February is packed with opportunities designed for visionary Africans ready to shape their communities and industries. This carefully curated list features fellowships, grants, competitions, and leadership programmes. The opportunities are intended to support bold ideas, strengthen ventures, and scale solutions across sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, creative industries, and social impact.
Beyond funding, these opportunities offer mentorship prospects, international networks, and platforms that amplify influence and accelerate long-term growth. For those building meaningful change across Africa, February is a month to apply with intention.
Johns Hopkins University Healthcare Design Competition 2026 [Deadline: February 1]
Applications are open for the 2026 Johns Hopkins University Healthcare Design Competition, a global, student-led initiative celebrating innovative healthcare solutions.
Who Can Apply:
- Student-led teams of full-time undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, or professional students
- Projects focused on healthcare applications
- Projects started after January 1, 2024
- Teams of more than one full-time student
Competition Tracks:
- Designs of Solutions for Advanced Health Systems
- Global Health and Humanitarian Design
- Healthcare Apps and Digital Health
Awards Per Track:
- 1st Prize: USD 5,000
- 2nd Prize: USD 3,000
- 3rd Prize: USD 1,000
African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) Programme – Cohort 9 [Deadline: February 1]
The AWEC Programme 2026 empowers African female business owners to transform their enterprises through practical learning, mentorship, and a pan-African community of peers and leaders. Over the course of the fellowship, participants gain the knowledge, networks, and tools needed to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and scale their ventures sustainably.
Who Should Apply:
- Female founders of businesses operating for at least two years with a minimum of two employees (full-time or part-time)
- Citizens of any African country, including the diaspora, with businesses impacting Africa through products, services, or customer base
- Comfortable with remote teamwork and digital collaboration tools
- Proficient in written and spoken English
- Able to regularly access the internet via computer or tablet
Research Grant Opportunity: STEG Larger Research Grants – Sixth Call [Deadline: February 2]
The Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) programme invites applications for its Sixth Call for Larger Research Grants, supporting ambitious studies on structural transformation and economic growth in low-income countries.
Eligibility:
- Research must focus primarily on low-income countries
- Studies on middle-income countries considered if relevant
- Both broad and narrow research questions welcome
- Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methodologies accepted
EdTech Ventures in Uganda: Hive Colab Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship [Deadline: February 5]
EdTech ventures in Uganda are invited to apply for the 2026 Hive Colab Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship.
The fellowship, implemented by HIVE COLAB in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, provides equity-free funding, expert mentorship, and structured support to help promising EdTech ventures strengthen their impact, sustainability, and investment readiness.
Benefits:
- Equity-free catalytic funding of up to USD $70,000
- A structured growth-focused fellowship curriculum
- One-on-one mentorship from EdTech and scaling experts
- Learning science and impact measurement support
- Investor readiness and strategic advisory
- Access to partnerships and ecosystem opportunities
Mid-Career Leaders: Elevate Africa Fellowship 2026 – Cohort II [Deadline: February 8]
The Elevate Africa Fellowship is now accepting applications for its 2026 Cohort II. This 10-month hybrid leadership programme brings together professionals with 10–15 years of experience for mentorship, learning, and Pan-African collaboration.
Program Benefits:
- Mentorship from African leaders
- Pan-African professional network access
- Leadership-focused learning experiences
Who Can Apply:
- Minimum 10 years of impactful work experience
- Proven leadership and commitment to Africa’s development
- Full programme availability
CivicHive Civic Tech Fellowship (West Africa) [Deadline: February 11]
The CivicHive Civic Tech Fellowship is a 20-week bootcamp and implementation programme for early-stage civic innovators across West Africa. Designed to incubate tech-enabled solutions that tackle social challenges, the fellowship welcomes ideas at any stage—from hyperlocal initiatives to regional platforms.
Selected fellows will receive:
- Technical, product, and legal support
- Mentorship from experienced civic tech leaders
- Access to a regional civic tech network
- Monthly stipend throughout the fellowship
- Support to prepare solutions for launch and early scaling
- Paid trip to attend the 2026 West Africa Civic Tech Conference
Applicants must:
- Be citizens or residents of any West African country
- Be individuals or teams with a civic tech idea operational for 1–3 years
- Align their solution with one or more thematic areas
Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition [Deadline: February 11]
The Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition (EBPC) is currently accepting applications from EdTech innovators advancing teaching and learning globally. Each year, finalists receive tailored venture development support, mentorship from strategic advisors, and opportunities to connect with investors and potential customers.
Who Should Apply:
- Education ventures with innovative solutions advancing teaching and learning
- Entrepreneurs with scalable EdTech ideas that create measurable impact
- Teams ready to engage in mentorship, venture development, and networking opportunities
UN Global Pulse Accelerator Programme – Cohort 4 [Deadline: February 11]
The UN Global Pulse Accelerator is the United Nations‘ programme to support the scaling of promising, innovative solutions, ensuring that exceptional UN-led pilots maximize their impact for the people we serve.
Benefits:
- Grant funding for selected teams
- Tailored mentoring to implement scaling strategies
- Support in developing sustainable, realistic, and impactful scaling strategies
- Workshop participation in Finland
Eligibility Criteria:
- UN-led teams with piloted innovative solutions
- Evidence of positive outcomes from at least one pilot
- Solutions ready to scale
- Collaborative projects between UN agencies and/or external partners welcome
- Established partnerships with private sector, government bodies, and/or stakeholders (prioritized)
AU-EU Youth Lab Cooperation Grants [Deadline: February 12]
The AU-EU Youth Lab Cooperation Grants support youth-led organizations engaging in policy-making and cross-continental collaboration between Africa and Europe.
Grant Details:
💰 Grants of €50,000 available for consortia.
Eligibility:
- Formal youth-led organisation.
- Located in EU member states or 12 selected African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe)
- At least one partner with prior collaboration experience
How to apply:
- Read the funding manual.
- Prepare your project with at least one partner organisation from the other continent.
- Submit your joint application here.
Innovative Entrepreneurs Program 2026 – Eisenhower Fellowships [Deadline: February 14]
Eisenhower Fellowships is now accepting applications for the 2026 Innovative Entrepreneurs Program, a prestigious global fellowship designed for accomplished entrepreneurs driving positive social impact through for-profit enterprises.
Highlights:
- Six-week U.S. engagement (Oct–Nov 2026)
- Access to EF’s global network of 2,500+ Fellows
- Collaborative projects with industry leaders
Who Should Apply:
- International entrepreneurs with social impact ventures
- Proven leadership track record
- Strong potential for global collaboration
- English proficiency
HIV Prevention Advocates & Digital Creators: AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship [Deadline: February 15]
The International AIDS Society is seeking passionate individuals for the AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship.
Benefits:
- Fully funded trip to AIDS 2026 (Rio de Janeiro, July 25–30)
- Up to USD $1,000 project support
- Networking with researchers, policymakers & activists
- Amplify your work via “Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.” campaign
- Professional development
Who Can Apply:
- HIV prevention advocates (PrEP/PEP, U=U, harm reduction)
- Digital creators with 5K+ followers or proven reach
- Evidence-based, non-stigmatizing communication
- English proficiency
Emerging Young Leaders: The NewNow Programme – One Young World [Deadline: February 16]
The NewNow programme, supported by Virgin Unite, is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort of emerging young leaders committed to systems change and collective action.
Eligibility:
- Aged 18–30
- Nationals of Global South countries
- Leadership through impactful initiatives
- Demonstrated systems-thinking in tackling complex challenges
- Collaborative mindset
Program Benefits:
- Scholarship place at One Young World Summit 2026 + lifelong ambassador community
- Media features on One Young World & Virgin Unite channels
- Speaking opportunities to amplify work
- Access to One Young World Global Leadership Programme & Action Accelerator
- Membership in The NewNow Community
- Collaborative projects with fellow leaders
Civil Society Organizations: UNESCO-Aschberg Programme – Fuelling Creative Futures [Deadline: February 23]
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals – Fuelling Creative Futures. The programme supports civil society initiatives protecting artists’ status and artistic freedom.
Eligible Projects:
- Capacity building initiatives
- Advocacy campaigns
- Monitoring & research projects
- Artist rights protection programs
- Artistic freedom promotion activities
💰 Financial support available for innovative projects
Aspiring Filmmakers: MultiChoice Talent Factory 2026 [Deadline: February 27]
The MultiChoice Group Talent Factory (MTF) is now accepting applications for its 2026 intake, offering a fully funded, 12-month professional filmmaking programme designed to develop Africa’s next generation of film and television storytellers.
Programme benefits include:
- Fully funded professional training
- Monthly stipend
- Hands-on experience producing film and television content
- Direct industry exposure and mentorship
Eligibility:
-  Aspiring filmmakers aged 18–35 years
- Strong interest in storytelling and film production
Amahoro Coalition Fellowship 2026 [Deadline: February 28]
The Amahoro Coalition Fellowship seeks exceptional individuals with lived experience as Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDPs) to develop skills, access networks, and create meaningful social and economic impact.
Format: Primarily virtual, with opportunities for in-person networking
Who Can Apply:
- Ages 18–35 with lived experience as an FDP
- Lead or own a business or social impact initiative, or actively use your platform for positive change
- Demonstrated 1–2 years of progress in entrepreneurship, innovation, or social impact
- Committed to refugee economic inclusion through entrepreneurship, advocacy, or community-led social change
- Proficient in English and basic digital tools
Program Benefits:
- Mentorship and professional coaching
- Expanded networks and industry connections
- Leadership and thought leadership development
- Access to funding opportunities
- Technical assistance and business development support
