Funding Opportunities For African Businesses

1. Ekhaga Foundation Grant Program

 The Ekhaga foundation has launched a grant program to promote human health by working for the development of better food, natural medicines and healing methods, as well as supporting research for a healthier way of life, which in itself can have a disease-preventing effect. A central idea is to focus more on preventive active healthcare than on reactive symptom-fighting healthcare. The same applies to the agricultural and food sector, where the focus should be on seeking methods that can prevent various problems from arising instead of focusing on their manifestations. The focus should not be on fighting problems but on finding methods to prevent their occurrence.

Research Areas

• Better and healthier food
• Nutritional physiology and lifestyle
• Naturopathy and natural medicines

Eligible Funding

The Ekhaga foundation can grant funds for the following types of costs:

• Direct cost of salaries including reasonable wage cost charge for people active in the project.
• Cost of equipments, instruments and materials.
• Cost of travel.
• Premises costs
• Miscellaneous

Eligibility Criteria

• The Ekhaga foundation has no restrictions regarding which country an application comes from. They accept applications from all over the world.
• For applications that do not come from Europe, Canada, or the USA, the foundation recommends that the application includes a collaboration with a Swedish partner who is practically involved in the implementation of the project.
• For applications from Europe, the foundation also has no formal requirements that only one institution (university, college, research institution, etc.) can apply for grants. For applications from other countries, an organization or institution must be the managing body for the project. Ekhaga foundation welcomes applications from everyone (including private individuals), but please observe the requirements for scientificity regarding the project’s construction, implementation and evaluation.
• It is possible to apply for scholarship funds from the foundation, but this is usually only granted for research-related projects. Ekhaga foundation do not finance basic education.

Also Read: Funding Opportunities for African Businesses

For more information, visit

https://www.ekhagastiftelsen.se/instruktioner.shtml

2. Umoja Incubator Programme for Aspiring Developers in the Renewable Energy

The Incubator Programme, dubbed the ‘Umoja Incubator’, invites aspiring developers in the renewable energy industry who have big ideas but lack the experience or financial capabilities to submit their proposals to the Serengeti initiative. There is a strong opportunity of investing in renewable energy across sub-Saharan Africa. Although Africa has an enormous renewable energy potential and many local developers have already identified suitable sites, the lack of experience or development capital hinders meaningful project development. The Umoja Incubator addresses this situation by linking up strong early-stage renewable energy projects with access to development capital.

Bring your Renewable Energy Project to Life

‘Umoja’ is Swahili for unity and a symbol of their goal is to give aspiring renewable energy developers in sub-Saharan Africa the tools they need to successfully complete their projects. The incubator will allow you to gain access to funding and global networks along with commercial and technical knowledge.

• Project Funding – Receive financing and construction opportunities for your project from Serengeti Energy.
• Global Networks – Connect to renewable energy market leaders by tapping into Serengeti Energy’s vast resources.
• African Import – Be a part of the renewable energy movement and empower Africa for a brighter tomorrow.
• Training & Workshops – Grow your skills and deepen your knowledge in the renewable energy industry with world-class trainers and resources.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible to participate in the incubator program, the project you present must adhere to the following rules:

• Be submitted by its owner(s) or (jointly “owners”) or by its/their representatives.
• Be located in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
• Not be located in a protected area as defined by IFC Performance Standard 6 and IUCN.
• Use renewable energy technology (wind, solar and hydro only) with a size between 3MW – 50MW and limited to a maximum of 25MW for hydro power projects.
• Have passed the “Idea Stage” and at a minimum an MoU or EOI.
• Have a viable offtake strategy and be located in a country with policies and regulations allowing IPPs.
• Up to 30MW for hydro with little or small community impact as possible.

For more information, visit

https://www.serengetienergy.com/incubator/#

3. United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security: Call for Proposals 2022

For the 2022 Call for Proposals, the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS) is accepting proposals for human security awareness and usage programmes only. The UNTFHS will focus the 2022 Call for Proposals on programmes to extend awareness of the human security approach and its levels. For these programmes, the total contribution from the UNTFHS should not exceed US$300,000 for a period of 12 – 18 months.

Proposals should focus on one or more of the following:

• Developing and piloting a human security integrated methodology, building upon most recent thinking and existing tools such as the Human Security Handbook, and updating tools such as conflict analysis and vulnerability assessments, among others, to ensure that no one is left behind in rebuilding after crises, including Covid-19 and conflict.
• Related to the above, proposing an integrated methodology that accounts for cross-cutting issues such as climate change and the environment, health, digitization, inequality and exclusion, and/or works at the intersection of major agendas such as the 2030 Agenda and the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, among others.
• Preparing and testing operational guidance on how to use the human security lens to develop crisis responses to support Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams in crisis contexts, including in operationalizing the humanitarian-development peace nexus.
• Elaborating human security strategies to ingrain a preventive lens in data collection, programme planning, or policy development to better prepare for or mitigate the impacts of compound crises that could derail sustainable peace and development.
• Establishing mechanisms and processes that enhance trust and collaboration among communities, between communities and governments, and across a range of stakeholders, based on the human security approach.

What kind of programmes does UNTFHS support?

The UNTFHS supports two distinct types of programmes:

• Those that mainstream and advance the operational impact of the human security approach and
• Those that extend the global awareness of the human security approach and its usage.

Funding Information

• For operational programmes, the UNTFHS provides seed funding of up to US$ 2 million and applying organizations must pool additional resources of at least US$ 3 million for a programme period of two or three years. At the concept note stage, the applying organizations must provide indications of pooled resources (co-funding) and evidence of prospective funding as part of the full programme proposal. Resources can be from the UN system, Governments, foundations, the private sector and local partners, and can include in-kind contributions.
• For programmes that aim to extend awareness and usage of the human security approach, the seed funding from the UNTFHS should not exceed US$300,000. There is no lower limit for the pooling of resources (co-funding) for these programmes, however, additional resources should be included in the total budget.

Eligibility Criteria

• UN organizations who are bound by UN Financial Regulations and Rules are eligible to apply for funding from the UNTFHA. Applications submitted by the individuals and non-UN organizations will not be accepted. However, the UNTFHS promotes programmes that engage a broad range of relevant partners, including national and local stakeholders, civil society and the private sector.

For more information, visit

https://www.un.org/humansecurity/trustfund/faqs-2-2/

4. Call for Applications: Elisabeth & Amelie Fund

The King Baudouin Foundation is seeking applications for Elisabeth & Amelie Fund to enable foreign masters’ students to do an internship in sustainable water management in a developing country. The Elisabeth & Amelie Fund supports sustainable water management in developing countries, among others by financing on-the-spot internships for students from developing countries who are studying in Belgium. The Elisabeth & Amelie Fund takes into consideration an integrated approach to water management that includes technical and/or sociological aspects. The internship will take place in a developing country (the student’s country of origin or another country). it will be tied to a master’s thesis or an equivalent and under the responsibility of the Belgian academic institution where the student is studying. This grant consists of a direct financial compensation for students that covers the costs of stay in a developing country (OECD-DAC countries, out of Europe) within the framework of their education. It is required that this stay has an academic finality, in the sense that it supports the work for the end of year thesis of the students’ educational programme in Belgium. Prior approval by the promotor/supervisor is mandatory.

Funding Information

• The grant will cover the expenses inherent to the internship, up to a maximum of €5,000. This includes, but it is not limited to costs of transportation (flight tickets), costs of accommodation (sleeping accommodation), and costs of purchase/use of material.
• The internship which should last 1 to 2 months, must take place between December 2022 and the end of August 2023. About ten grants shall be awarded.
• The Elisabeth and Amelie Fund will not finance general purpose equipment such as computers, cameras, Dictaphones etc.
• The Elisabeth and Amelie Fund may finance equipment required specifically for the internship, such as GPS, multi-parameter probes, etc.

Eligibility Criteria

This grant can only be allowed to students that are (cumulative criteria):

• Nationals of a developing country (OECD-DAC countries, outside Europe)
• Currently following an educational programme, master, bachelor after bachelor or master after master, at a BELGIAN educational institution (University or Haute Ecole).

Also Read: Funding Opportunities for African Businesses

For more information, visit

https://www.kbs-frb.be/en/call-scholarships-2022-elisabeth-amelia-fund

5. Global Accelerator Program for Tech Nonprofits

 The Fast Forward is inviting applications for 2023 Accelerator Program to support and scale tech nonprofits.

What makes the Fast Forward Accelerator special?

Fast Forward’s program is designed to address the unique needs of tech nonprofits:

• Capital: Fundraising strategies (including tactics and sources of capital) are different for tech nonprofits at every stage of the fundraising process as compared to their for-profit peers. There are also unique challenges and opportunities available to tech nonprofits in particular, which they will help you navigate.
• Content: Their curriculum is different. Yes, tech nonprofits must focus on product, scaling, and growth. However, tech nonprofits also need to learn about board development, governance, leveraging volunteers, and other issues to nonprofits. The knowledge base they have put together for tech nonprofits differs substantially from what for-profits would find valuable.
• Customer: Because of their focus on impact over profit, nonprofits often chase the least profitable customer, which impacts go-to-market strategy and customer life cycle in a way that is different from for-profits.
• Cohort: Entrepreneurship is lonely. Tech nonprofit entrepreneurship even more so. Tech nonprofit leaders tell us that because of their nonprofit focus they do not quite fit into for-profit accelerators, and because of their tech/product focus they do not quite fit into nonprofit fellowships. They share a set of challenges unique to this intersection, and they are excited to go through a program with others like them as well as provide each other ongoing support as their organizations grow.
• Community: Key to their mission is building closer ties between the nonprofit and for-profit tech community. The tech world has the opportunity to have a huge impact on these organizations and therefore the world. Their focus on collaborative philanthropy is quite different from non-profit accelerators, which do not need to invest heavily in community building due to the nature of venture investing.

Benefits

• Get Funded: Receive a $25,000 philanthropic grant.
• Get Schooled: learn from tech and social sector leaders.
• Get connected: meet investors and like-minded founders.

Eligibility Criteria

They accept tech nonprofits from around the world (their 2022 cohort included teams from India and Spain). They require that at lest one member of your team is present (virtually) at every session, and present (in person) at any real-life events.

For more information, visit

https://www.ffwd.org/accelerator/?utm_campaign=2023%20Accelerator&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

6. Facebook Community Accelerator Program 2022 for Community Leaders (up to $40,000)

 Facebook is pleased to announce its Community Accelerator Program to provide training, support and funding to enable great communities to make an even greater positive impact in the world. In their discussions with community leaders over the last few years, Facebook learned that many of them are looking for support and guidance in how to grow their communities’ impact. They want to take a holistic approach to supporting these communities.

Benefits

• Funding: Receive grant money to help fund work that advances your community’s goals. This year they look forward to awarding up to $40,000 per community through our Grant Management Partner GlobalGiving.
• Coaching & Development: Develop yourself and your community through a customized curriculum and personalized coaching to strengthen your community. Work on a development plan to execute an initiative of your choice.
• Connection: Knowledge-share with fellow top community leaders, network with key players in the industry and access direct support.

How are you selecting participants?

The selection committee will look for communities who would benefit most from the unique programming offered and have the capacity to engage fully in the program. This includes:

• Vibrant Community: A community using Facebook Groups that has existed for over one year and has a highly engaged member base starting and participating in meaningful conversations.
• Purpose: The community and its leadership team has a clear purpose and vision.
• Capacity: A team that has the capacity to create initiatives that activate and benefit their members.
• Leadership: The leader(s) of the community have leadership experience, including managing teams, projects and volunteers.
• Sustainability: The community is interested in having or already has a business model to cover their costs, even if it is not recurring revenue.
• Commitment: A team that is committed to engage fully in each stage of the program.

For more information, visit

https://www.facebook.com/community/accelerator/

7. WGAPE Small Grant Program for African Researchers

The Working Group in African Political Economy (WGAPE) is pleased to announce a Small Grant Program for junior African researchers to explore a question of interest in African political economy. Funding can be used to support the investigators’ time, research assistance, survey or other data collection costs, data purchase or storage, travel, and other reasonable research expenses. Indirect Costs are not permissible for these grants. They invite submissions that reflect WGAPE’s broad research agenda on the political economy of African development, including ethnic politics, civil conflict and violence, decentralization and democratization, corruption, local governance, public economics, and other related topics. Successful proposals will include a quantitative, empirical component. Research that is purely theoretical or qualitative will not be funded under this RFP; however, mixed-methods research designs will be accepted.

Funding Information

• Individual projects may apply for funding up to $17,500.
• Successful applicants will receive between $6,000 and $9,000.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is restricted to junior African scholars, who are pre-PhD, in a PhD program, or within five years of receiving their PhD. This refers to individuals who are:

• currently studying at a university or research institute in Africa,
• and/or currently teach at an African university or research institute.

Note

• Junior African scholars collaborating with scholars based outside of Africa are eligible to apply for this grant; however, if awarded, funds will be transferred directly to the Africa-based applicant. Given that the objective of the program is to support junior African scholars, collaborations with non-African researchers will receive additional scrutiny.
• Unaffiliated researchers (i.e., those who do not study, teach, or conduct research at a university, international institution, center, or government department) are not eligible to apply.

For more information, visit

https://cega.berkeley.edu/announcements/wgape-2022-small-research-grants-request-for-proposals/

8. Impact of Climate Change on Health Research Grants 2022

 The Medical Research Foundation is inviting applications for collaborative research grants, from mid-career researchers working on the impact of climate change on health. Projects should aim to develop a new collaboration or solidify an existing partnership between two researchers, expanding their research networks and building their research profiles to develop emerging research leaders in both countries. Research supported through these grants should aim to increase understanding of the mechanisms underpinning, and processes involved, in the impact of climate change on infectious diseases and other non-infectious health outcomes that disproportionately affect tropical regions.

Funding Information

Applicants may apply for a research grant of up to £300,000 to support their collaborative project, over a maximum of a three-year period. The Foundation has committed to making £4,000,000 available in this area.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications should represent a collaborative project between a mid-career researcher who is a national of and based in a sub-Saharan African country, from an organization with an established legal entity in sub-Saharan Africa, and a mid-career UK-based researcher at an eligible institution (UK HEIs, Research Council research institutes, hospitals, and other independent research organisations), Nationality and country of residence/employment, may be different.
• UK-based applicants must hold a PhD, DPhil or MD, are expected to have postdoctoral experience and be in the process of, or be ready for, transition to research independence.
• Sub-Saharan Africa-based applicants must hold a PhD, DPhil or MD, have active research experience and be in the process of, or be ready for, transition to research independence.

For more information, visit

https://www.medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk/grants/impact-of-climate-change-on-health-research 

9. Ecobank Fintech Challenge 2022 for African Tech Innovators and Entrepreneurs ($50,000 in cash prizes)

The Ecobank Fintech Challenge identifies and partners Fintechs that are ready to scale and provides them with support and access to opportunities in Ecobank’s 33 African markets. The goal? To contribute to their growth as potential Pan African Fintech success stories.

Also Read: Coronavirus Vaccine Possible by Jan 2021, Lifts Hopes of Economic Rebound and Oil Price

Requirements

• The Challenge is open to all Fintechs on the African continent. Interested Fintechs can apply by sending details of their product as well as a demo here.
• These products must address one or more of a specific set of pain points which can be found here.

Benefits

• The selected finalists participate in the Ecobank Fintech Challenge Grand Finale.
• The ultimate winner for 2022 will be awarded a cash prize of $50,000. All finalists are inducted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship, which affords them the opportunity to explore deals, integration and commercial partnership with the Ecobank Group.

Timeline

• Late August – Mid-September 2022
• Late September 2022: Get shortlisted
• Mid-October 2022: Become a finalist
• Late October 2022: Pitch at Challenge event/win cash
• Late October 2022: Get inducted into Ecobank Fintech Fellowship
• November 2022 – April 2023: Explore Integration & commercial partnership opportunities with Ecobank Group

For more information

Visit the Official Webpage of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge 2022

10. Media Defence Peer Support Programme for Women Lawyers in sub-Saharan Africa

Media Defence is calling for applications from women lawyers based in sub-Saharan Africa to participate in a peer support programme, which s aimed at women lawyers with demonstrated interest in digital rights, as well as in independent peer learning and peer support with fellow women lawyers. The peer support programme will be the first such initiative within our new project Empowering Women in Digital Rights Advocacy. Media Defence aims to provide platform for newly trained women lawyers to build their expertise and confidence, and to receive support on various issues relevant to women lawyers. At the same time, the peer support programmes shall allow more experienced women lawyers to contribute to developing a strong professional network and to increase their competence and confidence by offering guidance to their peers.

The peer support programme will be designed as a one-to-one programme – one experienced lawyer will be matched with a newly trained lawyer taking into account their interests and backgrounds. Successful applicants will be matched and commit to meeting with their partner once a month online over a course of 12 months from October 2022 to October 2023. Participants will become active members of our Media Defence network, which will provide further opportunities for engagement regionally and internationally to develop a sustainable network of women lawyers.

Eligibility Criteria

Participants will be selected on the following criteria:

• Th peer support programme is open to women lawyers who work and reside in sub-Saharan Africa;
• Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in and/or knowledge of freedom of expression, digital rights, internet freedom and/or related issues.
• Previous attendance at one of Media Defence’s litigation surgeries;
• Applicants must be proficient in English;
• The women lawyers can either be working in private practice or be working for or be affiliated with NGOs promoting the right to freedom of expression in East Africa through litigation. Exceptionally strong applications from lawyers who have not yet undertaken freedom of expression work, but have experience litigating other human rights cases and have a strong interest in undertaking freedom of expression work will be considered as well;
• Potential for future collaboration with Media Defence; and,
• Commitment to the continued engagement with the network of digital rights lawyers in the region.

How to apply

• Please complete the application form and submit it to Hanna Uihlein at uihlein@mediadefence.org The deadline for applications is 30 September 2022.
• Shortlisted applicants will be notified soon after the closing date.

For more information

Visit the Official Webpage of the Media Defence Peer Support Programme for Women Lawyers