Opportunities worth your time

Women in Business

Call for Applications: Women in Business Competition 2026 (Up To ₦3 Million Grants)

Applications are now open for the Women in Business Competition 2026, an initiative designed to empower women-led businesses with funding, mentorship, training, and growth opportunities. The programme offers participants the chance to win a share of ₦3 million while gaining access to expert-led business support, networking opportunities, and practical resources to help scale their businesses. Who Can Apply? The competition is open to: Women-led businesses Female entrepreneurs seeking to grow and scale their businesses Business owners ready to take advantage of mentorship, training, and funding opportunities Competition Benefits Selected participants will receive: A share of ₦3 million in business grant funding Expert mentorship from experienced business leaders Business training and capacity-building sessions High-value networking opportunities Access to business growth and expansion opportunities Why Apply? The Women in Business Competition goes beyond financial support by equipping participants with the knowledge, connections, and resources needed to build sustainable and successful businesses. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to strengthen their business skills, expand th

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

funding opportunities Competition Benefits Selected participants will receive: A share of ₦3 million in business grant funding Expert mentorship from experienced business l

Federal Government Free Microsoft AI Skills for Women 2026 in Nigeria

Call For Applications: Federal Government Free Microsoft AI Skills for Women 2026 in Nigeria

Applications are open for the AI Skills for Women Programme 2026 , a free artificial intelligence training initiative designed to equip Nigerian women with practical AI skills and prepare them for opportunities in the digital economy. The programme is being offered through a partnership involving the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs , Microsoft , and Founderz , with the goal of increasing women’s participation in artificial intelligence and emerging technology. Programme Benefits Selected participants will receive: Free AI skills training Access to online learning resources Mentorship and guidance Certification upon successful completion of the programme Opportunities to develop practical artificial intelligence skills Potential opportunities to qualify for AI scholarships and further learning support. Who Can Apply? The programme is designed for women in Nigeria who are interested in learning about artificial intelligence and developing digital skills. It may be suitable for: Students Young professionals Entrepreneurs Women seeking to transition into technology Professionals looking to understand and apply AI in their work Beginners with little or no previous experience in artifi

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship

Call For Applications: ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP) for Young Entrepreneurs

Applications are now open for the ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP) , a regional initiative aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs and women across West Africa through entrepreneurship training, business support, mentorship, and access to financing. The programme is a joint initiative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and AUDA-NEPAD , implemented by the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) . EYWEP seeks to foster innovation, strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems, and support the growth of sustainable businesses across ECOWAS member states. Programme Benefits Selected participants will receive: Entrepreneurship and business management training Capacity-building workshops Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and business experts Technical assistance to strengthen their businesses Access to business support services Opportunities to connect with investors and financing initiatives Networking with entrepreneurs across the ECOWAS region Exposure to regional best practices in entrepreneurship. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to: Young entrepreneurs Women entrepreneurs Youth-led startups Women-led SMEs Entrepreneurs

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

Shell Assessed

Call For Applications: Shell Assessed Internship Programme 2027 (Worldwide)

Applications are now open for the Shell Assessed Internship Programme 2027 , a global internship programme that gives university students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work on real business projects, and develop the skills needed for a successful career in the energy industry. The programme places interns in meaningful roles across technical, commercial, and corporate functions , where they receive structured mentoring, regular feedback, and the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. Outstanding interns may also be considered for a full-time role in the Shell Graduate Programme upon successful completion of the internship. ( Shell ) Programme Benefits Successful applicants will receive: A paid internship lasting 10–12 weeks (duration may vary by country) Hands-on experience working on real business projects One-on-one mentorship from experienced Shell professionals Regular coaching and performance feedback Professional development and networking opportunities Exposure to Shell’s global operations and energy transition initiatives Opportunity to be considered for the Shell Graduate Programme after successful completion of the internship. ( Shell ) Who Can Appl

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

Call for Proposals: UN Women SIARP 2.0 Grants 2026 for Civil Society Organizations Across Africa

Call for Proposals: UN Women SIARP 2.0 Grants 2026 for Civil Society Organizations Across Africa ( Up to $ 548,000 Grants )

Applications are now open for the UN Women Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0, inviting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across Africa to implement regional projects aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls, ending harmful practices, advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and strengthening women- and youth-led movements. The program supports collaborative, regional interventions that promote gender equality, protect the rights of women and girls, and strengthen civil society’s role in advancing sustainable development across the continent. Who Can Apply? Applications are open to: Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Women’s rights organizations Youth-led organizations Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Regional and national civil society networks Organizations applying individually or as part of a consortium or partnership Applicants may submit proposals covering one to three programme components, with multiple organizations expected to be selected to maximize regional impact. Program Objectives The initiative seeks to: Strengthen regional collaboration to end gender-based violence Support women- and youth-led advocacy an

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding Details Grant Amount: USD 110,000 – USD 548,000 Funding Type: Project Grant Project Duration: 27 months (October 2026 – December 2028) Focus Areas Projects should address one o

Milken-Motsepe

Call for Applications: Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy 2026 (Up To $2 Million in Prize)

Applications are now open for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy 2026, a global competition seeking scalable, technology-driven businesses that are advancing circular economy solutions across Africa. The prize supports companies developing innovative solutions that reduce waste, keep materials in use for longer, and create measurable environmental, social, and economic impact. A total of $2 million in prizes will be awarded, including a $1 million Grand Prize. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Have operated continuously for at least two years Have generated more than $500,000 in revenue and raised capital Have established institutional, corporate, or public-sector partnerships Be currently deploying their solution in Africa Demonstrate measurable social impact and job creation Show operational readiness to effectively deploy $1 million or more in funding Prize Structure Application & Semifinal Round Ten semifinalists will be selected. Each semifinalist will receive $50,000 . Pitch Round Semifinalists will pitch their solutions to industry leaders and judges. Five finalists will be selected. Each finalist will receive an additional $50,000 . Final Round Grand Prize: $1

Eligibility: Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Have operated continuously for at least two years Have generated more than $500,000 in revenue and raised capital Have established institutional, corporate, or public-sector partnerships Be currently deploying the

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Prize in Circular Economy 2026, a global competition seeking scalable, technology-driven businesses that are ad

World Sustainability Award 2027 – $100,000

Call For Applications: World Sustainability Award 2027 – $100,000 Prize for Groundbreaking Research and Transformative Contributions to Sustainability

Applications are now open for the World Sustainability Award (WSA) 2027 , a prestigious international award presented by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation to recognize researchers whose work has made groundbreaking contributions to sustainability science and practice. The award celebrates outstanding scholarly excellence and transformative impact across environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. The 2027 recipient will receive a USD 100,000 cash prize , which will be presented during the World Sustainability Forum 2027 . Award Benefits The winner will receive: USD 100,000 cash prize A customized World Sustainability Award trophy Global recognition for outstanding contributions to sustainability research Invitation to receive the award at the World Sustainability Forum 2027 Travel and accommodation support to attend the award ceremony International visibility through the MDPI Sustainability Foundation and its global network. ( MDPI Sustainability Foundation ) Who Can Be Nominated? The award is open to: Senior researchers with an outstanding international track record in sustainability research Individuals whose work has made significant academic or societal c

Timeline

November 30, 2026

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Award (WSA) 2027 , a prestigious international award presented by the MDPI Sustainability Founda

SME

Call for Applications: SME Grant Facility – PLACE Program ( Up To $15,000 in Funding)

The Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa Program (PLACE), through its Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Grant Facility, is now inviting applications from eligible SMEs in Kenya. This initiative is part of the European Union-funded Regional PLACE programme and is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The grant facility aims to support innovative and scalable enterprises that enhance climate resilience, promote sustainable livestock systems, and strengthen pastoral livelihoods. The grant facility aims to strengthen climate-resilient pastoral and agro-pastoral market systems by supporting SMEs that play a key role in livestock value chains. Through milestone-based matching grants combined with business development services, the facility will help enterprises expand their operations, improve productivity, strengthen market access, and increase value addition while contributing to more resilient livelihoods in pastoral areas. Advertisement Who should apply: Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Kenya with solutions that contribute to climate adaptation in the livestock and pastoralism sec

Eligibility: eligible SMEs in Kenya

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Grant amount Successful applicants may receive matching grants ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000

GLFx Chapters

Call for Applications: GLFx Chapters Program 2027 (Funding+Partnerships +Global Network for Community-Led Organizations)

Applications are now open for the GLFx Chapters Program 2027, an initiative of the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) that supports locally led organizations driving landscape restoration, conservation, and sustainable development across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The programme invites eligible organizations to establish a new GLFx chapter or join an existing one, providing access to funding, partnerships, learning opportunities, and a global network committed to building inclusive and sustainable landscapes. About the Programme GLFx is a global network of community-oriented organizations and grassroots initiatives working to restore landscapes, strengthen local livelihoods, protect biodiversity, promote climate resilience, and influence policy through collaborative action. Selected organizations become part of the GLFx network, where they receive support to expand their impact and connect with other landscape leaders worldwide. Advertisement Eligibility Criteria Applications are open to registered organizations such as: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Civil society organizations (CSOs) Research centres Social enterprises Groups accredited as local ent

Eligibility: eligible organizations to establish a new GLFx chapter or join an existing one, providing access to funding, partnerships, learning opportunities, and a global network committed to building inclusive and sustainable landscapes

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

UN FAO Global Youth Contest 2026

Call for Applications: UN FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 (Fully Funded Trip to Rome)

Applications are now open for the UN FAO Global Youth Contest 2026, an international competition inviting young people to share how learning through the FAO eLearning Academy has helped them develop new skills, advance their education or career, and create positive change in their communities. Participants are required to submit a short written story describing how the knowledge gained from FAO eLearning Academy courses has been applied in practice, supported by verified course completion and certified digital badges. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Be 18–35 years old Be from any country or region Be a registered learner on the FAO eLearning Academy Demonstrate how FAO learning has contributed to their academic, professional, or personal development Have completed FAO eLearning Academy courses and earned certified digital badges Benefits Successful winners will receive: A fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, to attend the World Food Forum (WFF) from 12–15 October 2026 Round-trip travel, accommodation, and participation costs covered A featured video interview on the FAO eLearning Academy website Global visibility through the YouTube FAO Education Hub and FAO social media platfor

Eligibility: Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Be 18–35 years old Be from any country or region Be a registered learner on the FAO eLearning Academy Demonstrate how FAO learning has contributed to their academic, professional, or personal development Have comp

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

up to 4,000 characters Apply Here: https://forms

World Health Organization (WHO) Paid

Call For Applications: World Health Organization (WHO) Paid Internship Programme 2026

Applications are now open for the World Health Organization (WHO) Paid Internship Programme 2026 , offering students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to global public health initiatives. The WHO Internship Programme provides participants with practical experience across a wide range of technical and administrative fields while working alongside international experts at WHO headquarters, regional offices, and country offices worldwide. Programme Benefits Successful applicants will receive: A monthly living allowance (amount varies by duty station) Medical and accident insurance coverage during the internship Hands-on experience working with WHO experts Exposure to global public health programmes and policies Opportunities to build professional networks within the international health sector Practical experience that strengthens future career prospects in global health. Who Can Apply? Applicants must: Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programme at a recognized institution, or have graduated within the past six months. Be at least 20 years old at the time of application. Have completed at least three years of

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

UNDP Africa Timbuktoo Pan-African Incubation

Call For Applications: UNDP Africa Timbuktoo Pan-African Incubation Programme 2026 for EdTech Startups

Applications are now open for the UNDP Africa Timbuktoo Pan-African Incubation Programme 2026 for EdTech Startups , an initiative designed to support African startups developing innovative digital solutions for education, training, and skills development. Delivered through the UNDP timbuktoo EdTech Hub in Dakar, Senegal, the programme aims to strengthen Africa’s educational technology ecosystem by helping startups scale impactful solutions that improve access to quality education across the continent. Selected startups will join the timbuktoo Pan-African Incubation Network , gaining access to leading incubators, mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners. Programme Benefits Selected startups will receive: Structured incubation delivered by leading African incubators Access to experienced mentors, entrepreneurs, and EdTech experts Participation in the timbuktoo Pan-African Incubation Network Access to the SIGMA digital platform for startup development Investment readiness support Opportunities to join acceleration programmes Exposure to early-stage investment opportunities Networking with founders, investors, and innovation partners across Africa. Who Can Apply? Applicants must: Be

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies