Geographic-specific opportunities
Nigeria, South Africa & Kenya: The Reckitt Catalyst Global Programme is accepting applications from entrepreneurs improving access to healthcare, water, sanitation, or hygiene through business-to-business and/or business-to-government models. Selected social enterprises will join an acceleration program offering masterclasses, mentorship from Reckitt experts, investor network access, and flexible financing of up to $30,000. Applicants must be generating revenue and be legally
Deadline: 9 August 2026
South Africa: The SAVax Innovation Challenge, run by GIZ with the EU, BMZ, and South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, is accepting applications from solutions addressing unmet needs in women’s health across biotechnologies (diagnostic screening) and pharmaceuticals (drug delivery and therapies). One winner per stream will receive a grant of €75,000 to develop, validate, and scale their innovation. More information is available here.
Deadline: 31 August 2026
Pan-African opportunities
The Wharton Africa Business Forum New Venture Competition is accepting applications from founders whose businesses have a direct connection to Africa. Top 5 finalists will pitch to investors, competing for up to $30,000 in non-dilutive funding. Eligible ventures should have fewer than 50 full-time employees and have raised less than $250,000 to date. Apply here.
Deadline: 1 August 2026
The Gates Foundation Grand Challenges initiative is accepting applications for its AI-Enabled Consumer Engagement to Advance Family Planning challenge, seeking innovators using AI-enabled direct-to-consumer tools to improve contraceptive uptake and continuation among women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa. Selected projects will receive awards of up to $500,000 over a 12-month grant term. Applicants must have an existing women’s or consumer health user base in key sub-Saharan markets. Apply here.
Deadline: 25 August 2026
DIV Fund is accepting applications from startups, non-profits, researchers, and social enterprises with innovative solutions addressing social and economic challenges in developing countries, including in health. The fund is structured across three stages: up to $200,000 at Stage 1 to test and validate a concept; up to $500,000 (and in exceptional cases $750,000) at Stage 2 to scale; and up to $1.5 million at Stage 3 for large-scale expansion. Applicants can be based anywhere globally but must demonstrate a clear, cost-effective solution with strong potential for scale and measurable impact. Apply here.
Deadline: 30 September 2026
We’re hiring!
Salient Advisory is recruiting a Senior Consultant to join our team. As a key member of our team, the Senior Consultant will be responsible for leading technical analyses in support of client projects and supporting key client relationships. Responsibilities will include leading research and complex analyses, developing and delivering structured communication to clients, providing direction to consultant teams, ensuring quality control of project delivery, building the firm’s reputation and expertise through knowledge development and thought leadership, and more. The role is fully remote, and applicants must be based in Africa. Read more.
Deadline: 12 August 2026
