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Grants & Funding

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Helping African women discover grants, funding, scholarships and opportunities to grow.

Grants

Grants for African women

Grants

Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

Tony Elumelu Foundation

Region
All 54 African countries
Who Can Apply
African entrepreneurs aged 18+ with a business idea or existing business (0–3 years).
Benefit
USD 5,000 non-refundable seed capital, 12-week training, mentorship and network access.
Deadline
Annual — opens January each year

Africa's largest philanthropic programme empowering 1,000 African entrepreneurs every year.

Apply Now Official Website

Grants

AWDF Grantmaking Programme

African Women's Development Fund

Region
Africa & the Middle East
Who Can Apply
African women-led organisations advancing women's rights.
Benefit
General support and project grants (USD 8,000 – USD 100,000).
Deadline
Recurring calls — check portal for current cycle

The first Africa-wide fund resourcing autonomous women's organisations across the continent.

Apply Now Official Website

Grants

AfDB Africa Youth Agripreneur Forum Grants

African Development Bank (ENABLE Youth)

Region
AfDB member countries
Who Can Apply
Young African agripreneurs, women prioritised.
Benefit
Seed funding, incubation and business development support.
Deadline
Annual programme — check AfDB calls

Financing and capacity-building for youth-led agribusinesses across Africa.

Apply Now Official Website

Grants

Cartier Women's Initiative

Cartier

Region
Global — Sub-Saharan Africa regional award
Who Can Apply
Women-run, women-owned for-profit businesses 1–6 years old with social/environmental impact.
Benefit
Up to USD 100,000 in grant funding plus INSEAD executive programme and mentorship.
Deadline
Annual — applications typically open May–June

International award celebrating women impact entrepreneurs, with a dedicated Sub-Saharan Africa laureate.

Apply Now Official Website

Grants

SheTrades Commonwealth+

International Trade Centre (ITC)

Region
Selected Commonwealth African countries
Who Can Apply
Women-owned/led SMEs seeking export readiness.
Benefit
Grants, technical assistance and access to global buyers.
Deadline
Ongoing calls — see SheTrades Hub

UN-backed programme connecting women entrepreneurs to international markets and finance.

Apply Now Official Website
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