Funding Opportunities for Businesses: British Council Sub-saharan Africa Cultural Exchange Programme 2021
Funding Opportunities for African Businesses
- British Council Sub-saharan Africa Cultural Exchange Programme 2021 for Creatives
Artists, art organizations, festivals, arts professionals and creative sector researchers based in Sub-saharan (SSA) Africa or the United Kingdom (UK) are called to apply for grant through Cultural Exchange Programme for African Arts organized by The British Council. The initiative is designed to promote international cultural exchange despite the limitation of human movement throughout the world by COVID-19. The emphasis will be on collaborating virtually to research or deliver digital arts projects with a partner based in the target countries and the UK
Interested applicants can apply for grants in three categories: 1. Grants for research between Sub-saharan Africa and UK creatives and artists. The grant is up to £5,000. 2. Grants for new or early-stage connections/collaborations between artists, art professionals and partners in SSA and the UK. Grants range from £5,000-£10,000. 3. Grants to support new large scale art co-creation between individuals and organizations in SSA and UK. Grants range from £20,000-£30,000. Categories 2 and 3 require at least one SSA artist and one UK artist.
Art forms and disciplines of interest are: Literature, Visual Arts, Music, Film (including Gaming, Virtual and Augmented Reality), Theatre and Dance, Architecture, Fashion and Design. For more information, visit https://www.britishcouncil.org/arts/sub-saharan-africa/cultural-exchange
2. DFS Labs Blockchain Bootcamp
Africa-based Fintech companies, blockchain native companies and crypto-curious companies seeking growth or trying to add digital asset solutions into their models are invited to participate in this year’s version of the Blockchain Bootcamp. the programme is designed to give early to mid stage startups in the continent to equip them with practical tools, education and financial support to create viable solutions that fit local needs. During the three- day Bootcamp, companies will present and defend their solutions and the most promising will be awarded prizes from $5,000 to $20,000
There is an avenue for follow-on funding for more grants and potential investment from The Stellar Enterprise Fund and other investors…
Cross-border or multi-currency payments, access to financial services, financial inclusion in emerging markets, banking, payment processing, lending, payroll and treasury management are some of use cases to be explored .
New models that could be explored are asset management, compliance, NFTs, gaming, charity donations, trade finance, liquidity and more.
To apply visit, https://sufficient.typeform.com/to/CyKRnKl2. Deadline for application is August 20, 2021
3. Pitch AgriHack 2021
Africa-based Agricultural businesses leveraging technology are invited to participate in the seventh edition of Pitch AgriHack The competition is created to spot and amplify efforts of young Innovators in building resistance beyond COVID-19 through digital agriculture products and services.
It will be hosted by Generation Africa, a thematic form of Africa Green Revolution Forum.
Early stage, growth stage and women-led agricultural companies are eligible to participate. Innovations that are scalable and impactful to Africa’s food systems are of interest.
A total of $45, 000 will be shared amongst the winners of the competition.
For scalable ventures which are already making measurable impact for Africa’s smallholder farmers, up to $1.5m in grants will be awarded courtesy of the AYuTe Africa Challenge sponsored by Heifer International. For more information, visit https://genafrica.org/pitchagrihack/. Deadline for application is August 16, 2021
4. Goethe-Institut/Prince Claus Fund Mentorship Award 2021 for artists and cultural practitioners
Artists and cultural practitioners from anywhere in the world setting up initiatives and rethinking responses to environmental change and climate crisis are invited to participate in a mentorship programme organized address climate emergency using interdisciplinary approach. The initiative which is organized by Goethe-Institut and Prince Claus Fund consists of two labs (week-long mentoring intensives, one in-person and one online), bi-monthly online masterclass and peer group sessions and award ceremony/visitors programme in Amsterdam and Berlin.
Each participant will receive €6,000 to work on the concept of a body of work they outline in their application and an extra €4,000 for either a collaboration with other participants or their concept requires extra budget to be realized.
For more information, visit https://princeclausfund.org/open-calls/open-call-mentorship-awards-with-goethe-institut. Deadline for application is August 26, 2021
5. Green People’s Energy Challenge 2021 for Energy Access Innovators
Sub-Saharan Africa-based non-profit and for-profit organizations and for-profit organizations with renewable energy projects are called to participate in Green People’s Energy Challenge. Through the programme, GPE aims to contribute its quota towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy (SDG7).
The areas of interest are: Increasing Off-Grid System Sustainability and Reducing Carbon dioxide through Energy Access
Solutions presented must have prospects of continuity after implementation. Evaluation of projects will be based on administrative eligibility and technical suitability.
For any inquiries, send an email gbe-cc@gfa-group.de.
For more information, visit https://gruene-buergerenergie.org/wp-content/uploads/GBE-SPF_Challenge-Call_Conditions-and-Criteria_giz.pdf
Deadline for application is August 31, 2021
6. The GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2022 for Agtech Start-ups in Africa
Digital technology start-ups in Africa working on innovations in agriculture or food sector are called to participate in this year’s version of GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Programme designed to support them in improving their financial models, having access to investors and expanding their networks. Other benefits of participation include: weekly advisory and coaching sessions; additional services in terms of legal advice, marketing, coding, product optimization, etc.; hub integration; access to GIZ-SAIS network; extended services; meet-up events in terms of workshops and virtual meetings
Digital solutions addressing the impact of COVID-19 will be given special consideration.
Innovations in the areas below are of interest: eSkills, eLiteracy, eLearning, precision farming, access to market, digital payment, supply chain management, supply management, food delivery, animal and crops health, soil fertility, logistics and transport, e-commerce, gamification, big data, data analysis, open data, data protection, data security, cybersecurity, crowdsourcing, digital and storytelling
In terms of technology, the following areas are of interest: Internet of things, precision farming, artificial intelligence, virtual/augmented reality, 3D- printer, robotics, digital learning software (eLearning system, MOOC platforms, opens educational resources), database, blockchain, information-management systems (IMS), monitoring, controlling systems, GIS (Geographic Information Systems)/Mapping, SMS-services, web platforms, Apps, social media and big data analysis systems.
https://vc4a.com/giz/giz-sais-investment-readiness-programme-2022/application/
To apply, visit. Deadline for application is August 31, 2021
7. Princeton Arts Fellowship
Early career composers, conductors, musicians, choreographers, visual artists, filmmakers, poets, novelists, playwrights, designers, directors, performance artists, etc., who are interested in spending two years to teach and work in artistically vibrant teaching community are called to apply for Princeton Arts Fellowship.
The status of a fellow will be conferred on artists whose achievements have been recognized as promising in any area of artistic practice and teaching.
The normal work assignment will be to teach one course each semester subject to approval by the Dean of the Faculty, but fellows may be asked to take on an artistic assignment in lieu of a class, such as directing a play or creating a dance with students.
A stipend of $86,000 a year will be provided.
Interested applicants should submit a resume or CV and a personal statement of 500 words stating how two years of the fellowship will influence their career. Also works samples should be uploaded online.
To apply, visit https://puwebp.princeton.edu/AcadHire/apply/application.xhtml?listingId=19742. Deadline for application is September 14, 2021
8. Energy Access Booster 2021
Africa or Asia based start-ups working Sustainable Mobility are called to participate in Energy Access Booster 2021.
The programme targets projects at the development stage and companies which focus on the following sub-themes: navigation and mapping tools; shared mobility; ride-hailing; delivery services; connecting isolated communities; mass movement systems; non-motorized transport; cleaner vehicles and Infrastructure.
Successful applicants will benefit from at least one of the following: a financial contribution of up to $50,000 per selected entrepreneur; strategic advisory support; operational support; increased visibility for their venture and company. To apply, visit https://energyaccessbooster.com/application-2021/. Deadline for application is August 15, 2021
Also Read: Funding Opportunities for Businesses: MEST Africa Entrepreneurial Training Programme
9. MEST Africa Entrepreneurial Training Programme
Technophile youths who are degree holders living in Ghana and Nigeria are invited to participate in the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) Africa Training Programme designed to build the capacity of aspiring entrepreneurs as solution developers in regional and global markets. They will be trained on market research, product development and innovation, revenue and business modelling, branding and communications, financial management interests, market and growth hacking, legal and regulatory compliance, metric and measurements, sales and traction and preparation for investments. Some pre-learning courses must be completed before application. For more information, visit https://mest.submittable.com/submit/196094/mest-training-program-class-of-2022-extension. Dealing for application is September 17, 2021
10. The ITU Global South COVID-19 Digital Innovation Challenge
In order to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, the international Telecommunication Union (ITU) and United Nation for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) have organized an innovation challenge to identify, recognize and support the development of digital communities accelerating digital transformation for life after the pandemic.
The challenge is open to governments, NGOs, private sector and start-ups, research institutions, academic and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
The digital solutions should address curbing the transmission of the virus, mitigating the socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic and improved recovery.
Winners will receive seed funding of $25k, additional fund-raising and resource mobilization support from UNOSSC through a crowdfunding window via https://www.southsouth-galaxy.org/. For more information, visit https://cocreate.itu.int. Deadline for application is July 31, 2021
11. IBM Code Global Challenge for Developers Worldwide.
Developers and problem solvers around the world are invited to participate in the Call for Code Global Challenge. The aim is to develop solutions addressing specific problems created by climate change. Areas of interest are: Clean water& sanitation, Zero hunger and Responsible production & green consumption. For a solution to be considered, it must use one or more IBM Cloud services or IBM Systems. Deployment of sponsor or affiliated APIs and open source libraries is also allowed.
Interested applicants are expected to form teams of at least five participants, each member not less than 18 years. There is also the University Challenge that allows students to also participate.
All winners will be invited to the Call for Code Global Award Announcement and support from the Linnux Foundation. $200,000 will equally distributed amongst them while $35,000 will be shared by the runners-up. For the University Challenge, each member of the winning team will receive a share out of $10,000 and also an opportunity for an interview for a potential role in IBM. For more information, visit https://callforcode.org/global-challenge/. Deadline for application is July 31, 2021.
Also Read: Funding Opportunities for Businesses: UNLEASH Plus Incubation Programme
12. DAAD Helmut-Schmidt- Programme (Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance)
Highly qualified first degree holders (with or without experience) in the fields of law, political science, economics and administration from developing countries nursing the ambition to take leadership roles in their home countries are invited to apply for DAAD Helmut-Schmidt- Programme (Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance).
The fully funded programme aims to prepare them for their future endeavours in terms of social and economic development of their home countries.
To be eligible, an applicant must have graduated within the last eight years. Selected applicants will benefit: study and research grant worth up to €861 per month for master’s degree courses at German tertiary institutions, health insurance cover in Germany, travel allowance between Germany and the developing countries in question, rent subsidies and family supplement.
For information on the application procedure, visit https://static.daad.de/media/daad_de/pdfs_nicht_barrierefrei/in-deutschland-studieren-forschen-lehren/ausschreibung_helmut-schmidt-programm_en.pdf. Deadline for application is July 31, 2021
13. Africa’s Business Heroes Competition
African social entrepreneurs who are impacting positively on their communities are called to participate in Africa’ Business Heroes Competition founded by Jack Ma. The purpose of the competition is to spot and grant support to the next generation of African sociopreneurs in their quest for a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future.
Ten finalists will compete for a share of $1.5 million. Other benefits are: global recognition, networking, mentorship and training. To apply, visit https://africabusinessheroes.org/en/the-prize/overview. Application opens from June 7, 2021 to November 30, 2021
14. Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize for Agri-tech Solutions
Innovators with agri-tech solutions which are able to increase economic value to farmers are called to participate in Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Programme 2021
The competition focuses on accelerating progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2: no poverty, no hunger. There are two competition rounds: (1) Design round where teams will submit their design and business model (2) Finalist round where teams will develop their prototypes and conduct field tests on small and medium-sized farms in Africa.
All participating teams will receive a 12-week experiential learning program courtesy of Stanford Center for Professional Development. Upon completion, a certificate will be issued. There will also be mentoring from industry experts and pitch/feedback sessions
Winning teams will receive $1m grand prize with $1m additional prizes.
They will also have access to: investors, data analysis and networking opportunities. For more information, visit https://milkenmotsepeprize.org/. Deadline for application is December 8, 2021
