For African founders, researchers, students and creatives, August brings opportunities ranging from early-stage grants to programmes aimed at businesses already generating revenue.
The month’s selection includes a US$2 million circular economy prize, equity-free grants for African game studios, funding for student-led enterprises in Uganda, support for Nigerian tech startups and programmes helping African businesses enter regional markets.
Not every opportunity comes with a cheque. Some offer technical expertise, mentorship, investor access or the networks needed to take an idea or growing venture to its next stage.
Below is our curated selection of opportunities accepting applications in August 2026.
Africa-Europe Youth Academy (AEYA) Spaces for Youth — Grants for Youth Organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa [Deadline: August 7]
The Africa-Europe Youth Academy (AEYA) Spaces for Youth Call for Projects provides financial and technical support to youth organisations creating or strengthening Youth Spaces in their communities.
Implemented by The Youth Café, the initiative focuses on establishing and strengthening spaces where young people can develop as change agents and leaders of sustainable development.
What selected organisations receive:
- Financial support to create or strengthen Youth Spaces.
- Technical support throughout implementation.
- Participation in the broader AEYA pan-African and Africa-Europe network.
Eligibility: Youth organisations operating in any of the 11 eligible countries: Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Proposals may be submitted in English or French.
CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge 2026 — Accelerator for Circular Agrifood Solutions in Ghana [Deadline: August 8]
The CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge is seeking startups, SMEs, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators developing circular economy solutions for Ghana’s agrifood systems.
The initiative supports practical and scalable solutions that promote resource efficiency, reduce waste, strengthen sustainable food systems, and create green jobs.
What Selected Innovators Receive:
- Participation in a four-day innovation bootcamp in Accra in October 2026.
- Technical guidance from CGIAR scientists and sector experts.
- Business mentoring and investment readiness support.
- Pitch training and venture development coaching.
- Opportunity to join a three-month acceleration programme.
- Access to international partners, investors, and innovation networks.
Up to 15 teams will be selected for the acceleration programme.
Eligibility: Startups, SMEs, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators developing scalable circular economy solutions relevant to Ghana’s agrifood systems.
Applications are assessed based on innovation, sustainability, scalability, scientific relevance, and market readiness.
Supercell Developer Grants Program 2026 — Up to $200,000 in Equity-Free Grants for African Game Studios [Deadline: August 9]
The Supercell Developer Grants Program is offering equity-free funding to African game development studios building original games and sustainable businesses.
The programme provides grants ranging from US$20,000 to US$200,000, with funding intended to help studios reach their next stage of development and growth.
Unlike equity investment, the grants do not require studios to give up ownership or intellectual property rights.
What Selected Studios Receive:
- Equity-free grants of US$20,000–200,000.
- Financial support for game development and studio growth.
- Support aimed at strengthening sustainable African game studios.
Eligibility:
- Legally registered game development studio.
- Primary operations and majority of the team based in Africa.
- Willingness to complete additional due diligence if shortlisted.
Applications are open to studios developing mobile, PC, console, and other types of games across different genres and business models.
Cleantech Innovation Competition 2026 — Competition for Kenyan University Students Developing Climate Solutions [Deadline: August 10]
University students in Kenya with innovative ideas addressing environmental challenges can apply for the Cleantech Innovation Competition 2026.
The competition is a joint initiative of the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), the Embassy of Switzerland in Kenya, SICPA, and Strathmore University.
It supports early-stage cleantech ideas with potential to address environmental challenges while developing viable and sustainable businesses.
What Participants Receive:
- Business development and accelerator support.
- Capacity building and skills training.
- Mentorship from industry experts.
- Access to investors and financing opportunities.
- Networking with ecosystem partners and fellow innovators.
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
- Be a university student in Kenya.
- Have an innovation at the ideation stage.
- Demonstrate how the idea addresses an environmental or climate-related challenge.
Applications will be assessed on scalability, climate impact, job creation, progress to date, and innovation.
African Union Innovation Festival 2026 — Call for Session Proposals [Deadline: August 11]
The African Union Innovation Festival (AU InnoFest’26) is inviting young innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, and organisations to submit proposals for sessions at its 2026 festival.
The festival will take place on September 29–30, 2026, at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme “Vibrant Youth Ecosystems for AI and Digital Sovereignty.”
Session Formats Include:
- Panel discussions
- Fireside chats
- Lightning talks
- Interactive workshops
- Masterclasses
- Startup pitch sessions
- Innovation showcases
- Design sprints
- Birds of a Feather discussions
Focus Areas:
- Digital Public Infrastructure
- AI innovation and entrepreneurship
- Digital infrastructure and trust
- Data governance and responsible AI
- Youth skills and future jobs
- Gender and inclusive innovation
- Research, indigenous knowledge and emerging technologies
- Youth leadership
- Innovation showcases and recognition
- Youth participation
- Digital rights and the future African Youth Charter
Eligibility: The call is open to individuals and organisations with relevant expertise and ideas aligned with the festival’s theme and session tracks.
Applicants should be prepared to provide the names, job titles, and email addresses of proposed speakers, moderators, or panelists.
Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy 2026 — $2 Million in Total Prizes for African Circular Economy Companies [Deadline: August 13]
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy is calling on scalable, technology-enabled companies operating in Africa to compete for US$2 million in total prizes, including a US$1 million Grand Prize.
The competition seeks commercially viable businesses reducing waste, keeping materials in circulation, and delivering measurable environmental and social impact through stronger value chains.
Prize Structure:
Round 1: Ten semifinalist teams will each receive US$50,000.
Round 2: Five finalist teams will each receive an additional US$50,000 after pitching to industry leaders and judges.
Round 3: The winner receives US$1 million, while the runner-up receives US$250,000.
Focus Areas:
- Agriculture and food systems
- Plastics and packaging
- Electronics
- Textiles
- Construction and the built environment
Eligibility:
Applicants should be companies with:
- More than two years of continuous operation.
- More than US$500,000 in revenue and raised capital.
- Institutional, corporate, or public-sector partnerships.
- Solutions already deployed on the African continent.
- Evidence of social impact and job creation.
- Operational readiness to deploy US$1 million or more in funding.
New Africa Fundraising Incubator 2026 — Fundraising Training and Up to $5,000 in Matching Funds [Deadline: August 14]
African NGOs, community-based organisations, and social enterprises can apply for the Africa Fundraising Incubator (AFI) 2026, a capacity-building programme designed to help organisations strengthen fundraising and build sustainable funding pipelines.
Formerly known as the Africa Impact Fundraising Grant, the programme is delivered by the New Africa Fund.
Programme Structure:
- Online Fundraising Training: Up to 150 organisations receive specialised training in small-donor fundraising.
- 30-Day Fundraising Challenge: Participants launch live fundraising campaigns and may receive up to US$5,000 in matching funds.
- Fiscal Sponsorship: Participating organisations receive 12 months of free fiscal sponsorship.
- In-Person Boot Camp: The 20 top-performing organisations will be invited to an all-expenses-paid week-long boot camp in Kigali, Rwanda.
Eligibility:
- Non-governmental organisations.
- Community-based organisations.
- Social enterprises.
Applications may be submitted in English or French.
YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator 2026 — Intra-African Market Expansion for Youth-Led Businesses [Deadline: August 16]
The YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator is supporting established youth-led enterprises in selected African countries to prepare for regional expansion and intra-African trade.
Developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the African Union, the programme focuses on helping businesses overcome barriers related to customs, regulatory compliance, non-tariff barriers, and access to finance.
What Selected Enterprises Receive:
- Export-readiness and business diagnostics.
- Individualised business advisory services.
- Export-readiness accreditation.
- Access to Policy Sandboxes to navigate non-tariff barriers.
- Participation in the Continental Bootcamp at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit.
- Exposure to continental business networks and financing opportunities.
Eligibility:
- Entrepreneurs under 35.
- Businesses based and operating in Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, Gambia, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
- Established businesses with plans to expand into regional markets.
- Enterprises prepared to invest in their own growth.
iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2026 — Share of EUR 100,000 for Projects Advancing the SDGs [Deadline: August 19]
The iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE supports established projects that contribute to one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Organised by iF Design, the prize provides financial support and international exposure to projects using design to address social, environmental, and economic challenges.
What Selected Projects Receive:
- A share of EUR 100,000 in prize funding.
- Publication on the iF Design website.
- Exposure to the global design community and media.
- An official iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE Winner Certificate.
Eligibility:
Applications are open to:
- Companies
- Design studios
- NGOs
- Foundations
- Public institutions
- Social enterprises
- Entrepreneurs
- Other organisations delivering social impact
Projects must already be established, contribute to at least one SDG, and demonstrate a clear design component.
iDICE Startup Bridge Growth Lab 2026 — Up to $100,000 Investment for Nigerian Tech Startups [Deadline: August 19]
The iDICE Startup Bridge Growth Lab is a 12-week accelerator for founders who have built an MVP, demonstrated traction, and are ready to scale.
The programme combines structured learning, mentorship, hands-on support, investor preparation, and equity-based investment.
Only 12 startups will be selected.
What Selected Startups Receive:
- Equity investment of up to US$100,000.
- Opportunity to access up to US$250,000 in additional growth capital for outstanding performers.
- A 12-week growth-focused accelerator.
- Mentorship from experienced founders, operators, and investors.
- Investor readiness and pitch preparation.
- Fully funded in-person programming in Lagos.
- Access to the iDICE Startup Bridge ecosystem.
The programme covers flights, accommodation, and meals for required in-person sessions.
Eligibility:
- Founder or co-founder of a digital or tech-enabled startup.
- Aged 18–35.
- Product at the post-MVP stage.
- Evidence of market validation through users, revenue, pilots, partnerships, or other traction.
- Operating in Nigeria or targeting the Nigerian market.
- Able to commit to the full 12-week programme.
- Willing to accept equity-based investment.
Investment Terms: Selected startups receive up to US$100,000 in exchange for 7.5% equity. Additional growth funding of up to US$250,000 may be available to high-performing startups.
Social Enterprise Fund 2026 — Up to UGX 5 Million for Student-Led Social Enterprises in Uganda [Deadline: August 26]
University students in Uganda can apply for the Social Enterprise Fund 2026, which provides seed funding for early-stage ideas addressing community challenges while building sustainable businesses.
Implemented through the Federation of Uganda Social Enterprises (FUSE) Social Enterprise Campus Hubs, the programme provides grants ranging from UGX 500,000 to UGX 5 million per selected idea.
What Successful Applicants Receive:
- Seed funding of UGX 500,000–5 million.
- Mentorship from social entrepreneurs and industry experts.
- Access to the FUSE entrepreneurship network.
- Opportunities to refine and pitch their ideas.
- Support to develop sustainable social enterprises.
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
- Be a university undergraduate in Uganda.
- Be a member of or actively engaged with a FUSE Social Enterprise Campus Hub.
- Have an innovative social enterprise idea at the ideation or early development stage.
- Be 25 years old or younger.
- Address a clearly defined social challenge.
- Demonstrate social impact, market potential, and long-term sustainability.
- Own and have full control of the proposed business idea.
- Provide a recommendation or support letter from their Campus Hub Coordinator.
The selection process includes application review, interviews, and a final pitch before a panel of social entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and development experts.
Google for Startups Accelerator: South Africa 2026 — Up to R1 Million in Non-Dilutive Funding [Deadline: August 28]
Growth-stage technology startups led by South African founders can apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator: South Africa 2026.
The three-month hybrid programme provides technical support, mentorship, product guidance, and up to R1 million in non-dilutive funding.
What Selected Startups Receive:
- Up to R1 million in non-dilutive funding.
- Technical support from Google teams and industry experts.
- Mentorship and product guidance.
- Access to selected Google AI products and early-access programmes.
- Google Cloud credits, subject to eligibility and approval.
- Access to Google’s global network of founders, experts, and technology communities.
Programme Structure:
- Remote and in-person sessions.
- One-on-one mentoring.
- Technical workshops.
- Group learning.
- Sprint projects focused on solving startup challenges.
- Demo Day.
Eligibility:
The programme is designed for South African-led growth-stage technology startups with:
- Demonstrated traction and revenue generation.
- A scalable technology product or service.
- Significant market opportunity.
- A defensible growth model.
- Use of or plans to use technologies such as AI or machine learning.
- A CEO, CTO, and relevant technical team able to commit to programme activities.
Google Africa Applied AI Lab 2026 — AI Commercialisation Programme for African Founders and Researchers [Deadline: August 31]
Google is accepting applications for the Google Africa Applied AI Lab, a programme designed to help African founders and researchers turn AI research into commercially viable products addressing real-world challenges across the continent.
Based at the Accra AI Community Centre in Ghana, the programme pairs selected founders and researchers with Google experts to jointly develop AI-powered solutions.
Focus Areas:
- Future of Work
- Future of Knowledge
- Software Development
- Creativity
- Entertainment
What Selected Participants Receive:
- Early access to Google DeepMind models including Gemini, Gemma, and Veo.
- Hands-on technical mentorship from Google Research and other Google teams.
- Product development and go-to-market support.
- Access to venture capital firms including 4DX Ventures, Norrsken22, Novastar Ventures, and Ventures Platform.
- Potential funding opportunities from the Google AI Futures Fund and participating VC partners.
- Exposure to investors and strategic partners at Demo Day.
Participation does not require founders to give up equity or ownership.
Eligibility:
Google is looking for:
- Full-time startup founders.
- AI researchers interested in becoming startup founders.
- Teams developing AI-powered products with potential impact across Africa.
Preference is given to startups with funding and commercial traction from pre-seed to Series A, although founders and researchers with strong ideas and plans are also considered.
Selected participants are expected to integrate Google AI technologies into their products and attend an in-person Demo Day at the Accra AI Community Centre in early December 2026.
Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026 — Up to $15,000 Grant for Young Social Entrepreneurs [Deadline: August 31]
Young founders building solutions to social and environmental challenges can apply for the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026, a global competition supporting youth-led startups and projects that are already creating measurable impact in their communities.
The challenge is designed for entrepreneurs aged 18–30 who are leading ventures aligned with at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Selected applicants can receive grant funding, founder support, and access to a global network of young social innovators.
About the Challenge
The Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge provides a platform for young entrepreneurs developing solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges.
The programme supports youth-led startups and projects that are already operating and demonstrating impact. Applicants are expected to show how their work addresses a specific challenge and is creating measurable outcomes in their communities.
What Participants Receive:
- Grant awards of up to USD 15,000 for youth-led startups and projects delivering social or environmental impact.
- Free learning resources and founder support to strengthen applications and entrepreneurial skills.
- Access to a global community of young social entrepreneurs and potential future opportunities.
Who Can Apply:
Applicants must:
- Be aged 18–30 at the time of submission.
- Have clear decision-making authority within the startup or project.
- Be leading a venture addressing a defined social or environmental challenge.
- Have an operational project that is already demonstrating measurable social impact.
- Align their solution with at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal.
Selection Criteria: Applications will be assessed based on youth leadership, the strength of the social or environmental impact, and evidence that the project is already delivering results.
UNESCO-UNEVOC Skills in Action Photo Competition 2026 — Win Up to $750 for Photography Celebrating Youth Skills [Deadline: August 31]
Amateur and professional photographers aged 18 and above from anywhere in the world can enter the UNESCO-UNEVOC Skills in Action Photo Competition 2026.
The annual competition highlights the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in preparing young people for the future.
Photographers can submit up to four photographs, with a maximum of one entry per category.
Competition Categories:
- Equity and Inclusion: Images showing inclusive access to skills development.
- Green Skills and Sustainability: Resource-efficient technologies, sustainable practices, and green jobs.
- Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Coding, robotics, virtual reality, and AI.
- Innovation and Excellence: Innovative training and skills that improve quality, productivity, and efficiency.
Prizes:
- 1st Prize: US$750
- 2nd Prize: US$500
- 3rd Prize: US$350
Winners also receive an official UNESCO-UNEVOC certificate, publication of their work on the UNESCO-UNEVOC Flickr account, and promotion through UNESCO-UNEVOC’s social media channels.
Eligibility:
- Amateur and professional photographers aged 18 and above.
- Open globally.
- Entrants must own or hold the copyright to submitted photographs.
Up to four photographs can be submitted, with one entry permitted in each category.
Note: Submitted photographs become the property of UNESCO-UNEVOC and may be used in future publications, media campaigns, and promotional materials.
Menterprise Africa curates funding, accelerator, fellowship, competition, and other opportunities for African entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, creatives, and emerging leaders every day. Check out more opportunities here.
