The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) invites applications for its Pan-African Incubation Network. The program is open to startups based in Africa or those developing technology-driven solutions for African agricultural markets, provided they have a committed team and at least a working prototype or minimum viable product. While the announcement does not specify a direct cash grant amount, participants receive structured incubation support, mentorship, and access to a continental network of investors and ecosystem partners to improve investment readiness. The program operates through quarterly cohorts, and the deadline for the current application cycle is 27 April 2026. Details here
Africa
Global Development Network — Social Sciences in Images
The Global Development Network (GDN) invites young social science researchers from Francophone Africa to participate in the “Convergences: Social Sciences in Images” competition. This initiative encourages researchers to translate their scientific findings into visual formats such as infographics, drawings, illustrations, mind maps, or comic strips. Winners will receive an invitation to the 2026 GDN Regional Conference, participate in creative and research capacity-building workshops, and have their work featured in an international traveling exhibition. The program aims to promote open science and the intersection of research and creation. The deadline for submitting entries is 30 April 2026. Know more
Toilet Board Coalition — Virtual Program
The Toilet Board Coalition invites applications for its Accelerator Program, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises developing sanitation and hygiene solutions. The program provides business mentorship, strategic coaching, and access to a network of investors to help businesses scale their impact in the circular sanitation economy. Eligible applicants must be registered for-profit SMEs operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, or Southeast Asia. While the program does not provide direct grant funding, it facilitates connections to potential investors and partners to help secure financing. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. Know more
Coimbra Group — Scholarship Program for Sub-Saharan Africa
The Coimbra Group offers short-term research grants to early-career scholars from higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The program enables researchers to visit a participating European university for one to three months to further their research and develop academic collaborations. Applicants must be staff members at a Sub-Saharan African university. Funding amounts vary by host university, with many providing monthly stipends ranging from €750 to €1,500, often supplemented by travel allowances or accommodation. The deadline for applications for the 2026/2027 academic year is 10 May 2026. Coimbra Group
Pulitzer Center — Ocean and Fisheries Reporting Grant
The Pulitzer Center invites applications for its Ocean and Fisheries Reporting Grant, which supports in-depth journalism on underreported issues such as illegal fishing, marine pollution, and the impacts of climate change on coastal communities. The program is open to all journalists, including staff reporters, freelancers, photographers, and filmmakers from any country. Proposed projects should focus on systemic threats to marine biodiversity or the global supply chains that drive resource depletion. Grant amounts typically range from US$5 thousand to US$15 thousand, covering hard reporting costs such as travel, lodging, and data analysis. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Ocean and Fisheries Reporting Grant
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Young Forest Champions
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) invites nominations for the Young Forest Champions initiative. This program recognizes individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who lead innovative projects in forest monitoring using geospatial technology to support climate action. Eligible applicants include individual forest practitioners, researchers, and community leaders from Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru, Uganda, or Zambia, with a specific focus on those contributing to indigenous and local community efforts. Selected champions receive a US$10 thousand grant to scale their projects, along with technical mentorship and an invitation to participate in the XVIV IUFRO World Congress. The application deadline is 21 March 2026. Young Forest Champions
Hindsight Ventures — AFRISE Challenge
Hindsight Ventures invites applications for the AFRISE Challenge accelerator program. This initiative supports young African founders between the ages of 18 and 35 who are developing scalable solutions in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and financial services. Eligible applicants must be based in Nigeria, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, or Senegal. Participants receive a four-week virtual bootcamp, mentorship from industry experts, and access to more than US$600 thousand in technology credits from partners like AWS and Microsoft. The program concludes with an international demo day where the top 15 startups can pitch for grant and equity-based funding. The application deadline is 27 March 2026. Know more
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Liberia
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides small-scale grants to support high-impact projects designed by local partners in Liberia. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and community groups working on thematic priorities such as inclusive governance, peace and security, and economic growth. Funding contributions typically range from CAN$20 thousand to CAN$49 thousand, with a maximum possible allocation of CAN$100 thousand for qualified projects. The deadline for the current call for proposals is 27 March 2026. CFLI Liberia
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Côte d’Ivoire
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports high-impact projects focused on peace and security, inclusive governance, and climate action. The program primarily funds local non-governmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions, with a focus on projects designed by local partners. Average grants range from CAN$20 thousand to CAN$49 thousand, while complex projects may receive a maximum of CAN$100 thousand. The deadline for the current call for proposals is 27 March 2026. CFLI Côte d’Ivoire
OPEC Fund for International Development — Young Professional Development Program
The Young Professional Development Program (YPDP) is a two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from OPEC Fund member countries for a career in global development. The themes include poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development, environment, and other related science and technology fields. YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different departments and access to professional networks. To be selected for the program, applicants must be 30 years of age (or younger) and hold a Master’s degree. The deadline for applications is 11 April 2026. More about the YPDP