Deadline: June 30, 2025 Africa’s education sector continues to face deep-rooted challenges in access, equity, and quality. In response, the African Union (AU), through the Innovating Education in Africa (IEA) initiative, has officially launched the Call for Submissions: Innovating Education in Africa 2025, inviting organizations across the continent to share and scale their proven education innovations. This opportunity not only offers financial support but provides high-impact visibility across the AU member states. If your organization is ready to make a difference in Africa’s education systems, this is your chance. About the Innovating Education in Africa Initiative The IEA initiative was…
Author: Oluwole Omojofodun
Deadline – June 30, 2025 Early-stage innovators and aspiring founders are invited to apply for the Elev X! Ignite Venture Studio Program Batch 14, a transformative 6–9 month program designed to take groundbreaking ideas from concept to market. Backed by NEC X, this initiative supports ideation-stage entrepreneurs in building prototypes, validating their ideas, and launching scalable ventures. If you’re passionate about innovation and eager to bring your vision to life, Elev X! Ignite Venture Studio Program Batch 14 could be the springboard you need. About the Program Elev X! Ignite is a venture studio program tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, particularly…
Deadline: June 30, 2025 The Mastercard Start Path Emerging Fintech Program 2025 is officially open for applications! This global initiative supports growth-stage fintech and climate-tech startups with the resources, mentorship, and strategic partnerships needed to scale. If you’re a fintech innovator looking to unlock global markets, this is the opportunity to accelerate your impact—without giving up equity or paying fees. About the Mastercard Start Path Emerging Fintech Program 2025 Since 2014, Mastercard’s Start Path program has helped more than 400 startups across 54 countries achieve global scale. The 2025 edition of the Mastercard Start Path Emerging Fintech Program 2025 continues…
Are you a creative animator, educator, or storyteller passionate about sustainable development and children’s education? The Muna Kalati SDG4Kids Animation Contest 2025 invites animators across Africa to create compelling, child-friendly animations that promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative is a powerful opportunity to combine art, education, and social impact—while gaining exposure, mentorship, and funding. About the Muna Kalati SDG4Kids Animation Contest 2025 Launched by Muna Kalati, a leading African organization dedicated to children’s literature and media, the Muna Kalati SDG4Kids Animation Contest 2025 is designed to engage youth through animations that highlight the relevance of the SDGs…
Deadline: August 3, 2025 The Black Atlantic Editorial Fellowship 2025 is now open for applications, offering five emerging editors and writers across Africa a unique platform to shape compelling stories rooted in Blackness and the African experience. With remote editorial mentorship, a $500 monthly stipend, and support to curate local conversations, this six‑month programme is a game‑changer for storytelling leaders. What is the Black Atlantic Editorial Fellowship 2025? Hosted by The Republic, this fellowship empowers early- to mid-career editors, journalists, researchers, and curators from West, East, Southern, North, and Central Africa. Over a six-month period, fellows will commission stories, write…
Deadline: July 15, 2025 Are you passionate about peacebuilding and youth leadership? The CYPAN Country Representatives 2025 programme offers young changemakers across the Commonwealth a rare opportunity to serve as national leaders for peace, cohesion, and youth empowerment. This is your chance to represent your country and shape impactful initiatives over the course of a dynamic 12-month appointment. If you’re between 15–29 years old and eager to lead youth development at a national level, the CYPAN Country Representatives 2025 opportunity may be your next big step. What is CYPAN? The Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN) is a youth-led organization…
Deadline: July 31, 2025 The ABFF 30th Anniversary Commercial Competition 2026 is now open to aspiring and professional filmmakers, offering an exciting opportunity to win up to $10,000 and gain national visibility. Hosted by the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), this competition calls on creative minds to submit a dynamic 30-second commercial celebrating “The Homecoming”—a powerful theme for ABFF’s 30th milestone. If you’re passionate about visual storytelling, culturally rich content, and showcasing your voice on a grand stage, this is the competition for you. About the ABFF 30th Anniversary Commercial Competition 2026 The ABFF 30th Anniversary Commercial Competition 2026 is…
Deadline: June 25 The Cassava Changemakers Pitch Competition 2025 is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators across Africa to showcase their cassava-powered solutions. With a prize pool of up to ₦5 million, this competition is designed to support startups leveraging cassava to solve real-world challenges in food, industry, agriculture, and sustainability. Whether you’re an early-stage founder or a growing agri-tech business, this is your chance to turn innovation into impact. About the Cassava Changemakers Pitch Competition 2025 Organized by Startup Canada and profiled by Opportunity Desk, the Cassava Changemakers Pitch Competition 2025 is a…
For startups, nonprofits, and social enterprises, the journey toward growth begins long before your first grant proposal is written. One of the most crucial early steps, often overlooked, is developing a clear, actionable mission statement. Before you apply for funding, recruit your team, or build your brand, your mission must be defined and embedded into everything you do. In this post, we explain why your new company needs a mission statement before its first grant application, how to write one effectively, and what role it plays in attracting donors, aligning teams, and maintaining strategic focus. What Is a Mission Statement?…
For many Nigerian entrepreneurs, non-profit leaders, and innovators, securing funding is the single biggest hurdle to turning a powerful vision into a tangible reality. The landscape of finding grants in Nigeria can seem complex and highly competitive. However, with a strategic, informed, and persistent approach, you can unlock the financial support needed to fuel your mission. This ultimate checklist for 2025 is more than just a list; it’s a comprehensive roadmap. It will guide you systematically through every critical stage, from initial preparation to the final submission and beyond. Whether you’re leading a community-based organization, launching a tech startup, or…