Geographic-specific opportunities
Nigeria: The iDICE Startup Bridge Programme is accepting applications from Nigerian founders across two tracks: a Founders Lab (idea/early-stage) offering performance-based grants of up to $7,000, and a Growth Lab (post-MVP) offering $100,000 in equity investment plus access to up to $125,000 in matching funds, alongside 12 weeks of structured training and mentorship. Apply here.
Deadline: 19 April 2026
Pan-African opportunities
The Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award 2026, a 6-month accelerator for women founders building proven solutions in health and food security in emerging markets, is accepting applications. Selected ventures will receive ~$29,000 in funding, tailored business development support, and access to the Impact Hub global network. Eligible applicants must lead women-founded, revenue-generating (up to $1 million) social enterprises or hybrid organizations. Apply here.
Deadline: 13 April 2026
Africa’s Business Heroes 2026 is accepting applications from impact-driven entrepreneurs in Africa. 10 finalists will share a prize pool of $1.5 million in grant funding alongside mentorship and training. Eligible applicants must be registered and operating in Africa, with demonstrated revenues and market traction of at least 3 years. Apply here.
Deadline: 28 April 2026
The Gates Foundation Grand Challenges initiative is accepting applications for its Innovations in Cost-Disruptive Tools for Diagnosis and Screening challenge, targeting innovators developing low-cost diagnostic devices and screening tools for deployment in low- and middle-income countries. Selected organizations will receive grants ranging from approximately $300,000 for proof-of-concept projects up to $1 million for more mature platforms. Apply here.
Deadline: 28 April 2026
Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation is seeking applications from high-impact social enterprises in Africa. Selected innovators will receive up to $300,000 and intensive capacity support. Learn more.
Deadline: N/A (Applications are accepted year-round)
