages, recipes, food sources, menus, stories, proverbs and cultural knowledge that shape each participating country’s food heritage. Each selected researcher will receive US$1,000 facilitation for the short term assignment.

Eligibility: Be a qualified African researcher who is a national or resident and actively working in the country they apply to document

Timeline

September 6, 2026

Location

African countries

Funding or benefit

US$1,000 facilitation per selected researcher, paid after the complete country data package is submitted and accepted by AFSA. It is intended to cover the researcher’s time, local travel, communication and community engagement costs.

Smart Africa & FAO Innovate Africa

Call for Applications: Smart Africa & FAO Innovate Africa Challenge 2026 ($ 50,000 Funding)

Applications are now open for the 3rd Edition of the Smart Africa & FAO Innovate Africa Challenge 2026 , launched under the theme “From Ideation to Deployment.” The challenge, organized by Smart Africa in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), seeks proven and scalable Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions that can address Africa’s agricultural and climate challenges. The programme places particular emphasis on Climate-Smart Agriculture , supporting innovations that can move beyond pilot stages into real-world deployment and deliver measurable benefits for farmers. Who Can Apply? Applicants must: Advertisement Be a legally incorporated or registered for-profit business. Operate in one of the 39 eligible Smart Africa member countries. Have been operational for at least six months. Have an AI-enabled solution. Address a climate-related challenge. Be willing to deploy the solution in at least one designated focus country. Eligible countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Cameroon, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, among others. Focus Areas The challenge welcomes

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

August 31, 2026

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding & Programme Benefits The winning solution will receive a USD 50,000 service contract to support implementation and deployment

WIPO Scale Up Your IP Online

Call For Applications: WIPO Scale Up Your IP Online Programme for Women Innovators 2026

Applications are open for the WIPO Scale Up Your IP Online Programme for Women Innovators 2026 , a free online capacity-building programme designed to help women founders, researchers, inventors, and entrepreneurs commercialise deep-tech innovations and prepare their ventures for growth and investment. The programme is organised by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and focuses on helping women innovators use intellectual property (IP) strategically as they move research-based technologies from development to the market. Programme Benefits Selected participants will receive: Free online training One introductory session on intellectual property rights Five interactive training sessions led by IP and business experts Practical templates and tools for IP commercialisation Factsheets and resources for developing an IP commercialisation strategy Networking opportunities with peers, partners, and investors An opportunity to pitch their ventures to investors at the final event A certificate of participation for participants who complete all sessions. Who Can Apply? The programme is designed for women who are: Founders, co-founders, inventors, or lead innovators Developin

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

August 30, 2026

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

ATCMA–ECCAS 2026 – EU-Funded Opportunity for Timber, Cocoa and Cassava SMEs in Central Africa

Call For Applications: ATCMA–ECCAS 2026 – EU-Funded Opportunity for Timber, Cocoa and Cassava SMEs in Central Africa

Applications are now open for the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMA–ECCAS) , an EU-funded initiative supporting businesses operating in the timber, cocoa, and cassava value chains across Central Africa. Implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in partnership with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) , the programme aims to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs and improve their access to regional and international markets. Programme Benefits Selected businesses may receive technical support, including: Support with quality assurance and certification Assistance on traceability and sustainable production practices Business assessments and modernization plans Support for digitalisation and process improvement Technical training and coaching Export development support Opportunities to participate in trade fairs, exhibitions, and business matchmaking events. Who Can Apply? The call targets organizations operating within the timber, cocoa, and cassava value chains , including: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) Producers Processors Exporters Cooperative

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

August 7, 2026

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies