The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals is a nine-month program for business leaders and changemakers to develop and drive innovative sustainable development solutions and business models. The program targets entry- to mid-level managers across diverse businesses. The accelerator is open to business managers from selected countries (listed in the announcement). The call for nominations will remain open until 31 January 2026. SDG Innovation Accelerator
Africa
Swedish Institute — Scholarships for Women in STEM
The Swedish Institute (SI) provides fully-funded international scholarships for master’s studies in Sweden. The scholarship aims to develop future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute to positive and sustainable development in their home countries. The scholarship is open to female citizens from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam. SI fully covers tuition fees and makes regular payments of SEK12 thousand to cover living expenses throughout the scholarship. The application portal for SI Scholarships is open from 09-25 February 2026. Pioneering Women in STEM
Ashinaga Africa Initiative — University Scholarship for Orphans
The Ashinaga Africa Initiative provides full scholarships to orphaned students from Sub-Saharan Africa to study at a university abroad. Ashinaga will cover tuition, accommodation, travel costs, and other necessary fees. The age limit to apply for this scholarship is 23 years. Students must be committed to returning home and contributing to society in Sub-Saharan Africa after graduating from university. The application deadline for students from Lusophone countries is 17 October 2025. Know more
African Leadership Academy — Anzisha Prize for Young Innovators
The Anzisha Prize seeks young innovators ages 15-22 in Africa who develop and implement innovative solutions to challenges facing their communities. Past awards include innovations in energy, agriculture, and ecological consumer products. The grand prize winners will share prizes worth US$140 thousand. Applicants must be nationals of an African country with a business based in Africa for African customers/beneficiaries. The next application closes on 07 November 2026. Anzisha Prize
Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance — Accelerating Investments in Climate Resilience 2026
The Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance invites innovative solutions that address barriers to climate investment in emerging markets and support the transition to a net-zero economy. The call for ideas covers four programs, each with distinct priorities. In 2026, the Lab will develop at least eight ideas. Selected ideas will receive guidance and support from experts and investors, as well as analytical and communications support. The application deadline is 09 November 2025. More about the Lab
U.S. Department of State — TechGirls 2026
TechGirls is an international summer exchange program designed to empower and inspire young women from around the world to pursue careers in science and technology. The program is open to teenage girls (ages 15-17) from eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and Latin America. TechGirls covers the costs of travel, accommodation, and meals for participation in the technology camp hosted by Virginia Tech University. The application will close on 04 December 2025. Link to TechGirls
HawkWatch International — Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant
The Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant invests in projects led by citizens of developing countries with the aim of increasing diversity and inclusivity in conservation while building local capacity. Projects must be located in high-priority countries for raptor research and conservation (mainly Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, or Southeast Asia), focus on a single species of raptor, and be led by an applicant who is associated with a registered NGO and/or university in the country where the project will take place. Preference will be given to projects working in low-income countries. Applicants may apply for up to US$2,500. The application deadline is 15 January 2026. More information
Rainforest Trust — Creating New Protected Areas
The Rainforest Trust partners with local conservation organizations to create new protected areas and expand existing ones for Critically Endangered and Endangered species. The Initiative invites applications for conservation partnerships from nonprofit entities and NGOs for projects in tropical Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Applying organizations may submit proposals for either a land purchase or a protected area designation. Applications to create new protected areas are reviewed three times per year. The application deadlines are 01 March, 01 June, and 01 November 2026. Applications for less than US$250 thousand may be submitted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Link
University of Antwerp — Masters Program in Development Studies
The University of Antwerp’s Institute of Development Policy and Management (IOB) offers three specializations for one-year master’s programs in development studies. Topics include poverty, climate change, conflict, good governance, sustainable development, and others. The Institute of Development Policy awards scholarships to students from many countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America for studies at Belgian universities that include Antwerp’s IOB. Candidates applying for an ICP Connect scholarship have to submit their application by 01 March 2026. Link
ACT Foundation — Grant Cycle 2026
The Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation accepts applications from national and regional non-profit organizations working to address social, environmental, and economic challenges across the African Continent. Focus areas include health, environment, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Proposed projects must have a maximum life cycle of 12 months and benefit African communities. The application deadline is 10 October 2025. Click here