Funding Opportunities For African Businesses

1.The Sterling Management Development Program (SMDP) 2022 for young Nigerian graduates.

The Sterling Management Development Program (SMDP) is a bespoke recruitment campaign t that leads into an intensive 12-month rotational program, where you can gain insight and cross border exposure to enable you to emerge as a well-rounded professional equipped with different skills & competencies you can apply to different areas within Sterling while you also GROW personally fund.

In addition, the Sterling Management Development Program aims to develop Next-Gen leaders who will largely contribute to the design of the future of Sterling.

Eligbility Requirements;

• A minimum of 3 years post NYSC experience from any sector.
• A minimum of Master’s degree or relevant professional certification from an accredited institution in or outside Nigeria.
• Applicants must not be older than 32 years of age at the time of application.
• Sterling value diversity in our workplace and encourage qualified men and women with disabilities and diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds to apply.

Application Procedure:

Only suitable candidates will be shortlisted and contacted.

Sterling is an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate in our selection and employment practices based on race, colour, religion, gender, nationality, political affiliation, marital status or disability.

All applications must be submitted via the provided application medium and during the respective application period. (Sterling does not accept applications by email).

Multiple applications may lead to disqualification.

For More Information, visit:

The Sterling Management Development Program (SMDP) 2022 for young Nigerian graduates. | Opportunities For Africans

2. CFI Naija in Lights, Training for skills Program for Nigerian photojournalists.

“Naija in Lights” is a 12-month project implemented by CFI in partnership with StoryMi Academy, Radio France internationale (RFI) and the Alliances Françaises network in Nigeria and revolves around two main components :

Also Read: Funding Opportunities For African Business

Component 1; Two 7-day training sessions. The first will be devoted to photography techniques and the identification of an individual project (technical aspects, different styles of photojournalism, reading of photographic images, the ethical principles of photojournalism, the consideration of the principle of gender equality, the history of photojournalism in the world and in Africa). The second will be devoted to the principles of the photojournalism market and the development of an exhibition project (how to develop a viable personal project, identification of economic opportunities, exhibition of work, sell a pitch to editors, present your work in front of an audience).

Component 2; Remote coaching for the creation of a personal project on the subject of the elections and participation in the organisation of a group exhibition, which will be hosted by the Alliances Françaises network in Nigeria.

The support offered by CFI for the selected photojournalists :

Component 1:

• One (1) training session on photography techniques and identification of an individual project, 7 days in Kano (to be confirmed).
• One (1) training session on the principles of the photojournalism market and support for the development of an exhibition project, 7 days in Lagos

Component 2:

• Remote coaching and support for the development of an individual project (production of a photo report), 3 days per beneficiary spread over 4 months
• A joint exhibition of photographs organised by the Alliances Françaises network in Nigeria.

Are you a professional Nigerian photographer exercising press photography or reportage for the media or on social networks? Are you looking to improve your technical and visual literacy skills and you would like to cover the 2023 general elections? Do you need help to refine your career plan and build your career in photojournalism?

Requirements:

• The applicants must be a young journalist under 35 years of age, employed by one or more established media outlets (private or public and on a freelance or in-house basis), or active on social media and exhibiting a certain degree of influence among young people (a number of subscribers on social networks (< 2k)).
• The applicants must be based in Nigeria and practicing press or journalistic photography for at least 2 years.
• They sound knowledge of the basics of photography (writing captions, basic understanding of how to read an image, proficient in basic editing, etc.) and desire to become a professional photojournalist and to make a living from this profession.
• They are independent and creative and apply the rules of independence and impartiality in their photographic work

Timeline:

• 30 August 2022: launch of the call for applications
• 30 September 2022: deadline for receiving application files (18:00 UT)
• 20 October 2022: publication of the results for stage 1
• 24 to 31 October: test (stage 2)
• 1st November 2022: publication of the results
• 5 December 2022: start of training session 1 in Kano (7 days) – to be confirmed
• Amount to be attributed to each beneficiary 420.000 Nairas (equivalent to 1000 EUR)

For More Information: https://ac.cfi.fr/en/appels/naija-in-lights-en/

3. The Ekiti State Digital Skills Academy (EDSA) for youths in Ekiti state

The Ekiti State Digital Skills Academy (EDSA) is an initiative designed to provide youths in Ekiti state with the technology and soft skills competence needed to access local and global job market opportunities. Impact outcomes for the initiative include a reduction of unemployment amongst the youth population and an increase in economic inflow for Ekiti state.

Eligibility

• Youths between the ages of 16-35 years who currently reside in Ekiti State.
• Applicants must have basic digital literacy.

Learning Tracks

With four different learning tracks available to learn from;

• Frontend Development

Frontend software development refers to the outward-facing component of the software. It speaks to the structure, the look and feel that is experienced by the user of such software. Languages that are used in software include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Angular, etc

• Backend Development

Backend software development is the branch of software development that creates the code that allows a database and an application to communicate with one another. Backend development is responsible for the upkeep of a website’s backend, which includes databases, servers, and apps, and this controls what you don’t see.

• Product Design

Product design is a process of creating user-friendly solutions using various design tools. In this track, beneficiaries will learn about the basics of product designs, the various design tools we can use, and all it entails.

• Product Management

Product Management is the glue that holds product design, tech, and business together. Beneficiaries would learn how to navigate through product management as wide as it seems.

How to Apply:

Complete the EDSA online application form.

Wait for further instructions via email

For More Information, visit: https://www.ekitidigitalskillacademy.com/

4. Africa Startup Initiative Program (ASIP) 2023 for African tech startups. (EUR 15,000 in cash funding)

ASIP is a program launched by Telecel Group as part of CSR activities. ASIP contributes in a meaningful way to the African community to help the young Startups in Africa whose innovative ideas are creating a difference in their communities. The Africa Startup Initiative Program is a program founded by Moh Damush, Telecel Group CEO as a CSR activity.  Telecel Group then partnered with Startupbootcamp AfriTech to create the ASIP Accelerator Program which contributes in a meaningful way to the African community to help the young Startups in Africa whose innovative ideas are creating a difference in their communities.

Backed by anchor partner Telecel Group, the program is ideal for tech-oriented startups looking to scale through corporate and public sector partnerships. We scout, skill, and scale early-stage startups through intensive coaching and opportunities for pilots and Proof of Concept projects that subsequently open the doors for longer-term commercial agreements.

Are you looking to take your start-up to the next level? Are you ready to build a sustainable, repeatable business model using lean methodology? Are you ready to scale your impact through collaboration with the private and public sectors?

The Telecel ASIP Program, powered by Startupbootcamp Afritech is where you should be

Requirements;

• ASIP is looking for the next generation of African startups disrupting industry sectors including FinTech, InsureTech, AgriTech, eCommerce, Digital Health, and CleanTech. Backed by anchor partner Telecel Group, the program is ideal for startups with a mobile tech focus. Additional corporate partners are lining up to engage with startups through pilots and Proof of Concepts projects that can open the doors for longer term commercial agreements.
• During the Covid pandemic, SBC launched Accelerator Squared as a fully online platform that enables startups to access the complete library of content, group workshops, 1:1 mentoring, collaborative sessions with Entrepreneurs in Residence, and invite-only discussion forums with founders from around the globe. The remote accelerator concludes with an online Demo Day where startup founders pitch their disruptive solutions to a broad audience of media, investors, corporate partners, and industry stakeholders.

Also Read: Funding Opportunities For African Businesses

Benefits;

• 10 startups in the program will receive benefits valued at more than €500,000, including credits from AWS, Google Cloud Services, and many more. SBC also invests €15,000 in cash.

For More Information: https://www.startupbootcamp.org/accelerator/afritech-asip/

5. Growth4Her Investor Readiness Accelerator Program for Women SMEs

Growth4Her is a 6-month Investor Readiness Accelerator Program, open to women in West and Central Africa. Growth4Her is currently running cohorts in Cameroon and Nigeria. While our application portal is always open, selected candidates will only be contacted when they have been selected for a new cohort. Each Cohort is open to at least 15 and at most 25 women.

Eligibility Requirements

• ≥ 51% owned by a woman or,
• ≥ 20% owned by a woman and have ≥ one woman as CEO/COO (President/Vice President); and
• have ≥ 30% of the board of directors comprised of women, where a board exists.
• Loan size between US$5,000 and US$1 million (Loans must not be from traditional financial institutions, loans from other sources such as associations, cooperatives e.g. “tontine/njangi”  “esusu”, family loans may be considered)
• Between 5 and 300 employees
• Sales between US$35,000 and US$15 million
• Assets between US$100,000 and US$15 million
• Can dedicate 1 week to an intense virtual/ physical Bootcamp
• Can dedicate 3 hours for mentorship engagement for a period of 8 weeks
• Must be a C-Level executive in the organization

For More Information: https://growth4her.org/apply/ 

6. African Researchers’ Small Grants Program Sixth Edition (SGP VI)

The African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD) with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Gates Foundation), through the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD), is seeking proposals for both operational and implementation research on “Emerging Challenges facing Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) program implementation in Africa”.

This sixth edition of the Small Grants Program (SGP VI) is to support African researchers in both early and mid/late career to undertake operational or implementation research aligned with the goals established in the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases. SGP VI is comprised of two small grant funding tracks:

• Small grants for junior researchers
• Small grants for mid-career and/or senior researchers.

Objectives;

 To increase African leadership, involvement and visibility in NTD operational and implementation research, including through direct engagement with national NTD programs;

• To contribute to improving the research capacity of an existing cadre of African NTD researchers and strengthening African research institutions in the process by supporting operational and implementation research on NTDs that is locally originated and African-led;
• To improve South-South communication and collaboration among researchers, policymakers and implementers, and for community participation in research and agenda-setting;
• To provide an opportunity for young upcoming researchers not only to gain experience in research, but also in preparation of grant applications and management;
• To supplement a clearly defined aspect of ongoing research or to answer a new question linked to ongoing research being carried out by mid-career/senior researchers;
• To encourage a model of North-South collaboration which promotes engagement between researchers in the South and their control programs, and improves local leadership and ownership of initiatives and activities

Focus Areas;

This edition of the Small Grants Program includes several new focus areas:

• Testing new models for post-validation surveillance or integrated surveillance strategies for trachoma and lymphatic filariasis. As NTD programs achieve success and scale down mass drug administration, implementing surveillance as part of program monitoring and evaluation to ensure that program goals are sustained has emerged as a priority.
• Development of scalable solutions to the integration of morbidity management and disease prevention (MMDP) services into the national health system.
• Developing and testing cost-effective, scalable, community-based strategies for vector collection and xenomonitoring in onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis hotspots.
• Testable solutions to improve equitable access to NTD interventions for vulnerable populations (eg nomads, groups in conflict zones, hard-to-reach areas, refugees, etc.

Funding Information;

 Maximum funding per award:  USD 30,000.

Types of Grants;

 Specific to applicants for the junior researchers’ grants

• Must be an early career researcher, defined as a basic biomedical scientist, clinically qualified investigator, or public health researcher, who has not previously competed successfully as principal investigator for a major research grant (ie, ≥USD 200,000).
• Must hold at least a Master’s degree or should be actively enrolled in doctoral studies. Applicants holding a doctoral degree (eg PhD, DrPH, DSc) must have graduated no more than five years ago. Clinicians (eg MBChB, MBBS, MD, DVM holders), who have not completed a Master’s degree must have some specialist training (eg, Membership, Fellowship) or be able to demonstrate relevant research training/experience.
• Must not currently hold positions above lecturer/assistant professor level or equivalent
• Must be able to provide written evidence of commitment to providing mentorship and supervision from a senior researcher with a track record and ongoing commitment to NTD research.

Specific to applicants for the mid-career/senior researchers grants 

• Must be a mid-career/senior researcher, defined as a basic biomedical scientist, clinically qualified investigator, or public health researcher, who has previously competed successfully as principal investigator for a major research grant, but is no more than fifteen years from their highest degree of study
• Must hold a doctoral degree (eg PhD, DrPH, DSc). Clinicians (eg MBChB, MBBS, MD, DVM holders), who have not completed a PhD must have completed specialist training (eg, Fellowship) or be able to demonstrate relevant training tied to research (eg, MSc, MPhil), or experience
• Must hold a position no lower than Senior lecturer/Senior Scientific Officer level or equivalent
• Must demonstrate that they have a track record and ongoing commitment to NTD research
• Must demonstrate that the intended project is a clearly defined aspect of ongoing research or aimed at answering a new question linked to ongoing research.

Eligible proposals may focus on:

Implementation and/or operational research that aims to improve the effectiveness of NTD programs. This may include:

• Identifying factors that hinder equitable delivery of NTD program interventions to vulnerable groups.
• Developing, testing, and scaling practical solutions that are evidence-based, adaptive, and context-specific.
• Identifying ways to improve uptake, adaptation, and adoption of existing evidence-based strategies, tools to achieve elimination and control targets.
• Studies to develop or validate innovative new diagnostic technologies to support NTD program implementation and improvement in operations.

Targeted Group

 This call for proposals is targeted at outstanding researchers – especially beginning researchers – and academics based in research institutions or universities in Africa. Applicants will have to demonstrate that the proposed research or activity is aligned with country/program interests and has potential institutional/individual capacity-building impact. The small grants targeted at junior and senior researchers at the Masters or PhD level will provide grants ranging from USD 10,000 – 30,000. Applications are accepted in English, French, and Portuguese. However, shortlisted applicants will be required to submit full proposals and additional documentation in  English  in order to be eligible for the award.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be currently employed by or enrolled as a student in an academic, health, or research institution in Africa for the duration of the grant
• Must demonstrate having a commitment to NTD-related research as well as the skills and experience required to carry out the proposed work
• Must be able to provide evidence of research output, including publications and/or presentations at scientific conferences
• Applications are accepted from all African countries. They particularly encourage applications from the following countries that have not yet had an applicant: Algeria, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Guinea, Lesotho, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Niger, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, and Tunisia.
• They especially encourage female researchers to apply.

For more information, visit https://www.cor-ntd.org/funding-opportunities/call-proposals-african-researchers-small-grants-program-sgp-vi 

7. Open Call to Develop Training Modules and Conduct Training of Trainers on Clean Mini-Grids (West Africa)

The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) has received a grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB), toward the implementation of the Desert-to-Power West Africa Regional Energy Program (WAREP) and intends to apply part of this grant to payments under the grant for the hiring of a team of consultants to undertake the development of training modules on and conduct training of trainers, on Clean Mini-Grids in West Africa.

WAREP seeks to catalyse growth in access to electricity by addressing primarily financial barriers to private sector-led distributed power generation and mini-grid development from renewable energy in the Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The program comprises three components:

• Component 1 is being implemented by the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and involves the conduct of pre-feasibility studies for the Sahel Backbone and regional solar parks.
• Component 2 is being implemented by ECREEE and involves the preparation activities for the ECREEE Regional Mini-Grid Program and Capacity Building.
• Component 3 comprises the project management- activities being implemented by WAPP and ECREEE.

There are two sub-components of Component 2

• Decentralized energy solutions to develop an actionable regional mini-grid program;
• To support a regional capacity building and certification program targeting mass training of technicians and relevant stakeholders.

Purpose

 ECREEE now intends to commence the certification process for the mini-grid installers, designers, and inspectors under the first phase of the Desert-to-Power West Africa Regional Energy Program (WAREP). The main tasks of this consultancy include:

• The development of modules for training trainers on Clean Mini-Grids in West Africa and
• The facilitation of training of trainers on Clean Mini-Grids in West Africa.

The modules will be validated by experts before the training is held. The competency frameworks (also known as Job Task Analyses) for the certification of mini-grid, installers, designers, and inspectors have already been developed and will serve as the basis for the development of gender-responsive training modules.

ECREEE now seeks a consulting firm to perform the following main tasks:

• Task 1: Gender-responsive documentary review;
• Task 2: Development of gender-responsive training modules;
• Task 3: Facilitation of validation sessions of the training modules, and
• Task 4: Gender-responsive training of trainers.

The training modules will be produced in three sets:

• Set 1 Modules: Development of Gender-responsive Training materials for the Designers of Advanced Off-Grid and On-Grid (Mini-Grid) Solar PV Systems (Includes Systems with Fuel Generators – Hybrid Systems) based on the Job Task Analysis.
• Set 2 Modules: Development of Gender-responsive Training materials for Installers of Advanced Off- and On-Grid Solar PV Systems (Includes Systems with Fuel Generators Systems) based on the Job Task Analysis.
• Set 3 Modules: Development of Gender-responsive Training materials for Inspectors of Advanced Off-Grid Solar PV Systems (Includes Systems with Fuel Generators Systems) based on the Job Task Analysis.

The ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Skills Certification Program

 Within the framework of the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy and the National Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAPs) of Member States, ECREEE set up a scheme called the ECOWAS Certification of Sustainable Energy Skills (ECSES) with the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the European Union. The goal of the scheme is to address the inferior quality of photovoltaic (PV) system installations through the enhancement of the professional competencies of women and men designers, installers, and inspectors.

REOI Requirements

The expression of interest document should not exceed 25 pages, with the following format:

• Personal and contact details (maximum 1 page);
• Expression of interest with details on the firm’s demonstration of:
  • Relevant experience and skills in developing training modules (maximum 5 pages, relevant experience in training targeted audience (maximum 5 pages),
  • Approach to the assignment (maximum 5 pages);
• CVs (maximum 5 pages)
• Any other information deemed relevant.

For more information, visit http://www.ecreee.org/procurement/consultancy-develop-training-modules-and-conduct-training-trainers-clean-mini-grids-west

8. Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Scholars Award Program for Females in STEM

The Johnson & Johnson Scholars Award Program aims to fuel development of female STEM2D leaders and feed the STEM2D talent pipeline by awarding and sponsoring women at critical points in their careers, in each of the STEM2D disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing and Design.

The awards will fund early to mid-career women working within a STEM2D university department. The goal is to fuel the research passion of the awarded women and inspire career paths in their respective STEM2D fields. Johnson & Johnson is looking to identify global women leading in both their research fields and leading as mentors, to be a vision for girls and other women in STEM2D.

Requirements

You must be a woman working in the field(s) of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing and Design (STEM2D).

You must be an early to mid-career women working within a STEM2D university department at the time of application at an accredited academic university, institution or design school. Examples include a non-tenured assistant professor, assistant professor or associate professor.

The female scholar should have a minimum degree for the appropriate field:

• Science; M.D., Ph.D.
• Technology; Ph.D.
• Engineering; Ph.D.
• Math; M.S., Ph.D.
• Manufacturing; Ph.D.
• Design; M.A., M.S., MDes, MArch, MFA, MLA, Ph.D.BenefitsThe Scholars Award is a three-year award in the gross amount of $150,000, which will be paid to the University (the “Recipient”) for the benefit of the Johnson & Johnson Scholar and her research, with the understanding that the Recipient will administer the funds. The Scholars Award will be paid in three (3) installments of U.S.$50,000 per year of the three-year scholarship period, payable in 2022, subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the program’s Agreement. Winner’s achievements will also be showcased at a symposium.

  Application Procedure:

  In addition to general contact details and demographics, the scholar applicant is responsible for the provision of documents into the application system, including non-confidential letters of recommendation.

  Also Read: Funding Opportunities for African Businesses

• Submit a university or school department head letter of recommendation (Note: each university /
• institution can support one applicant per STEM2D discipline; six applicants in total).
• Write 1,000 words detailing your proposed area of research. One additional page can be added for images, or references.
• Submit your resume (three pages, font size 11), including a list of publications, presentations, abstracts, current financial support already obtained, other folio work and two references.

Submit a brief outline of your budget for proposed research. (Note: a template is provided if needed.)

For more information visit; Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Scholars Award Program for Females in STEM

9. Africa Union Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification Essay Contest 2022 for young Africans (Fully Funded to Niamey, Niger)

The African Union Summit 2022 Essay Contest is organized in an effort to harness the energy, creativity, and initiative of the African youth in promoting a culture of sustainable development in Africa, with a particular focus on industrialization and innovation in Africa. It also aims to inspire African society to learn from the young minds and to think about how each of them can make a difference in our continent’s future. In a nutshell, the

essay contest will serve to open up dynamic conversations and spur reflection and action by leaders on addressing issues on Industrialization from the perspective of young people and push for much-needed reforms.

The essay contest is organized by the African Union Commission as an activity within the preparation for the upcoming African Union Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification, scheduled to

be held in Niger, in November 2022.

AU Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification:

Theme:

Our youth should inspire the way we think and act, and they shape the society we live in. As an African youth, what kind of industrialization should be prioritized to maximize the synergies with Africa’s development agenda towards the overarching objective of achieving sustainable development and prosperity for all? In doing so, how can our African leaders best pursue the envisaged industrialization pathway?

Eligibility;

• The competition is open to young people 15 – 35 from All African Union Member States.
• Only one entry per person.
• The essay can be submitted in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish)

Awards:

The following awards will be given to the three best essays respectively:

• 1st Prize will receive:
• AUC issued Certificate
• Round trip from home country to the AU Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification in Niamey, Niger.
• Accommodation during the said Summit
• Present the essay to the Summit to leaders, and technical experts
• 2nd and 3rd prize:
• AUC issued Certificate
• Publication on the AUC website.

The outcome of the Essay Competition;

The winning essay will be presented at the AU Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification in Niger. The essay will be used as a guideline, a voice of young people and their views on the promotion of SMEs and Innovation on the continent especially leveraging from the AfCFTA.

The essay should be centered around the Summit theme, elaborate the challenges and actions within the region and solutions to those challenges. It should also include one of the AU Agenda 2063 aspirations:

• Aspiration 1: A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development
• Aspiration 2: An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance
• Aspiration 6: An Africa, whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children.

Activities and Tasks;

• A selection panel will read and judge the best essay submitted
• The winner will present his/her essay at the AU Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification in Niger.
• Novelty: Essays must be original and unpublished. Plagiarized entries will be rejected.
• Copyright of the contested essays: will be assigned to the organizer.

Format specifications:

• Arial size 12
• 5 spacing
• 2000 – 3000 words maximum
• PDF or MS Word version

Timeline:

• Call for essay submissions: 31st August 2022.
• Application deadline: 30th September 2022
• Selection of the winner: October 2022
• Announcement of the winner: October 2022

Submission Procedure;

All essays must be sent to AIW2022@africa-union.org by the 30th of September 2022 at 23:59 pm EAT.

Authors must also sign and send a copy of the attached Attestation of Authorization form.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2022

For More Information; African Union Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification | African Union

10. USADF Accelerate Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge 2022 (up to $250,000)

Applications are open for the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) Accelerate Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge 2022. The Challenge is an initiative of USADF’s Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Portfolio designed to address Africa’s youth bulge, economically empower youth and women, and impact job creation across Africa.

The Accelerate Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge is intended to invest in Micro, Small, and Mid-Size enterprises (MSMEs) that:

• Address Africa’s youth bulge by prioritizing job creation to enhance youth productivity and livelihoods.
• Economically empower youth and women to apply business solutions to social problems and create sustainable employment across Africa.
• Addresses unmet needs of underserved and at-risk communities and/or market demand.
• Formalize market opportunities and supply chain linkages for youth and women-owned MSME.

 Grant;

Winning applicants will receive:

• Grant capital of US$50,000 to US$250,000 from USADF.
• Access to intensive local technical assistance and governance support.

 Eligibility;

• Applicants must be 100% African-owned and -managed private companies;
• Be registered and operating in Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
• Express clearly how they will benefit underserved populations across Africa including showing demonstrable positive impacts for youth and women.
• Express clearly how they will achieve sustainable growth.
• Document adequate expertise in the field they are proposing or document how they will acquire the necessary expertise.
• Clearly document how they will use USADF grant capital to carry out their concept.

 Application;

Applications will be accepted from September 6, 2022, to September 30, 2022. Proposals received after the closing date will not be accepted. Applications are on a first come, first served basis, so it is advised that applications are submitted well ahead of the window close.

Click here to download the application form https://opportunitydesk.org/2022/09/08/usadf-accelerate-africa-entrepreneurship-challenge-2022/

Deadline: September 30, 2022.

For more information, visit https://www.usadf.gov/sites/default/files/inline-files/