As the year draws to a close, December brings a powerful slate of opportunities for African entrepreneurs, students, creatives, and community leaders. From high-level fellowships that shape continental leadership to accelerators strengthening agribusiness and global grants supporting education, culture, and innovation, this month offers a wide range of programs designed to elevate Africa’s next generation of problem solvers. Below is a curated, editorially prepared list of open opportunities arranged strictly by deadline.
2025 United Nations Tourism Social Innovation Challenge [Deadline: December 5]
UN Tourism is seeking innovative startups offering solutions in community‑based tourism, accessibility and inclusion, and green projects. The program identifies high‑impact ventures capable of shaping the future of sustainable global tourism.
Eligibility: Open to startups and scaleups worldwide operating in tourism, sustainability, or community innovation.
Program Benefits: Global visibility, access to the UN Tourism Innovation Network, financing pathways, and opportunities to pilot projects.
IMF Economist Program 2026 [Deadline: December 5]
The International Monetary Fund’s Economist Program offers an entry point for recent PhD graduates to work directly on global macroeconomic challenges. Participants rotate across IMF departments and contribute to policy development, economic surveillance, and financial stability assessments.
Eligibility: PhD in macroeconomics, international economics, finance, or related fields; strong analytical background; under age 34 at time of entry; nationals of IMF member countries.
Program Benefits: Three‑year professional program with competitive compensation, structured mentorship, and hands‑on policy experience.
Création Africa 2 – Cultural & Creative Business Accelerator [Deadline: December 7]
Création Africa South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi is recruiting cultural entrepreneurs for its second cohort. The program aims to strengthen creative enterprises through incubation, mentorship, and regional networking.
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs aged 18+, operating registered businesses in South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi.
Program Benefits: Tailored mentoring, business development support, and opportunities for market expansion.
Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2026–2027 [Deadline: December 12
This global leadership program supports emerging changemakers advancing social impact in their communities. The 2026–2027 cohort will engage in dialogue, skills development, and collaborative learning rooted in values‑based leadership.
Eligibility: Leaders aged 24–45 driving social, economic, or political impact.
Program Benefits: Leadership training, peer learning, and participation in a global network of young leaders.
KDU Global – IUCEA Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 [Deadline: December 12]
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) Undergraduate Scholarships, offered in partnership with Kyungdong University Global, enable outstanding students from East Africa to pursue undergraduate studies in South Korea.
Eligibility: Citizens of EAC member states aged 22 or younger; completed pre‑university studies in 2023–2025; strong academic record.
Program Benefits: Full or partial scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, airfare, and stipends.
Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator (HGSA-A) [Deadline: December 14]
This initiative, led by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), funded by the Government of New Zealand and implemented by AUDA‑NEPAD, strengthens agribusiness enterprises addressing food security, climate resilience, and regional value chains.
Eligibility: Women‑ or youth‑led agribusinesses across the COMESA region.
Program Benefits: Technical assistance, investment readiness support, fundraising guidance, and regional market expansion opportunities.
Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2026 [Deadline: December 15]
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is an 8‑month fellowship that equips young African innovators with entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and practical tools to launch high‑impact ventures.
Eligibility: African students and recent graduates with ideas or early‑stage ventures.
Program Benefits: Training, mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and a global innovation community.
Africa Impact Fundraising (AIF) Grant Program [Deadline: December 16]
The Africa Impact Fundraising (AIF) Grant Program, run by The New Africa Fund, strengthens the fundraising capacity of African NGOs, CBOs, and social enterprises.
Eligibility: Africa‑based nonprofits and social enterprises interested in capacity building and donor mobilization.
Program Benefits: Online training, 30‑day fundraising challenge, and access to matching grants of up to USD 5,000; top performers attend an intensive workshop in Kigali.
Cisco Youth Leadership Award – Global Citizen Prize 2026 [Deadline: December 17]
This prize recognizes young leaders using technology to combat poverty. The award supports organizations led by innovators driving measurable social impact.
Eligibility: Changemakers aged 18–30 leveraging technology for development.
Program Benefits: USD 250,000 award granted to the winner’s organization.
WeWork – Green and Decent Jobs for Youth Project (Uganda) [Deadline: December 19]
The WeWork – Green and Decent Jobs for Youth Project, implemented by StartHub Africa in partnership with Enabel, supports youth‑led green enterprises in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono.
Eligibility: Early‑stage, youth‑led green businesses operating in the listed districts.
Program Benefits: Entrepreneurship training, mentorship, business development services, and seed funding.
WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2025 [Deadline: December 19]
WAAW Foundation supports young African women pursuing STEM degrees, aiming to build a generation of female leaders in science and technology.
Eligibility: African female STEM students in their first or second year.
Program Benefits: Financial support, leadership development, and participation in STEM outreach initiatives.
Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW Programme 2025 [Deadline: December 31]
The Orange Corners Innovation Fund GROW Programme is an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands supporting South African youth entrepreneurs with blended financing and business development assistance.
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs aged 18–35 running enterprises with six months to seven years of operation.
Program Benefits: Funding between R200,000 and R1 million (50% grant, 50% interest‑free loan), mentorship, pitch training, and investment readiness support.
UPG Biashara Entrepreneurship Programme 2026 [Deadline: December 31]
The United People Global Biashara Entrepreneurship Programme supports early‑stage innovators with training, mentorship, and grants of up to USD 20,000.
Eligibility: Individuals aged 18+ with ideas or early‑stage ventures from any country.
Program Benefits: Six‑week structured training, expert mentorship, access to the UPG network, and grant funding.
FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund [Deadline: December 31]
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund supports grassroots organizations working to expand access to quality education and sports for children in underserved communities.
Eligibility: NGOs and community groups implementing education and youth development programs.
Program Benefits: Grants ranging from $50,000 – $250,000 USD
MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa. [Deadline: Rolling]
The MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa is a Postgraduate scholarships programme for Africans to study outside their home country, covering tuition, accommodation, stipend, and return airfare.
Benefits: International academic exposure, leadership development, and funding for study.
