The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for large grants (up to US$110 thousand) for projects that support the conservation and preservation of biodiversity in coastal areas of Cabo Verde. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English and Portuguese. LOIs must be submitted by 30 November 2020. Access to CEPF
Africa
African Academy of Sciences — Food Security and Nutrition in Africa
The Grand Challenge Africa makes seed grants to innovative projects and technologies that achieve food security and nutrition in Africa. The challenge focuses on the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. The call seeks innovative global development and health solutions related to achieving food security and nutrition. The call will fund projects up to US$100 thousand for a maximum of 2 years. Applicants can be colleges and universities, government laboratories, research institutions, for profit and non-profit organizations. The call encourages scientific collaborations between African researchers and other organizations across the continent. The application deadline is 04 December 2020. Find the call
African Academy of Sciences — Prize for Scientific Discovery and Technological Innovation
The Olusegun Obasanjo Prize for Scientific Discovery and/or Technological Innovation honors African scientists who have made outstanding contributions in scientific discovery or technological innovation. The bi-annual prize will be awarded in each of the following fields: (1) Biotechnology, (2) Energy, (3) Information and Communication Technologies, or (4) Material Sciences. The prize may be awarded to an individual or jointly to two or more persons who will share the cash award of US$5 thousand. The prize is open to all African scientists and technologists. Candidates have to be nominated but self-nominations will also be accepted. The last date for receipt of nominations is 22 December 2020. Details here
African Leadership Academy — South African Ideas Festival
The South African Ideas Festival (SAIF) is an entrepreneurial development festival for the young African leaders with ideas to bring meaningful change in their societies. The categories for application are based on the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 15 (Life on Land), and Goal 13 (Climate Action), among others. Applicants must be between the ages of 14-19 years and apply in teams consisting of 3-5 people. Participants can win cash prizes and consulting services with African Leadership Consulting Group. The application deadline is 02 January 2021. Link to SAIF
SVG Ventures — THRIVE Africa Challenge
Silicon Valley Global Ventures is an investment, technology and advisory firm that invests in companies that go through their accelerator program. The THRIVE Africa Challenge seeks innovative solutions specifically designed for the African agrifood industry. SVG Ventures will select the best startups and scale-ups for investment. The winner will participate in the Silicon Valley Startup Bootcamp (Summer 2021) and have the opportunity to pitch their idea in front of global investors. The challenge is open to agrifood companies in Africa. The application deadline is 20 November 2020. Link to THRIVE Africa
Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership — Cleantech Challenge
The Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership, funded by the European Commission, aims to connect high-quality tech hubs from both continents to explore opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships. The Cleantech Challenge seeks startups from Africa and Europe in the clean energy sector with the aim to match African and European startups to co-create complementary innovative clean energy solutions. The application deadline is 20 November 2020. Details here
MasterCard Foundation — Scholarships for Africans at the University of British Columbia 2021/22
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program funds citizens and residents of Sub-Saharan Africa for graduate studies at the University of British Columbia, USA. The fields of study at UBC include Sustainable Forest Management; Environmental Management; Food Science; Land and Water Systems; and many others. Each Faculty has different deadlines, please check carefully. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application closes 11 December 2020. About the scholarship
European Commission — Green Transition and Energy Access in Africa
The Horizon 2020-funded European Green Deal Call seeks to support research and innovation projects that respond to the climate crisis and help protect unique ecosystems and biodiversity. The strategic call “Accelerating the green transition and energy access Partnership with Africa” invites proposals for energy solutions that consider climate adaptation and mitigation potential with the aim of providing sustainable energy access in Africa. The Commission considers proposals requesting a contribution of between €5-10 million. At least two partners from at least one African country must be part of the consortium to be eligible for funding. The application deadline is 26 January 2021. Link
European Commission — Overseas Biodiversity and Climate Change
BEST 2.0+ promotes the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of ecosystem services, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, in the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Pacific, Polar and Subpolar, and South Atlantic regions. Local authorities and civil society organizations are invited to submit projects with focus on local development, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of ecosystem services. The maximum grants amount is €60 thousand over a period of 19 months. The deadline for the submission of concept notes is 22 October 2020. BEST 2.0+
Climate Change Africa Opportunities Network — Green Ambassadors for Climate in Africa
The Climate Change Africa Opportunities (CCAO) Network asks young climate and environment activists to become Green Ambassadors for climate in Africa. The network aims to promote young climate activists and support them in remaining proactive for the protection of the environment and the fight against climate change. Green Ambassadors are voluntary activists but will receive international recognition and access to networking opportunities. Applicants must be nationality of an African country and be aged 18 -35 years at the time of application. The submission period ends 31 October 2020. Become a Green Ambassador