August 2025 has arrived with a surge of opportunity for Africa’s boldest visionaries — from ambitious entrepreneurs and tech innovators to grassroots activists, journalists, and educators. In an environment where access to resources, mentorship, and capital can be a game-changer, a wave of new initiatives is offering vital support to those working to transform their communities and catalyse systemic change.
This month’s roundup features a diverse selection of high-impact opportunities — each with fast-approaching deadlines — tailored to amplify the work of changemakers who are tackling climate resilience, digital innovation, healthcare, media sustainability, gender equity, and refugee-led progress.
Explore this comprehensive guide to discover programs offering not just funding — with grants reaching up to $66,000 — but also critical mentorship, technical support, and global exposure. These are not just calls for applications; they are calls to action for African innovators ready to rise, lead, and leave your mark on the world.
In-Country YouthADAPT Challenge 2025 [Deadline: August 4]
The In-Country YouthADAPT Solutions Challenge is designed to identify, support, and accelerate promising youth-led climate adaptation solutions in Africa. It offers funding, mentorship, and technical resources to help scale innovations, particularly in food security and infrastructure.
Eligibility:
-
Entrepreneurs aged 18–35
-
Legally registered businesses operating in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, or Nigeria
-
Minimum of two years of revenue-generating operations
-
Solutions must focus on climate adaptation in food security or infrastructure
Program Benefits
-
Grants of up to $30,000 based on business growth plans
-
Personalized mentorship from climate and business experts
-
Access to investor networks and strategic partners
-
Tailored technical assistance
-
Opportunities for global exposure and potential investment
Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF) [Deadline: August 4]
The Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF) is a $4 million investment initiative managed by Village Capital. It aims to unlock early-stage capital for high-potential startups in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania through a locally-led model.
Eligibility
-
Locally led ventures that have raised less than USD 2 million
-
Startups with healthy unit economics and a clear path to sustainability
-
Post-MVP stage with existing revenue
-
Currently raising between USD 75,000 and USD 500,000
-
Solutions addressing economic mobility or climate resilience
-
Demonstrated innovation in business model, process, or product
Program Benefits
-
Access to catalytic early-stage funding
-
Tailored investment evaluations with local Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs)
-
Inclusion in Village Capital’s global support network
Reckitt Catalyst Call for Health & WASH Innovators [Deadline: August 10]
Reckitt’s Catalyst Call supports up to 20 growth-stage social enterprises addressing challenges in healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Eligible ventures must be legally registered and operate in target countries including Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.
Eligibility
-
For-profit organizations based in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico, or Brazil
-
Proven solutions improving access to healthcare and/or WASH services
Program Benefits
-
Up to $30,000 in flexible funding per entrepreneur
-
Six-month accelerator featuring expert mentorship and skills development
-
Visibility through public procurement pathways
-
Connection to global networks of innovators and impact investors
Generation Google Scholarship – For Women in Computer Science [Deadline: August 14]
The Generation Google Scholarship supports women pursuing degrees in computer science or related technical fields across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Program Benefits
-
€7,000 (or local equivalent) for the 2025–2026 academic year
-
Funding support for tuition, books, and academic expenses
African Union (AU) Media Fellowship Programme [Deadline: August 14]
The African Union empowers African journalists, podcasters, and digital storytellers who are shaping narratives about Africa’s development.
Program Benefits:
- Mentorship from seasoned African media experts with 15+ years of experience
- Tailored training and collaborative projects focused on digital innovation and developmental journalism
- Deep exposure to the AU’s Agenda 2063 and its institutions
- Networking opportunities with other leading African media voices
Eligibility:
- Citizens of AU member states, aged 25+, with 6+ years’ experience in journalism, podcasting, blogging, or digital content creation
- Proven track record of impactful storytelling
- Proficiency in at least one AU official language (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Kiswahili)
MTN Cloud Accelerator 2025 [Deadline: August 15]
The MTN Cloud Accelerator is a 12-week accelerator designed to help African startups scale using MTN’s digital ecosystem. Ideal for ventures transforming healthcare, agriculture, fintech, education, and more.
Eligibility
-
Growth-stage startups with MVP or live products
-
Clear market traction and understanding of target users
-
Serving rural or underserved African communities
-
Strong, committed founding teams
Program Benefits
-
Up to $66,000 in grant funding
-
Access to MTN’s APIs, cloud credits, and technical advisory
-
Sales and go-to-market support
-
Mentorship from seasoned professionals
African Union CIEFFA Online Capacity Building Training [Deadline: August 16]
The African Union’s International Center for Girls and Women’s Education in Africa (CIEFFA), in partnership with ImpactHER, has launched an online capacity building training that targets women and men from the 55 African Union Member States and the Diaspora interested in developing skills in gender equality through education, STEAM, digital literacy, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
Eligibility:
-
African citizens (women or men), residing in Africa or the Diaspora.
-
Motivated to learn digital, entrepreneurial, and financial skills.
-
Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to advancing girls’ and women’s education.
-
Have reliable internet access and a compatible device (laptop, computer, smartphone, or tablet).
-
Proficient in at least one training language: English, French, or Portuguese.
Refugee-led Innovation Fund [Deadline: August 22]
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Refugee-led Innovation Fund is now open for 2025. If your team is working on grassroots solutions that directly address the challenges faced by displaced populations, this fund is designed for you.
Program Benefits:
- Up to $45,000 USD in flexible funding to launch or scale your innovation
- Project and organizational support from UNHCR experts
- Tailored technical assistance to help your idea succeed
- Global visibility and peer learning with other refugee-led innovators
- Capacity development and continuous feedback
Eligibility: Organizations that are refugee-led or composed of stateless individuals, returnees, or internally displaced persons, and are recognized within their communities for their leadership and impact.
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2025 [Deadline: August 22]
The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships is a prestigious program that enables mid-career professionals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to undertake a period of professional development with a host organization in the United Kingdom.
Eligibility: Applicants must be mid-career professionals with a minimum of five years of relevant work experience. Candidates must currently be employed in an organization based in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country.
Program Benefits:
-
Fully-funded return economy-class flights from the fellow’s home country to the United Kingdom
-
Reimbursement of the standard UK visa application fee
-
Monthly Living Allowance: £2,104 per month, or £2,612 for placements in the London metropolitan area (2024/25 rates)
-
Arrival Support: Up to £1,183.20, including support for warm clothing
-
Professional Development Allowance: Up to £2,000 per fellow to cover short courses, conferences, or visits to other UK organizations, as part of the approved programme.
International Press Institute Local News Accelerator Program 2025 [Deadline: August 24]
Are you a local media publisher wondering how to better monetize your content, adapt to evolving audience habits, or stay ahead in a rapidly shifting tech landscape? The 2025 International Press Institute Local News Accelerator may be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.
This four-month programme, now in its third edition, is designed to strengthen the financial and editorial sustainability of local media organizations. Through tailored advisory services, expert guidance, and peer support, participants will develop practical strategies to grow their audience, diversify revenue, and adapt their journalism for the future.
To be considered, your organization must:
-
Be a legally registered media organization from any country worldwide.
-
Demonstrate a strong commitment to serving local audiences, with content tailored to community-specific needs.
-
Uphold quality journalism, ethical practices, and press freedom.
-
Have at least two team members willing to commit to the programme’s activities (minimum four hours per week combined).
-
Present a solid business case and show understanding of your audience through data or market research.
-
Be open to experimenting with new tools and technologies for storytelling and audience engagement.
-
Articulate a clear vision for growth and sustainability.
-
Submit a project proposal that outlines a specific challenge and a proposed solution (expected to evolve during the programme).
