Global Cleantech Innovation Program promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets and developing economies to address climate and environmental challenges. The program supports start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises with innovative cleantech ideas in establishing and upscaling robust business models. Deadlines vary. Please check carefully. Know more
Africa
Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum — AWIEF Awards 2026
Each year, the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum Awards recognize Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in Africa for their economic performance and contribution to Africa’s growth and social development. There are 8 award categories, including agribusiness and renewable energy. Nominations should only be made relating to achievements made by a female entrepreneur and national of an African country. Nominees can be nominated or self-nominated. The deadline for entries is 03 August 2026. AWIEF Awards
Efico Foundation — Support for Coffee Producers
EFICO Foundation supports coffee farmers and their families through training and education programs, sustainable income increase, resilience for climate change, infrastructure support, and natural resource protection. About every 3 years, the Foundation organizes a project initiation round and funds projects that aim to improve the living conditions of coffee producers and their communities. Preference is given to projects having a clear strategy to become self-sustaining and creating a leverage effect. Applicants receive a full application form after contact. Efico Foundation
Pulitzer Center — Rainforest Reporting Grant
The Pulitzer Center provides short-term project support to journalists reporting in tropical forests. The Rainforest Reporting Grant supports journalists in three main rainforest regions—the Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia. The supported journalism projects will focus on the tropical forests’ role in the overall climate equation and weather patterns, deforestation drivers, and solutions to halt deforestation. The Pulitzer Center will fund costs associated with reporting projects on tropical rainforests in the range of US$8 thousand to US$15 thousand. Grants are made to local journalists based in the tropical rainforest region. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. More
Catalyst Fund — Climate Resilience Africa
The Catalyst Fund supports early-stage tech startups that are developing solutions for climate adaptation and resilience in Africa. Startups receive US$150 thousand in investment and An additional US$50 thousand worth of tailored venture-building assistance. Eligibility extends to companies developing technology solutions aimed at climate adaptation and resilience serving populations within Africa. Startups that are interested in partnering with the Catalyst Fund can submit a project pitch. Link
UK Government — Local Environmental Initiatives
The Darwin Plus Local program invites applications for small-scale projects aimed at protecting biodiversity and the natural environment in eligible UK Overseas Territories. Environmental non-governmental organizations, community groups, research institutions, and individuals can apply with practical initiatives that focus on biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and habitat restoration. The program provides up to £50 thousand for projects managed by organizations and up to £20 thousand for projects led by individuals. The application deadline is 25 June 2026. Details here
GreenCape — Afri GreenPitch Challenge
GreenCape and Westerwelle Startup Haus Mombasa invite entrepreneurs to enter the 2026 FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge. The competition is open to pre-growth, sales-generating green businesses located in Botswana, eSwatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Tanzania. Eligible entries must offer economically viable business solutions in circular economy and waste, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, sustainable mobility, or water and wastewater. Finalists receive mentorship, access to funding networks, and a chance to pitch to investors, with the winner and finalists competing for cash and in-kind prizes valued at approximately US$20 thousand. The deadline for entries is 30 June 2026. Afri GreenPitch Challenge
UK Government — Extra Grants for Biodiversity
The Darwin Initiative invites applications for its Extra grants program to fund large-scale, collaborative projects aimed at protecting biodiversity and reducing poverty in eligible low- to upper-middle-income countries. Non-governmental organisations, research institutions, and private sector businesses can apply with initiatives that demonstrate strong potential to scale up proven environmental interventions. The program provides funding ranging from £1 million to £5 million for a project period lasting between two and five years. The deadline for Phase I applications is 01 July 2026. Grants for Biodiversity
Earth Journalism Network — Media Workshop on Biodiversity Reporting in Kenya
The Earth Journalism Network invites applications for a specialized workshop in Malindi, Kenya, aimed at strengthening conservation and environmental reporting. Print, broadcast, digital, and freelance journalists based in Kenya are eligible to apply, with priority given to women, rural, Indigenous, and early-career media professionals. The program provides a fully funded training experience for about 15 selected participants, covering all costs for travel, accommodation, and meals from 24 to 26 August 2026. The application deadline is 11 July 2026. Media Workshop in Kenya
Sustainability & ESG Africa — Student Innovation Challenge
The Sustainability & ESG Africa Conference & Expo invites applications for its Student Innovation Challenge to uncover practical solutions to systemic environmental, social, and governance issues. Eligible applicants must be 30 years of age or younger and currently enrolled at an accredited university or higher learning institution. Submissions must fall under one of four designated themes, including Nature, Biodiversity and Inclusive Economies. While the specific cash prize amounts or grant funding totals are not specified, winners will present their solutions at the main conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. The deadline for applications is 16 July 2026. Student Innovation Challenge