For African innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and social impact leaders, exciting funding opportunities are opening up across the continent and beyond.
From tech solutions to social development projects, these grants offer financial support, mentorship, visibility, and networking opportunities.
Here’s a curated list of programs Africans can apply for before 2026.
1. UNDP Nigeria: Digital Solutions to End Digital Violence Against Women & Girls (2025)
Deadline: December 12, 2025
Who Can Apply: Nigerian innovators creating tech or tech-enabled solutions that address digital violence against women and girls.
Eligible applicants include youth-led teams, women-led startups, digital safety innovators, NGOs with existing digital tools, and tech founders based in Nigeria.
What’s in It for You:
* Gain national recognition and visibility
* Showcase your solution at the UNDP Innovation Centre in Lagos
* Join multi-stakeholder dialogues with government agencies and tech regulators
* Receive documentation and media coverage of your solution
How to Apply: Applications are submitted via the UNDP Nigeria digital innovation portal (linked on the official call).
2. Africa Impact Fundraising Grant Program 2025
Applications Open: December 2025
Who Can Apply: African organisations driving social change, community development, or donor-funded projects.
NGOs, social enterprises, and community-focused nonprofits seeking fundraising support are eligible.
What You Get:
* Up to $5,000 to boost project fundraising and development
How to Apply: Submit your application through the Africa Impact Fundraising Program online form on the official announcement page.
3. IJURR Foundation Writing-Up Grants 2026
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Who Can Apply: PhD candidates from low- or middle-income countries who have completed fieldwork and are now in the writing-up phase of their dissertation.
Benefits Include:
* Up to £6,000 to cover living expenses, writing costs, and university fees
How to Apply: Submit your application, a detailed proposal, and two reference letters through the IJURR Foundation online portal.
4. Blue Food Futures Research Grant Program 2026
Deadline: Rolling (applications accepted until positions are filled)
Who Can Apply: Early-career researchers, PhD students, and professionals working in aquatic food systems, climate, sustainability, or nutrition.
Applicants must be affiliated with a university, NGO, or research institution.
Why Apply:
* Receive up to $10,000 in research funding
* Travel support for fieldwork
* Mentorship and access to a global research network
* Opportunities to present findings at international conferences and policy events
How to Apply: Submit your research proposal and CV via the Blue Food Futures grant portal.
5. Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW Programme 2026
Deadline: December 31, 2025
Who Can Apply: Young South African entrepreneurs aged 18–35 with innovative businesses that have been operating for at least six months. Startups should show traction with annual turnover between R250,000 and R10 million.
What You Get:
* Funding between R200,000 – R1,000,000 (grant or soft loan)
* Comprehensive business development support
* Technical assistance and mentorship
* Guidance on growth strategy and scaling your business
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Orange Corners Innovation Fund online portal.
Conclusion
These grants and funding programs offer more than just money—they provide mentorship, visibility, and pathways to scale your ideas, research, and businesses.
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Whether you’re developing a tech solution to fight digital violence, conducting groundbreaking research, or building an innovative startup, these programs can give your project the boost it needs.
Start planning now, meet the deadlines, and seize the opportunity to transform your vision into real impact.
