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Heifer International has launched the 2026 AYuTe Nigeria challenge, a competition awarding $40,000 in grants to climate-smart agritech solutions. The grand prize winner will receive $20,000, with second and third place taking home $12,000 and $8,000, respectively. Beyond the funding, these young innovators transforming Nigerian agriculture will receive professional mentorship. The grand finale is set for May 2026 in Abuja.
Cape Town will host the Africa Green Economy Summit 2026 from February 24-27. Centered on the theme "From Ambition to Action," the summit connects decision-makers with investors to accelerate green and blue projects. With a focus on closing the climate funding gap, the event will feature 50 bankable projects in sectors like renewables, sustainable farming, and electric mobility.
Applications are open for the 2026 Female Founder Award, a global programme recognising women-led tech startups. Held during Viva Technology in Paris, the competition offers winners greater exposure, mentorship and support in raising funds. Applications close on Feb. 2, 2026, and selected finalists will be presented at the event.
The ICT Africa Summit, a flagship event on innovation, digital transformation and connectivity, will return for its sixth edition on April 21-23, 2026, at the SAFEX Exhibition Center in Algiers. The summit will bring together policymakers, companies, startups and investors, with the aim of supporting a more inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem across Africa. Following the 2025 edition, this year’s event will highlight innovation and cross-border collaboration to speed up the continent’s digital transformation.
Algeria will host the African Digital Transformation Summit this March 28-30. Preparations are already in full swing following a meeting between the Secretary-General of the ATU and Algerian Minister Sid Ali Zerrouki at the 2026 Algeria Optical Summit. The summit aims to turn high-level discussions into measurable actions that drive the continent’s digital transition and attract sustainable investment.
The 2026 RegTech Africa Conference, scheduled for May 20–22, will host a regional qualifying round of the Startup World Cup in Abuja. The event will give African startups a platform to pitch their solutions to investors and policymakers. The winner will advance to the global final for a chance to secure a $1 million investment and boost its international visibility.
The 2026 Albert Schweitzer International Prize, with a total prize fund of €50,000, supports healthcare projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Three winners will receive €25,000, €15,000 and €10,000, respectively, to implement practical solutions to improve healthcare access and quality within 12 months. Applications are open until February 6, 2026, through the Dutch fund’s online portal.
Mali’s Minister of Communication, Digital Economy, and Modernization of Administration, Alhamdou Ag Ilyène, has announced the launch of Digital Week, scheduled for January 29-31, 2026, in Bamako. Themed "E-Government in the Era of Artificial Intelligence," this year’s event will feature Burkina Faso and Niger as guests of honor, with a core focus on Sahelian cooperation, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.
Ghana-based Stars From All Nations (SFAN) has secured a grant from the British Council Ghana to train 100 creative entrepreneurs. Through its ReadyforWork platform, SFAN will offer training in business and digital skills to help young talent build sustainable companies. Applications for the program are open through Friday, January 30.
The UK-Kenya Tech Hub and Viktoria Ventures have launched Startup 360 Connect to boost early-stage investment in Kenya. In partnership with Anza Village and POV, the "Angel Leads" program will provide hands-on training in deal sourcing, syndication, and due diligence. The goal is to cultivate a new generation of local investors capable of providing sustainable support to innovative startups. Applications are open through Friday, January 30.
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The EridanSeed SME Venture Scale 2026 program is open to high-growth Nigerian small and medium-sized businesses looking to scale. It offers $25,000 in funding, mentorship and networking, and aims to help founders build new sources of revenue. Open to all sectors, the program combines capital with operational support. Applications close on Jan. 31, 2026.
The AgriTech4Tunisia Innovation Challenge 2026 is accepting submissions from startups, researchers and entrepreneurs seeking to address Tunisia’s agricultural challenges, including water scarcity and climate risks. Backed by the Accelerate for Impact platform, the program offers a bootcamp, technical support and access to investors. Applications are open until Feb. 12, 2026.
The Founders Smith Accelerator Program 2026 is accepting applications from African startups.
The program offers mentorship, strategic guidance and access to investors, aimed at strengthening business models and supporting growth. Open to startups across sectors, it helps founders prepare for regional and international markets. Applications close on Jan. 30, 2026.
Carbon AI will host the AI in Action conference in Lagos on Jan. 22, 2026, centering on the theme "Driving Productivity, Innovation, and Sustainability—Building the Future in AI Together."
The event will bring together founders, engineers, and experts to explore practical applications of artificial intelligence, including generative models. With a focus on real-world impact, the gathering aims to promote the ethical and collaborative adoption of AI across Africa.