Opportunities worth your time

YASIF Digital, Green and Employability Skills

Call For Applications: YASIF Digital, Green and Employability Skills Programme 2026 | Free Training for Youth and Women in Nigeria

Applications are open for the YASIF Digital, Green and Employability Skills Programme 2026 , a free skills-development opportunity designed to help young people and women in Nigeria build relevant digital, green, and workplace skills . The programme is implemented by Young Advocates for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future (YASIF) in partnership with IBM SkillsBuild and other partners. Similar YASIF/IBM SkillsBuild initiatives provide free online learning, IBM SkillsBuild credentials, and career-readiness support. Programme Benefits Selected participants can access: Free digital skills training Training in green and sustainability-related skills Employability and career-readiness training IBM SkillsBuild-recognized certificates Career mentorship Access to potential job-placement opportunities Practical skills designed to improve participants’ employability. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is targeted at: Young people in Nigeria Women seeking to develop new skills Students and recent graduates Job seekers Young people looking to strengthen their digital and employability skills. Applicants should check the official application form for the programme’s specific eligibility requirements.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

CBN Regulatory Sandbox Cohort 2 for Nigerian Fintech Innovators

Call For Applications: CBN Regulatory Sandbox Cohort 2 for Nigerian Fintech Innovators

Applications are open for Cohort 2 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Regulatory Sandbox , an opportunity for fintech innovators to test new financial products, services, and business models within a controlled regulatory environment. The CBN Regulatory Sandbox provides eligible innovators with an opportunity to test innovative solutions while working with regulators to understand applicable requirements before full-scale deployment. Who Can Apply? The programme is designed for innovators developing financial technology solutions, including: Nigerian fintech startups Financial institutions Technology companies Innovation-driven businesses Other eligible organisations developing new financial products or services. Applicants should ensure that their proposed solution meets the CBN’s requirements before submitting an application. What Can Participants Test? The regulatory sandbox can support the testing of innovative solutions related to financial services, including new technologies, products, services, and business models that may require regulatory consideration. This can be particularly useful for fintech founders whose products are innovative but need to be tested in a control

Eligibility: eligible innovators with an opportunity to test innovative solutions while working with regulators to understand applicable requirements before full-scale deployment

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

FAWE Mastercard Foundation Bursary

Call For Applications: FAWE Mastercard Foundation Bursary Programme 2026/2027 (Fully Funded )

Applications are now open for the FAWE Mastercard Foundation Bursary Programme 2026/2027, offering fully funded bursaries to young people in Ghana who face financial and other barriers to accessing tertiary education. The programme is implemented by the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Ghana Chapter under the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase II Programme. The bursary supports students pursuing STEM-related programmes at selected partner Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Ghana. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must: Advertisement Have completed WASSCE or Certificate II . Qualify for tertiary education. Demonstrate financial need. Be between 15 and 25 years old at the time of application. Be from any of Ghana’s 16 regions . Have already gained admission into one of FAWE Ghana’s partner institutions. Demonstrate commitment to giving back to their communities through service and development. Information provided during the application, including household and living conditions, may be verified. Partner Institutions Applicants must have admission into one of the following institutions: Accra Technical University Bolgatanga Technical

Eligibility: Eligibility Requirements Applicants must: Advertisement Have completed WASSCE or Certificate II

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

African Youth Water and Climate Engagement

Call For Applications: African Youth Water and Climate Engagement Initiative (AYWCEI) 2026

Applications are open for the African Youth Water and Climate Engagement Initiative (AYWCEI) , an opportunity designed to support youth-led and youth-focused organisations working on water, climate, environmental sustainability, and related development challenges across Africa. The initiative aims to strengthen youth participation in water and climate action by creating opportunities for young organisations to contribute to solutions, advocacy, community engagement, and resilience-building. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is targeted at: Youth-led organisations Youth-focused organisations Civil society organisations working with young people Organisations addressing water and climate challenges Youth groups involved in environmental sustainability and climate action. Applicants should review the official application form for the full eligibility requirements. Areas of Focus The initiative is particularly relevant to organisations working on issues such as: Water security and management Climate change and adaptation Environmental sustainability Climate resilience Water, sanitation and hygiene Youth participation in climate policy Community-based climate action Sustainable development

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

Swiss Re Foundation Shine 2027

Call For Applications: Swiss Re Foundation Shine 2027 Programme for Early-Stage Urban Climate Innovation

Applications are open for Shine 2027 , a Swiss Re Foundation programme supporting early-stage climate ventures developing solutions for urban climate action . The programme is looking for innovations that can help cities reduce emissions, adapt to climate change, improve resilience and create more inclusive urban environments. The 2027 edition is being delivered across eight locations, including Cape Town, South Africa . What the Programme Offers Selected entrepreneurs can receive: Grant funding to support validation and growth Access to Swiss Re expertise in risk, strategy and business development Leadership and executive coaching Support to develop scalable climate business models Connections to climate innovation networks and ecosystem partners Potential for additional investment by the Swiss Re Foundation after evidence of scale. The grant amount varies by location. For example, the Cape Town chapter offers ZAR 400,000 , while other chapters offer grants ranging from INR 200,000 to USD 40,000, depending on location. Who Can Apply? Shine is designed for early-stage social enterprises and climate ventures with an innovative, market-based solution addressing a specific climate cha

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

grants ranging from INR 200,000 to USD 40,000, depending on location

World Bank GovTech AI

Call for Applications: World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026 (Fully Funded Training)

Applications are now open for the 2026 World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp for Governance and Public Administration , a global capacity-building opportunity designed to help government institutions use artificial intelligence to improve public services and strengthen public administration. The programme is organized by the World Bank, in collaboration with the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) and the National Information Society Agency (NIA). The bootcamp is targeted at government institutions in low- and middle-income countries that are developing, piloting, or deploying AI-enabled solutions for public-sector challenges. Who Can Apply? The call is open to government institutions working on AI initiatives related to: Public financial management Civil service and human resource management Citizen services Civic technology and citizen engagement Public procurement Anti-corruption Transparency Public administration Other public-sector applications of AI Each application must nominate a two-person team consisting of: A policy leader with decision-making authority. A technical practitioner directly involved in implementing the AI initiative. Applicants should be

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

October 16, 2026

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

grant agreement to support… 15 Social Media Management Tools That Will Make Life… #IWD2023: Celebrating Outstanding Women in Micro…

Union Bank Management

Call For Applications: Union Bank Management Program & Tech Boot camp 2026

Union Bank of Nigeria is inviting applications for its Management Trainee Programme and Tech Bootcamp , designed to equip young Nigerian graduates with the skills and experience needed to build successful careers in banking and technology. The program offers different career pathways, including Sales Academy, Tech Bootcamp and General Management Trainee, providing participants with opportunities for structured learning, professional development and practical workplace experience. Who Can Apply? The programme is targeted at young Nigerian graduates who want to develop their careers in the banking and technology sectors. For the Tech Bootcamp pathway, applicants are expected to have a qualification in a computer-related discipline or an IT certification. Previous editions of the programme have also required a minimum of a BSc with at least Second Class Lower or an HND with at least Lower Credit, alongside an NYSC discharge certificate or exemption letter. Programme Benefits Successful trainees can gain: Advertisement Professional and technical training Practical, on-the-job experience Leadership development Opportunities for career growth within the organisation Exposure to different

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

McKinsey.org Forward

Call For Applications: McKinsey.org Forward Program 2026 | Free 10-Week Career Skills Programme for Africans

Applications are open for the McKinsey.org Forward Programme , a free online learning programme designed to help early-career professionals, job seekers, career starters, and people preparing to enter the workforce develop practical skills for the future of work. For applicants in Africa, the programme is available to people living anywhere on the African continent who meet the eligibility requirements. Programme Benefits Participants will receive: Free 10-week online training Practical workplace and career skills Digital and AI skills Problem-solving and structured-thinking training Communication and relationship-building skills Adaptability and emotional-awareness skills Virtual learning events, assignments, and reflection exercises A McKinsey.org Forward digital badge after completing the required level Access to a global network of Forward learners. The programme requires approximately two hours per week for 10 weeks , making it suitable for people balancing training with work, school, or other commitments. Who Can Apply? For the Africa programme, applicants must: Currently reside on the African continent Be working, have previous work experience such as an internship or appren

Eligibility: eligibility requirements

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

Wema Bank Hackaholics 2026

Call For Applications: Wema Bank Hackaholics 2026 |Up to ₦200m Prizes Funding, Mentorship and Business Support for African Innovators

Applications are open for Wema Bank Hackaholics 2026 , the bank’s flagship open-innovation programme supporting startups, innovators, developers, designers, creatives and problem-solvers across Africa . This year’s edition, themed “Powering Possibilities,” provides different pathways for participants at different stages—from people developing an idea to founders with existing products and organisations tackling social challenges. What Participants Can Gain Hackaholics provides selected participants with opportunities for: Funding and growth support Expert mentorship Business development support Strategic partnerships Market access Visibility within the innovation ecosystem Community and networking opportunities Participation in an accelerator programme for selected participants. The programme is free to apply and participate in , with no registration fees or hidden participation costs. Who Can Apply? Everyone is welcome to apply , including: Young entrepreneurs Startup founders Developers Designers Product thinkers Technology enthusiasts Students Professionals Creatives Social innovators. You do not need to be a programmer or have a Computer Science degree to participate. ( Hackaho

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

How To Apply for NACCIMA’s $150 Million

How To Apply for NACCIMA’s $150 Million Fund For Nigerian Businesses

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has opened applications for a $150 million offshore financing facility aimed at supporting eligible Nigerian businesses with long-term funding for expansion and growth. The facility, launched in partnership with German banking group ODDO BHF SE, provides loans starting from $10 million at single-digit interest rates, with repayment periods of at least 7.5 years . The financing is available to businesses operating in sectors including manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, energy, oil and gas, ICT and technology, logistics, infrastructure, mining, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, tourism, consumer products, financial services, entertainment, retail and trade. How to Apply Advertisement Interested businesses are required to create an account on the NACCIMA application portal and complete the registration process by providing the following details: 1. Company Details Registered company name CAC registration number Date of incorporation Tax Identification Number (TIN) Registered address Operational address Contact details 2. CEO/Managing Director Information Name of CEO

Eligibility: eligible Nigerian businesses with long-term funding for expansion and growth

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

Fembol Student Innovation

Call For Applications: Fembol Student Innovation Grant (SIG) 2.0 (Up to ₦10M in Funding)

The Fembol Student Innovation Grant (SIG) is an annual student innovation competition and funding program by Fembol Group, designed to identify, support, and fund innovative student-led solutions across Nigeria. SIG 2.0 is built for undergraduate students and student teams who want to solve real problems in their communities and build sustainable, youth-led businesses. Whether you’re at the idea stage or already running an early solution, this student entrepreneurship grant gives you the funding, training, and mentorship to take your innovation further. WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE Grant Funding Cash Prizes up to ₦2.5 Million Winner: ₦2,500,000 First Runner-Up: ₦1,500,000 Second Runner-Up: ₦1,000,000 Consolation Prizes (7 Finalists): ₦1,400,000 shared Free Training & Mentorship All semi-finalists get access to a 2-day virtual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp covering business planning, marketing, fundraising, legal frameworks, and leadership — plus a dedicated mentor for one-on-one guidance ahead of the final pitch. Business Growth Support The top three winners receive free legal/CAC registration, business setup support, and advisory services for up to three months after the event

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Grant Funding Cash Prizes up to ₦2.5 Million Winner: ₦2,500,000 First Runner-Up: ₦1,500,000 Second Runner-Up: ₦1,000

Interledger Local Impact Mini-Grant 2026

Call For Applications: Interledger Local Impact Mini-Grant 2026 (Up to $3,000)

Applications are open for the Interledger Local Impact Mini-Grant 2026, an opportunity supporting community-led projects that promote open payments, digital financial access, financial inclusion, and digital financial infrastructure. The programme provides flexible funding to individuals and community organisations working on practical initiatives that help their communities understand, explore, and benefit from more inclusive digital financial systems. Grant Benefits Selected applicants can receive: $500 to $3,000 in grant funding Flexible funding for eligible project activities Access to Interledger resources and the broader open payments community Opportunities to connect with practitioners working on digital financial access globally. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to individuals and organisations worldwide, including: Individual community leaders Civil society organisations Cooperatives Community and innovation hubs Hackerspaces and open-source communities Incubators and accelerators Startup communities Fintech and financial-access communities Social enterprises and mission-aligned businesses Research and policy groups. Projects serving communities in the Global South, r

Eligibility: eligible project activities Access to Interledger resources and the broader open payments community Opportunities to connect with practitioners working on digital financial access globally

Timeline

November 11, 2026

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Grant 2026, an opportunity supporting community-led projects that promote open payments, di