The Innovation Challenge Fund supports entrepreneurs and businesses that focus on higher tier clean cooking solutions such as advanced biomass cookstoves or other innovative technologies that can significantly reduce emissions and fuel consumption compared to traditional cooking methods. The call targets Ethiopian organizations that promote clean cooking technologies, research, and businesses. Enterprises can apply until 27 January 2024. Know more
Africa
EcoSciGen — Climate Research Workshop
The Climate Research Workshop offers a unique training experience for individuals from Africa who are passionate about addressing climate change issues. The 6-month program offers scientific research training to equip young participants with the knowledge and skills needed to become independent researchers in the climate space. Young scholars must be between the ages of 18-26. Applications have to be submitted before 30 January 2024. Climate Research Workshop
EnDev — Solar Home System Liberia
The objective is to provide access to quality, clean, affordable, and better energy services in existing and underserved markets across Liberia through stand-alone solar home systems and close the affordability gap faced by the most vulnerable parts of the population. Companies will receive a financial incentive for achieving sales and installation of Solar Home System to customers. Private firms, NGOs, or cooperatives that follow commercial business models are eligible to apply for the program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 31 May 2024. Know more
International Development Research Centre — Climate-Smart Livestock Systems (Africa)
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) makes grants to develop new climate-smart livestock technologies and business models to improve animal productivity, promote climate adaptation and lower emission intensity for smallholder livestock farmers in climatic hotspots in Africa. IDRC intends to provide grant funding for up to six research projects of up to a maximum of CA$1.5 million each for 36 months. The lead applicant organization should be an African institution (public or private). The application deadline is 25 January 2024. Details here
U.S. African Development Foundation — Off-Grid Energy in Africa
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) requests proposals for the USADF Off-Grid Energy Challenge. Selected African off-grid energy companies will receive funding in the form of grant capital of up to US$250 thousand. To be considered for the Challenge, applicants must be 100% African-owned and -managed. Applicants must submit the completed application before 31 January 2024. Off-Grid Energy Africa
ygap — Poverty Solutions for Kenya
The ygap accelerator provides support to Kenyan leaders with solutions to poverty. Entrepreneurs and startups with project ideas and solutions for their local community are invited to apply for the training program. The program offers a three-day accelerator followed by twelve months of tailored support including business skills development, strategy insights, mentor support, and more. Participants will gain access to professionals (designers, lawyers, coaches, etc.) and have the opportunity to apply for small grants. Eligibility extends to social entrepreneurs operating in Kenya, who are dedicated to creating a positive change in the lives of people living in poverty. Applications close 03 February 2024. ygap Kenya
U.S. Agency for International Development — Power Africa
The program Power Africa aims to expand electric energy across Sub-Saharan Africa. Power Africa has more than 100 private-sector partners, and it invites others to join. The US Government has a variety of tools and resources available to assist Power Africa partners and their projects. The partners include companies that focus on small-scale solutions for rural areas, including off-grid and mini-grid projects. Expressions of interest can be submitted at any time. Find out more
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research — Food Systems Accelerator
The CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator aims to support agribusiness with eco-friendly agricultural practices. The four priority innovation themes are: Mechanization and irrigation; Conservation agriculture; Nutrition-sensitive climate smart agriculture; and Agricultural Risk Management. Supported innovations should be designed to benefit smallholder farmers in East and Southern Africa. The program provides technical assistance and access to investors and corporate partners. Four companies will receive US$20 thousand. Applicants must be a for-profit company operating in Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe. The application deadline is 08 January 2024. CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator
African Bird Club — Conservation and Expedition Awards
The ABC Conservation Awards (up to £3 thousand) support small and medium-sized bird conservation projects in Africa. Applicants should normally be resident in Africa. The ABC Expedition Awards (up to £5 thousand) take place within continental Africa or adjacent islands, with a strong base in conservation and birds. Applications are reviewed multiple times a year, with deadlines at the end of February, June, and October. Link
Ashoka — Young Changemakers
Ashoka identifies and supports teenagers who start their own initiatives for addressing social and environmental problems. Selected Changemakers are inducted into a global community and gain access to co-leadership bootcamps, media partnerships, public speaking platforms, exposure visits, strategic allies and more opportunities to grow and to influence youth culture in their countries. Candidates must be under 20 years of age to participate. Ashoka offers youth related activities in Nigeria, Brazil, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the United States. Expressions of interest can be submitted all year-round. Nominations for Ashoka Young Changemakers are accepted year-round. Details