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ABIL Explore 2026 Open Call for Kenyan Earth Observation Innovators

Africa Business Innovation Lab (ABIL) / Kenya Space Agency

ABIL Explore supports early-stage Earth Observation ideas, technologies and applications moving from concept toward validated products, services or technologies. The programme covers upstream and downstream innovation, including satellite systems and AI-enabled Earth Observation applications across agriculture, climate, energy, infrastructure, health and mobility. Selected projects receive technical coaching, co-design support, structured feasibility support and funding of up to EUR 50,000. The indicative activity duration is up to nine months. Applications received by 11 September 2026 at 1:00 p.m. EAT will be considered in the 2026 evaluation round.

Location: Kenya

Deadline: Sep 11, 2026

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startup program

ABIL Invest 2026 Incubation for Kenyan Earth Observation Startups

Africa Business Innovation Lab (ABIL) / Kenya Space Agency

ABIL Invest is a nine-month business acceleration and incubation programme for Kenyan startups and SMEs developing market-oriented Earth Observation products and services. It supports companies moving from validated concepts toward commercialisation and scale. Selected companies receive expected non-dilutive funding of EUR 20,000, workspace access in Nairobi, business coaching, technical guidance on Earth Observation integration, investor matchmaking, and connections to African venture funds and the ESA Investor Network. Applications received by 11 September 2026 at 1:00 p.m. EAT will be considered in the 2026 evaluation round.

Location: Kenya (Nairobi incubation)

Deadline: Sep 11, 2026

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grant Featured Remote

WHO Africa and TDR Impact Grants 2026-2027

WHO Regional Office for Africa and TDR

Overview The 2026-2027 Joint WHO African Region/TDR Impact Grants support implementation research projects that address regional public health priorities in Africa. The call is jointly launched by the WHO Regional Office for Africa and TDR, the WHO-hosted Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases. Purpose The grants are intended to strengthen research capacity and generate practical evidence that improves how public health interventions are delivered in real-world, resource-constrained settings. Strong projects should move beyond academic interest and show how findings could improve health systems, disease control, service delivery, or public health decision-making. Funding focus Projects should be implementation research linked to regional health priorities. Suitable proposals may examine delivery barriers, adoption of health interventions, community implementation, cost-efficient service models, health-system improvements, or approaches for applying evidence in practice. Eligible applicant types The opportunity is relevant to researchers and public health practitioners in universities, research institutes, ministries of health, public health programmes, NGOs, professional societies, and civil service organisations involved in health research. Collaboration across institutions and countries is encouraged. Application languages Applications can be submitted in English, French, or Portuguese. How to apply Applicants must submit electronically through the eTDR portal before 15 September 2026 at 17:00 CEST. Review the official call documentation carefully before preparing the proposal.

Location: WHO African Region

Deadline: Sep 15, 2026

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competition Remote

ITEC 2026 Southern Africa Track for Startups

ITEC / Founders Lair / MARATTO

The Southern Africa Track of the 14th ITEC Global Entrepreneurship Competition is open to eligible startups from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The track is delivered through Founders Lair and MARATTO and is intended for founders interested in accessing Beijing’s Chaoyang innovation, investment and market-entry ecosystem. The competition is industry-agnostic, with highlighted areas including artificial intelligence, industrial AI, data and digital technologies, digital healthcare and smart eldercare, smart hardware, embodied intelligence, metaverse/Internet 3.0, digital culture, aerospace and future industries. Eligible stages include bootstrapped, pre-seed, seed, angel, pre-Series A and Series A. Awards listed by the programme include one Grand Prize of CNY 5,000,000; five First Prizes of CNY 2,000,000 each; ten Second Prizes of CNY 1,500,000 each; fifteen Third Prizes of CNY 1,000,000 each; twenty Rising Star Awards of CNY 300,000 each; and Innovation Recognition Awards. Final award numbers may change based on participant quality. Prize conditions matter: recipients of Third Prize or above receive 40% in the first year and 60% in the second year based on development in Chaoyang. Awarded projects are generally expected to establish a legally operating entity in Chaoyang, Beijing to receive rewards and services. Rising Star and Innovation Recognition Awards are described as lump-sum payments. The programme also offers policy support, space services, financial and resource matching, support for international founders, market-entry connections, investor and industry exposure, incubation opportunities, mentorship and expert feedback. Applications are open until 15 September 2026 at 3:59 PM as displayed on the programme page; no timezone is shown, so applicants should submit early. Online semi-finals are planned for September to October 2026, global finals for late October, due diligence for November, and the Innovation Summit and award announcement for early 2027. Applicants create or log in to a Founders Lair account, complete the online application and submit through the Southern Africa Track page. The programme estimates approximately 15 minutes to complete the application.

Location: Southern Africa; virtual selection with global finals linked to Beijing, China

Deadline: Sep 15, 2026

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job Featured

Shine 2027 Swiss Re Foundation Urban Climate Innovation Accelerator

Swiss Re Foundation

Overview Shine 2027 is the Swiss Re Foundation's accelerator and grant programme for early-stage social entrepreneurs building climate solutions for cities. The 2027 edition, Shine for Cities, focuses on practical innovations that help urban communities reduce emissions, adapt to climate risks, and become more inclusive and resilient. Focus areas The programme targets urban climate solutions in energy transition, building efficiency and electrification, sustainable transport, waste and circular economy, urban nature and land use, and climate data, governance, and monitoring. Support offered Selected ventures receive grant funding, Swiss Re expertise, business and leadership coaching, support for developing scalable business models, climate innovation networks, and potential follow-on support. The programme can include an initial grant and a later pitch-linked funding pathway, with possible larger follow-on support for ventures that demonstrate scale. Who it is for Shine is for entrepreneurs who have moved beyond the idea stage. Applicants should have an MVP, pilot, or early commercial activity and should be operating in or serving one of the participating city chapters. How to apply Review the official Swiss Re Foundation Shine 2027 page and submit through the official awards portal before 15 September 2026.

Location: Selected cities including Cape Town and other global city chapters

Deadline: Sep 15, 2026

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grant Remote

GAFSP 9th Call for Proposals for Country-Led Projects

Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP)

Overview The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) has launched its 9th Call for Proposals for country-led projects. The call will provide approximately USD 163 million in grant financing for high-impact, scalable investments that help eligible low-income countries strengthen agriculture and food systems over the medium and long term. GAFSP supports country-led investments that strengthen food security, build resilience, and improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers and rural communities in the world's poorest countries. The 9th Call places emphasis on agricultural productivity, market access, climate resilience, empowerment of women and girls, and more sustainable and inclusive food systems. Who this is for This is primarily for eligible national governments, working in partnership with an approved GAFSP Supervising Entity. It is not a direct grant for individuals, farmers, NGOs, small businesses, academic institutions or private firms to apply for on their own. Organizer Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP). Format and location Type: country-led agriculture and food security grant call. Location/format: eligible low-income countries. The call is expected to finance between 6 and 10 projects. Deadline Proposals and required supporting documents must be submitted by 15 September 2026. Funding and support highlighted Approximately USD 163 million is available under the call. Funding will support high-impact, scalable investments that strengthen agriculture and food systems. Priority will be given to high-quality proposals showing strong country ownership, implementation readiness, co-financing, and innovative approaches to food security and nutrition challenges. Eligible Supervising Entities Applicant governments must work with an eligible GAFSP Supervising Entity. Investment Supervising Entities include the African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Inter-American Development Bank, and World Bank. FAO and WFP may serve as additional Supervising Entities for technical assistance activities. Role for NGOs, farmer groups and private sector actors Civil society organizations, farmer organizations, private firms, local governments, academic institutions, individual farmers and individual organizations cannot apply directly. However, GAFSP expects governments to engage farmers, producer organizations, women groups, private sector actors, civil society and development partners when preparing proposals. These groups should liaise with the ministry responsible for agriculture or food security in their country. What strong proposals should show - alignment with national agriculture and food security plans - strong country ownership - implementation readiness - co-financing and evidence of secured or expected co-financing - innovative and integrated food security solutions - meaningful stakeholder engagement - clear measurement framework for food security and nutrition outcomes - institutional capacity and implementation arrangements Documents and details to prepare - confirm country eligibility - identify the responsible agriculture or food security ministry - engage an approved Supervising Entity early - align the proposal with national agriculture and food security priorities - collect stakeholder input from farmers, producer organizations, women groups, civil society, private sector and development partners - prepare co-financing evidence or letters of intent - review the official call guidelines, FAQs, selection criteria and required documents

Location: Eligible low-income countries

Deadline: Sep 15, 2026

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grant

GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program 2026

IUCN / Global Environment Facility / RTI International

The GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program supports civil society organizations to scale or replicate innovative environmental solutions that benefit people and the planet. Eligible projects can focus on community management of threatened ecosystems and species, sustainable agriculture and fisheries and food security, low-carbon energy access, chemicals and waste management, or sustainable urban solutions. Selected organizations can receive up to US$300,000 in direct grant funding for projects lasting up to 24 months, plus tailored technical support, capacity building, visibility, peer learning and partnership support. The current call for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific and Oceania closes on 15 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Proposals may be submitted in English, French or Spanish through the official grants portal.

Location: Africa and other eligible regions

Deadline: Sep 15, 2026

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grant

AU-EU Youth Action Lab Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grants 2026

AU-EU Youth Action Lab

The AU-EU Youth Action Lab has opened its final Call for Proposals for youth-led organisations working on solutions to global challenges or advocating for stronger economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs. The programme connects youth initiatives across Africa and Europe and uses a powershifting approach in which young people help review and select proposals. Applicants must choose only one of two grant tracks. Innovation Grants provide EUR 42,000 for youth-led organisations to design, test, adapt, improve or scale an innovation linked to a global challenge. Eligible work may create local impact, contribute to longer-term systems, policy or practice change, support the SDGs or Agenda 2063, and generate learning that can be shared across Africa and Europe. Entrepreneurship Grants provide EUR 31,500 for youth-led organisations advocating for an enabling environment in which young entrepreneurs can start and grow businesses. The final round focuses on addressing structural barriers faced by young entrepreneurs through advocacy and related youth-led action. Both grant tracks run for 12 months, from January to December 2027. Selected organisations receive grant funding, mentorship and capacity-development support, and opportunities to share their work with peers, decision-makers and stakeholders across Africa and Europe. Applications close on 23 September 2026 at 13:00 Central African Time. Applicants should first read the relevant official funding manual, confirm eligibility, select one grant track, develop the proposal and submit it through the official application route. Innovation Grant questions may be sent to innovation@aueuyouth.com; Entrepreneurship Grant questions may be sent to entrepreneurship@aueuyouth.com.

Location: 12 eligible African countries, including Zambia

Deadline: Sep 23, 2026

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startup program

Askya AI Growth Platform 2026

Askya Investment Partners / Magna Collective

The Askya AI Growth Platform is a six-week, zero-equity growth programme helping African AI startups turn technology into revenue. The programme offers weekly one-to-one coaching, masterclasses from experienced founders and technology leaders, structured access to corporate buyers, cloud and AI infrastructure, tools and partner benefits, and a public cohort reveal at Moonshot by TechCabal in Lagos. Cohort companies may also receive up to US$200,000 in equity investment from Askya. Participation itself carries zero fees and takes no equity. Applications close on 30 September 2026 and must be completed by a founder.

Location: Africa; Lagos showcase

Deadline: Sep 30, 2026

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funding Remote

Common Fund for Commodities 29th Call for Proposals

Common Fund for Commodities

Who this is for SMEs, cooperatives, social enterprises, NGOs and public/private entities in CFC member countries, including African countries. Organizer Common Fund for Commodities Format and location Type: funding. Location/format: CFC member countries / Remote. Deadline 1 October 2026 at 00:00 Benefits and support highlighted Review the overview above for the specific funding, prizes, mentorship, exposure, incubation, training, investment-readiness support or other benefits confirmed from the source. Where an amount or benefit is not stated, Tech Kaizen does not invent it; applicants should confirm it from the official details page. Documents and details to prepare - organization registration/profile where applicable - problem statement and target beneficiaries - project concept note, workplan and budget - team profile and implementation capacity evidence - impact data, traction, financials or farmer/community reach where requested

Location: CFC member countries / Remote

Deadline: Oct 1, 2026

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competition

CoCreate Pitch 2026 Product-Based Startup Competition

Alibaba.com CoCreate / Accio

Overview CoCreate Pitch 2026 is a global product-based startup competition for entrepreneurs, SMEs, students, and product innovators. Participants compete for a prize pool worth more than USD 1 million while gaining investor exposure, media visibility, business networking, and access to Alibaba.com and Accio resources. Prize structure Each regional competition awards major prizes, including a gold prize of USD 200,000, silver prize of USD 100,000, bronze prize of USD 50,000, and USD 10,000 for other finalists. Prizes are described as 50% cash and 50% Alibaba.com credits or coupons. Competition tracks Applicants can enter through the General SMEs Track for existing small and medium businesses, the 0-to-1 Startup Track for early-stage product ideas, or the Student Track for university and college students developing product innovations. Timeline and active deadlines Some regional deadlines have already passed. As of 19 August 2026, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur applications close on 25 August 2026, while London applications close on 5 October 2026. Los Angeles and Seoul deadlines listed in the source have passed. Application process Applicants register through Accio Work, complete the AI-assisted application, and if selected, prepare for a 90-second product pitch before judges. Regional finalists are selected before the live pitch events.

Location: Global regional pitch events: London, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and other cities

Deadline: Oct 5, 2026

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grant Featured Remote

Interledger Local Impact Mini-Grants 2026

Interledger Foundation

Overview The Interledger Local Impact Mini-Grants support community-led work that expands digital financial access, open payments, financial inclusion, open-source innovation, and digital public infrastructure. The programme is designed for people and organisations with direct knowledge of the communities they serve. Funding available Selected projects may receive between USD 500 and USD 3,000. The funds are intended for direct project activities rather than routine organisational operating costs or capital expenditure. What projects can do Eligible activities include meetups, community conversations, workshops, demos, hackdays, participatory learning sessions, local ecosystem gatherings, research, storytelling, awareness campaigns, content, and community education linked to open payments and digital financial access. Priority communities Applications are global, but priority is given to projects serving the Global South, rural communities, peri-urban communities, and areas with limited access to formal financial services. Project duration and review Applications opened on 6 July 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis until 11 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET/EDT. Projects must be completed within six months of accepting the grant, with priority review for projects completing before 31 December 2026. Application requirements Applicants submit through Submittable and should prepare the application form, a two-page concept note, a project budget, and an implementation timeline. Successful applicants may also be required to publish a project introduction blog and a final summary blog with results, metrics, photos, documentation, and lessons learned. How to apply Review the Interledger grant factsheet and resource folder, prepare a realistic project concept and budget, then submit through the official Submittable application link.

Location: Global / priority for Global South, rural and peri-urban communities

Deadline: Nov 12, 2026

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