UNESCO CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP

 UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development 2027 — What You Need to Know Before You Apply

Nairobi is set to host one of UNESCO's biggest education gatherings of the decade, and the buzz around it has already spread across Instagram and opportunity pages. If you've seen the flyer, here's the real story, pulled straight from UNESCO's own website, so you know exactly what it is and how to engage with it the right way.

What Is It?

The UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) 2027 will hold from 13–15 January 2027 in Nairobi, Kenya, hosted by UNESCO and the Government of Kenya, with support from Japan, Germany, and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development.

The theme is "Learning in Action. Shaping Our Future." It marks the halfway point of UNESCO's ESD for 2030 framework, so the conference will take stock of progress made, spotlight challenges, and set direction for education's role in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, inequality, and conflict over the next five years. Expect ministerial dialogue, plenary sessions, youth-led discussions, and thematic sessions on green skills, digital transformation, and social-emotional learning — with some sessions livestreamed for global audiences.

Who Is It For?

The conference is designed for a wide mix of education stakeholders, including:

-Teachers, school leaders, and university lecturers

-Researchers and professors

-Education policymakers and government representatives

-Youth leaders and student advocates

-Civil society organisations, NGOs, and development partners

-Indigenous communities and education practitioners

Eligibility by country: The conference is open to participants from all countries — there is no regional or national restriction on who can engage with it.

Deadline

There are two separate timelines to keep straight:

-Call for Proposals (for organisations) — open now, closing 31 August 2026. This is for organisations wanting to co-organise thematic sessions on sustainability, climate action, education, equity, or innovation.

-General registration to attend — UNESCO's official page states registration "will open soon." No fixed date has been published yet.

If you're an individual hoping to attend rather than co-organise a session, there's nothing to submit yet — the smart move is to watch for the registration announcement rather than applying through a third-party link.

Application Link

Go straight to the source: https://www.unesco.org/en/sustainable-development/education/2027-conference

For questions, UNESCO's official contact is ESDworldconference@unesco.org.

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 Founders Fund Africa Creative Economy Accelerator Program 2026: Up to $50,000 for Creative Entrepreneurs

If you've been building something in music, film, design, or creative tech and wondering where the "big break" funding is supposed to come from — this one's for you. Applications are officially open for the Founders Fund Africa Creative Economy Accelerator Program 2026, and it comes with real money attached: $20,000 to $50,000 per selected startup.

What Is Founders Fund Africa?

Founders Fund Africa (FFA) is a $1 million initiative built to back African creative entrepreneurs — the founders turning talent and hustle into scalable businesses. The fund was unveiled during Chocolate City Group's 20th anniversary celebration in October 2025, launched by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.

It's a partnership between three serious players:

-Chocolate City Group — the music and entertainment powerhouse behind FFA

-Argentil Capital Management Limited — investment partner

-Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) — implementing partner, one of Africa's most established innovation hubs

This 2026 Creative Economy Accelerator Program is the first cohort under this fund.

Who Is It For?

This accelerator is looking for founders building in:

-Music

-Film & Media

-Design

-Creative Tech

To be eligible, based on the official criteria:

-Nigerian heritage — at least one founder on the team must be of Nigerian descent

-Africa-based operations — your business must be located in Africa and primarily serve African markets

-Creative industry focus — your venture must operate in or directly support music, film, gaming, content creation, or creative technology

Beyond the checklist, they're really asking: Do you have a clear vision for solving a real problem in the creative economy? Can you show early market traction or customer validation? Are you committed to building this full-time? Do you want more than money — real mentorship and strategic guidance?

If you're nodding "yes" to all of that, this is worth your time.

What Do Selected Startups Get?

Only 10 high-potential startups will be selected for this inaugural cohort, and they'll receive:

-$20,000–$50,000 in funding, structured as flexible convertible notes

-Expert mentorship from industry veterans and successful entrepreneurs

-Strategic networks — connections to distributors, platforms, partners, and customers across Africa and beyond

-Community access — joining a growing network of Africa's most ambitious creative founders

-Applicants will be assessed on business model strength, market opportunity, innovation, execution capability, and their potential to build something sustainable within Africa's creative economy.

Deadline and How to Apply

Application deadline: 28th August 2026

Apply here: https://forms.gle/fKKohMHbjxzrNHgn9

Learn more: www.foundersfundafrica.com

Don't wait until the last week. Take time to be clear about your problem statement, your business model, and your growth plan — Argentil Capital's Investment Principal, Sylvester Ayisi, has specifically urged applicants to clearly demonstrate the problem they're solving and their long-term vision.

Why This Matters for Arewa and Nigerian Creative Founders

Africa doesn't lack talent — it lacks infrastructure. That's the exact gap this fund says it's building. For founders in fashion, design, content, and creative tech across Northern Nigeria and beyond, this is a rare opportunity where you don't have to leave the continent — or compromise your story — to access serious capital and mentorship.

If you're building something real in the creative space, this could be the funding and network push your business needs to scale in 2026.

Eligibility snapshot: Open to startups operating in Africa (any African country), with at least one Nigerian-descent founder required on the team. Business must primarily serve African markets.

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 Accelerate Africa Startup Programme 2026: Up to $500,000 for Early-Stage African Founders

If you're building a startup that solves a real problem for Africans and you're ready to think bigger than your local market, this one is worth your attention. The Accelerate Africa Startup Programme 2026 is open, and it comes with mentorship, investor access, and a shot at serious funding.

What It's All About

Accelerate Africa is a 12-week accelerator run by Future Africa, in partnership with Itana and a network of co-investors and ecosystem partners. It's been running for over a decade, and has worked with founding teams behind companies like Andela, Flutterwave, Moove, and DukaConnect.

Each cohort takes just 10 founders who get hands-on, 1:1 support from advisors who have actually built, invested in, and exited businesses across Africa. The programme is structured around five core areas:

-Storytelling — crafting a compelling mission, vision, and impact narrative

-People & Ops — building and leading a high-performing team

-Go-to-Market — finding your path to your first $1 million in revenue

-Product Development — building something your customers can't live without

-Fundraising — pitching to top investors at Demo Day

-Here's the part that makes it different from a typical accelerator: Accelerate Africa doesn't take equity or hand out funding just for being accepted. Instead, after the programme, founders get access to an optional investment from the Future Africa fund — a pre-seed or seed-stage cheque of $250,000 to $500,000, subject to due diligence and an investment committee vote.

To date, the Accelerate Africa and Future Africa portfolio spans 162 companies, 170 founders, $2.92 billion in funds raised, across 37 countries — from over 1,900 applications received.

Who It's For

This programme is built for early-stage African founders who are:

•Building technology-driven, scalable solutions in sectors like agtech, fintech, climate tech, logistics, healthtech, AI, or digital platforms

•Solving a real, pressing challenge on the continent — not just chasing a trend

•Serious about growing a globally competitive business rooted in Africa

•Ready to commit fully to a structured, intensive 12-week programme

Eligibility: Open to founders across all African countries — this is a pan-African programme, not restricted to a single country or state. There is no application fee and no upfront equity requirement to apply.

Deadline

25th July 2026

That's just around the corner, so if you've been sitting on this one, today is the day to move.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the official portal:

🔗 https://acceler8.africa/ (application login at coach.acceler8.africa/login)

You'll be asked to share your pitch, proof of traction, details about your team, and your growth plan — so have those ready before you start filling the form, rather than trying to piece them together halfway through.

For questions, the team can be reached at hello@acceler8.africa.

If you're an Arewa founder building in agtech, fintech, or any of the sectors above, this could genuinely be the push your business needs to go from local to global. Don't let the deadline catch you unprepared — start your application today.

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 Institute for Youth in Policy (YIP) Fall Fellowship 2026 🏛️

Build your public policy and advocacy skills — from anywhere in the world... well, almost.

If you've been dreaming of a seat at the policy table, the Institute for Youth in Policy (YIP) has opened applications for its Fall 2026 Public Policy Fellowship. This is one of the most talked-about youth policy programmes globally, and it's currently making the rounds on opportunity pages — so let's break down exactly what it is, who it's really for, and what you need to know before you apply.

What Is It All About?

The YIP Fellowship is an intensive two-month programme that helps emerging leaders build real skills in public policy and advocacy. Fellows don't just sit in on lectures — they get hands-on with:

✅ Policy research and brief writing

✅ A personal capstone project that gets published and can be viewed by thousands

✅ Mentorship from policy professionals and community leaders

✅ Two weekly synchronous sessions (Wednesdays 8pm EST and Saturdays 12pm EST)

✅ A peer network of young changemakers across sectors — social change, urban renewal, SMART infrastructure, education, and more

It's a fairly light weekly commitment — most fellows report about 4–6 hours a week, including meetings and project work — so it's built for students juggling school and other commitments.

Who Is This Best For?

According to YIP, the fellowship is designed for:

-High school and undergraduate students

-Young researchers and aspiring policymakers

-Advocates and youth leaders interested in social change

⚠️ Important Eligibility Note (Read Before You Apply)

Here's the honest, important part that isn't always obvious from the flyer: this fellowship is only open to applicants ages 13–23 who are based in the United States (Eastern, Central, or Pacific time zones). Graduate students and graduates are not eligible either.

Why? YIP's own site explains that meetings run on U.S. time zones and the curriculum is largely built around U.S. public policy and political systems — so, unfortunately, applicants outside the United States, including Nigeria, are not currently eligible for this particular cohort.

If you're an Arewa entrepreneur, student, or advocate outside the U.S. looking for global or Africa-inclusive policy fellowships, it may be worth watching for programmes like the ECOWAS EYWEP or CAIN Africa's Digitally Her fellowship instead — I'll keep sharing those as they open.

Key Dates for the Fall 2026 Cohort

Application deadline: August 19, 2026 (applications close 11:59pm PST)

Decisions released: August 26, 2026

Programme runs: September 12 – November 7, 2026

How Competitive Is It?

Quite. YIP reports an average acceptance rate of 5–8%, with over 1,000 fellows graduated to date and 300+ capstones published, viewed a combined 3.2 million times. It's selective, but the payoff is real — 80% of YIP's own leadership started out as fellows, and graduates get priority consideration for hiring within the organisation.

How to Apply

Application link: https://airtable.com/apphr8IR3bORYJbNc/pagXbgHZ7tOmDysFw/form

Questions can be directed to fellowship@yipinstitute.org.

Have you come across other global or Africa-friendly policy fellowships? Drop them in the comments — I'm always on the hunt for opportunities that our Arewa entrepreneurs and youth leaders can actually apply for.

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 Call for Applications: Governance For Women By Women Fellowship

Tracka and BudgIT have opened applications for the Governance For Women By Women Fellowship — a virtual fellowship designed to bring more women into governance, budget tracking, and civic engagement work.

What Is It All About?

This fellowship is built around a simple but powerful idea: a movement where women don't just experience governance, they help shape it. Over the course of the programme, participants will be equipped with skills in budget tracking, project monitoring, and civic education, giving them practical tools to hold government accountable in their communities.

Who Is It For?

You're eligible to apply if you are:

-A woman working with or affiliated with a CSO (civil society organisation), media outfit, or advocacy group

-Interested in budget tracking, project monitoring, and civic education

-Able to commit to a 2–3 month virtual fellowship

-Eligibility (Focus States): This fellowship is open to women in Nigeria, specifically those working in or affiliated with organisations in Lagos, Kwara, Delta, Gombe, Katsina, and Enugu States.

How to Apply

Apply via this link: https://forms.gle/xCWtLd63ezdUDe9QA

Deadline

Applications close on Friday, July 31, 2026. Don't wait until the last day — get your application in early.

If you know an Arewa woman in Gombe or Katsina who's passionate about accountability and civic work, tag her or share this post. Opportunities like this move fastest through the hands of women who share them with each other.

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 Apply Now: AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat 2026 — Fully Sponsored Leadership Retreat in Gabon

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), a flagship initiative jointly supported by the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), has opened applications for its 8th Intergenerational Retreat (IGR 8). This December, 40 young African women leaders will be flown to Libreville, Gabon, for two days of mentorship, knowledge sharing, and networking with some of the continent's most influential women — Heads of State, Vice-Presidents, CEOs, and seasoned changemakers.

If you've been building impact in your community and looking for a platform to scale it, this is the kind of room you want to be in.

Who Is It For?

AWLN is looking for young African women leaders — from the continent and the Diaspora — who have already demonstrated real, measurable impact where they live and work. There's no restriction to a single country; this call is open to applicants across all African countries and the African Diaspora worldwide.

Eligibility at a glance:

-Women aged 18 to 45 years

-Able to show measurable or recognised impact within their community

-Active contributors or innovators within one of AWLN's six focus pillars:

-Peace and Security

-Governance and Political Participation (GPP)

-Financial Inclusion, Economic Development, Natural Resources and Mining

-Agriculture, Rural Economy and Land

-Social Mobilisation

-Youth and Emerging Leaders

-If your work in business, coaching, community development, agribusiness, advocacy, or any of these areas has moved the needle for the people around you, you fit the profile AWLN is looking for.

Why You Should Apply

1. It's fully sponsored. Selected participants get registration, travel, and accommodation covered — no funding barrier standing between you and the room.

2. Direct mentorship from top-tier leaders. You'll be learning and exchanging ideas with Heads of State, Vice-Presidents, CEOs, and other high-level women leaders shaping policy and business across Africa.

3. A real network, not just an event. IGR8 connects you with accomplished women across sectors and generations — the kind of relationships that open doors long after the retreat ends.

4. The AWLN Leadership Award. Recognition tied to the programme, plus strategic support from AWLN's wide network of institutional partners.

5. It's aligned with something bigger. The retreat feeds into the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, meaning your participation connects your local impact to a continental agenda on women's leadership, governance, and development.

In return, AWLN expects selected women to show up fully — actively engage in sessions, contribute to intergenerational dialogue, act as ambassadors for the network, and continue translating what they learn into action long after the retreat.

Key Details

Where: Libreville, Gabon

When: December 2026 (2-day retreat)

Who's selected: 40 young African women leaders

Deadline to apply: August 3, 2026

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online and must be complete to be reviewed — incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

👉 Apply here: awlnafrica.net/apply

For questions, reach out to the AWLN Secretariat directly through the official application platform.

Don't sit on this one. Fully sponsored, continent-wide leadership retreats with this level of access don't come around often — and the deadline is closer than it looks.

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 iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab 2026: Up to ₦10,000,000 for Nigerian Founders

If you've been sitting on a business idea, building a prototype in your spare time, or testing an early MVP without the structure or funding to push it further, the iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab was built for you.

What Is It?

iDICE Startup Bridge is a national entrepreneurship platform under Nigeria's Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, a Federal Government initiative implemented by the Bank of Industry (BOI), co-financed by the African Development Bank and other global development partners.

The Startup Bridge runs two tracks:

-Founders Lab — for founders at idea, prototype, or early-MVP stage

-Growth Lab — for post-MVP startups with existing traction, ready to scale

This post focuses on Founders Lab, a 12-week, mostly-virtual capacity-building programme designed to help early-stage founders take the first real, structured step in building a digital or tech-enabled business — moving from a raw idea to a validated problem, a working MVP, and a practical business plan.

Who Is It For?

Founders Lab is designed for people who:

-Have an idea, prototype, or early MVP in the digital or tech space

-Plan to operate their business in Nigeria

-Want structured support to understand their market, customers, and business model

-Can commit real time to a 12-week learning and execution programme

-Eligibility criteria (Nigeria-wide):

-Business must be at the idea or market-validation stage

-Business will operate from any of Nigeria's 36 states, or the FCT (Abuja) — open nationwide, not restricted to any single state or region

-Founder must be between 18 and 35 years old

-Must be able to commit fully to the 12-week programme, including learning sessions, assignments, evaluations, and Demo Day activities

Funding & Support

-Funding is performance-based, not guaranteed on enrollment. Founders who successfully complete the programme and meet all requirements may become eligible for:

-Non-equity grant funding of up to ₦10,000,000 to support MVP development and early execution

-Mentorship from experienced founders and ecosystem experts

-A chance to pitch at a Founders Lab Demo Day for additional grant support

-A pathway to the National Startup Bridge Demo Day, with exposure to broader funding and partners

-Access to regional hubs, peer learning, and a direct pathway into Growth Lab for high performers

Note: Founders Lab is not a guaranteed-funding programme or a pitch competition — it's a structured learning and execution track, with funding tied to actual progress made during the cohort.

Deadline

26 July 2026, per the current application call. Cohorts for Founders Lab run periodically, so if you miss this window, stay connected to official iDICE Startup Bridge channels for the next round.

How to Apply

Apply directly 👇

https://accelerator.vester.ai/apply?programCode=nDC1MhZl

For updates, follow iDICE Startup Bridge on Instagram (@idicestartupbridge), X (@iDICEStartup), or LinkedIn.

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 Wema SME Business School 6.0: Free Business Training for Nigerian Entrepreneurs — Apply Now

If you run a small business in Nigeria and you've been praying for a sign to level up your operations, this is it. Wema Bank has thrown open the call for entries for the Wema SME Business School 6.0, and applications are officially live.

What Is the Wema SME Business School?

The Wema SME Business School is Wema Bank's flagship capacity-building programme, run through its Purple Academy, designed to help Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) owners strengthen how they run their businesses. It's not another theory-heavy seminar — the programme focuses on practical strategies participants can apply immediately: fixing operational gaps, improving profitability, sharpening decision-making, and building a real network of fellow business owners.

This is the sixth edition of a programme that has run since 2021 across cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, consistently attracting hundreds of SME owners per edition.

Who Is It For?

-Eligibility (Nigeria-wide):

-Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) owners across Nigeria

-Entrepreneurs currently operating a business

-Early-stage founders looking to strengthen their operations

-Business owners seeking practical growth strategies

-Women entrepreneurs interested in dedicated SME support solutions

-Entrepreneurs seeking access to business banking, funding, training, or market opportunities

-Businesses at any registration stage — already registered, currently registering, or not yet registered

-You don't need to be a Wema Bank customer to apply. The bank has made slots available for SMEs banking elsewhere too.

What the 3 Days Cover

-3 days of intensive, expert-led business learning

-Practical strategies for business growth and profitability

-Guidance on improving operational efficiency

-Opportunities to build a valuable business network

-Exposure to financial and non-financial SME solutions (SME loans, collateral-free loans, discounted loan rates for women, free digital storefronts, business registration support, and more)

-A certificate of participation

-Format: The programme runs over three days — one day physical, two days virtual.

Date

Session

July 27, 2026

Physical session (in-person, for selected/registered participants)

July 28, 2026

Virtual training — Day 1

July 29, 2026

Virtual training — Day 2

Registered online participants receive a livestream access link ahead of the virtual sessions, so you can join from anywhere in Nigeria.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted directly through Purple Academy's website:

👉 https://purpleacademy.wemabank.com/school/sme

During registration, you can also indicate interest in other Wema Bank business support options — like business account opening, SME loans, or market access opportunities. Note: selecting these only shows interest and doesn't automatically mean approval.

Deadline for Submission

Wema Bank has not published a fixed application closing date. However, since the physical session holds on July 27, 2026 — just days away — this is very much a first-come, first-served, apply-now situation. Spaces for the physical day are limited, so don't sit on this one.

Why This Matters for Arewa Business Owners

For SME owners here in the North — whether you're running a food business, a fashion line, or a small trading outfit — programmes like this one are a chance to get structured, funded, high-quality training completely free. It's exactly the kind of opportunity worth sharing in your business circles today, not tomorrow.

Apply here: https://purpleacademy.wemabank.com/school/sme

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 Call for Applications: Women's Fellowship Programme on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change (HMCCC) II

Applications are open for the Women's Fellowship Programme on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change (HMCCC) II — a fully funded regional leadership programme for young women across West Africa working at the intersection of climate change, migration, and gender equality.

About the Programme

The HMCCC Fellowship is a regional leadership and capacity-strengthening programme designed to empower young women across the ECOWAS region to advance gender-responsive solutions to climate-induced human mobility challenges. It is implemented by the Women Environmental Programme (WEP) under the GIZ-led Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change Programme, in partnership with the ECOWAS Commission, German Cooperation, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The fellowship equips participants with practical skills, mentorship, funding opportunities, and regional networks to influence climate and migration policy, implement community-based solutions, and strengthen climate resilience through gender-responsive approaches.

Who Is It For?

-The fellowship is open to young women aged 18–35 from selected ECOWAS Member States who are passionate about climate action, human mobility, gender equality, and community development.

-Eligible Countries: Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, Togo, Cape Verde, and Guinea-Bissau.

To qualify, applicants should:

•Have demonstrated leadership experience in climate change, migration, gender advocacy, environmental sustainability, youth engagement, or community development

•Be actively engaged in community initiatives, civil society, research, or policy advocacy

•Have a project idea or ongoing initiative addressing climate-related human mobility that can be developed further through the fellowship

•Be committed to influencing policy and driving community impact

•Have strong communication skills and be open to collaborating across cultures and languages

•Be available to participate fully throughout the fellowship

Selected fellows will benefit from fully funded leadership training, mentorship from regional experts, bilingual learning materials with English–French interpretation, and — based on other reports on this call — potential access to small project grants to implement their community initiatives.

Application Deadline

19th July 2026

How to Apply

Visit the link below for full details and to submit your application:

www.wepnigeria.net/call110626

Sisters, if you know a young woman doing the work — in her community, on the ground, pushing for climate justice and better lives for displaced families — tag her. This is the kind of opportunity that turns quiet effort into regional recognition.

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AFRICAN FASHION FUNDLAB FELLOWSHIP 2026(FULLY-FUNDED)

 African Fashion FundLab Fellowship 2026 (Fully-Funded): Apply Now

Deadline: July 24, 2026

If you've built a fashion brand from the ground up and you're ready to turn it into a real, investment-ready business, the African Fashion FundLab Fellowship 2026 might be exactly what you've been praying for.

This fully funded fellowship is designed for fashion entrepreneurs across Nigeria who are past the "just starting out" stage and are ready to strengthen their operations, sort out their finances, and position their brand to attract funding and grow sustainably.

What Is It All About?

The African Fashion FundLab Fellowship isn't a theory-heavy classroom programme. It's built around practical execution — helping fashion business owners move from idea to action. Through hands-on training and mentorship, participants will learn to:

-Grow their fashion business, generate revenue, and build a sustainable business model

-Position their brand for funding and learn how to attract investors

-Master bookkeeping, financial management, compliance, and legal setup for their business

-By the end of the fellowship, participants should walk away with the skills, structure, and confidence to run a profitable, lasting fashion brand — not just a beautiful one.

Who Is It For?

This fellowship is for you if you:

-Own a registered fashion business

-Have been operating for at least 3 years

-Are able to attend the fellowship in person

This means it's aimed at established designers and fashion business owners — not beginners or hobbyists — who are ready to professionalise and scale.

What You Get

-Full sponsorship — the fellowship is completely free for selected participants

-Expert-led business development training

-One-on-one mentorship from experienced industry professionals

-Guidance on becoming investment-ready

-Networking opportunities with fellow fashion entrepreneurs

-A certificate of participation on completion

Deadline

Applications close on July 24, 2026. Don't wait until the last minute — get your documents ready and apply early.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply directly through the official application form:

👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScs41USLSx5ersIcpvSUkTjXmaComOnVRmEaHYCRzJa72e6sw/viewform

For more details on the fellowship, visit the official page: African Fashion FundLab Fellowship

If you know a fashion entrepreneur who's ready to take their brand to the next level, share this post with them — this could be the push their business needs.

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 She Rises Leadership Academy: Applications Are Open for the Founding Cohort

If you've been praying for a sign to finally invest in your leadership journey, this is it. She Rises Global has just opened applications for the Founding Cohort of the She Rises Leadership Academy — a two-week leadership development programme built around one simple but powerful truth: you were not made to rise alone.

What Is the She Rises Leadership Academy?

The She Rises Leadership Academy is a two-week leadership development programme designed to equip purpose-driven women with the skills, confidence, and network they need to lead and create lasting impact. As the Founding Cohort, the first set of women accepted into the programme won't just be participants — they'll be pioneers, shaping the culture and legacy of everything that comes after them.

The theme says it all: "Rise with Purpose. Lead with Impact."

Who Is It For?

This programme is for young women who are passionate about leadership, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, driving a community project, or simply stepping into a new season of purpose, this Academy is designed to sharpen you for it.

Note: the flyer doesn't specify a country or state restriction, so eligibility appears open based on passion and readiness rather than location — but it's worth confirming this directly with She Rises Global before applying, especially if you're outside Nigeria, since the hybrid format may still have logistics tied to a specific base location.

Programme Highlights

-2-Week Leadership Academy — an intensive, focused curriculum

-Hybrid Learning Experience — a blend of in-person and virtual sessions

-Limited to just 10 participants — an intimate, high-touch cohort

-Interactive workshops designed for real engagement, not passive learning

-A Team-Based Leadership Challenge to apply what's learned in real time

-Demo Day & Graduation to showcase growth and close out the cohort

-Certificate of Completion

-Access to the She Rises Alumni Network — a community that continues long after the programme ends

Key Dates

Application Deadline: 15th July, 2026

Programme Dates

22nd July – 1st August, 2026

With the deadline just days away, this isn't one to sleep on — especially with only 10 spots available for the entire Founding Cohort.

Apply using the link below 👇🏼 

https://forms.gle/u3HdnLVgupHBb3q57

Why This Matters

Founding cohorts are special. The women who say yes now aren't just signing up for a two-week programme — they're becoming the first chapter of a story that will be told for years to come. If you've been waiting for permission to invest in your own leadership, consider this it.

Applications close 15th July, 2026. Only 10 spots available.

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AI ACCOUNTABILITY FELLOWSHIP 2026-2027 (GET UP TO $25,000 TO REPORT ON AI'S REAL WORLD IMPACT)

 AI Accountability Fellowships 2026-2027: Get Up to $25,000 to Report on AI's Real-World Impact

The Pulitzer Center has opened applications for the fifth cohort of its AI Accountability Fellowships, a global program supporting journalists who investigate how artificial intelligence is reshaping governments, corporations, and everyday life. If you're a journalist looking to dig deeper into how AI systems affect real people, this could be your next big opportunity.

What Is the AI Accountability Fellowship?

The AI Accountability Fellowships support journalists working on in-depth stories that examine how governments and corporations use predictive, generative, and surveillance technologies to guide decisions in policing, medicine, social welfare, criminal justice, hiring, and more.

Run under the Pulitzer Center's AI Accountability Network (launched in 2022), the Fellowship is a 10-month program starting in September 2026. Over its first four cohorts, the Network has supported 35 journalists reporting from 29 countries, with stories that have prompted new legislation in Brazil, surfaced evidence used in lawsuits, and inspired student investigations in Indonesia.

This year, for the first time, the Fellowship also includes dedicated funding, mentorship, and training to help Fellows develop and execute an impact plan, ensuring their investigations reach the audiences who can actually drive change.

What You Get

Selected Fellows receive:

-Up to $25,000 in total funding (up to $20,000 for reporting expenses and $5,000 for engagement and impact activities)

-Funds can cover records requests, travel, data analysis, and stipends

-Access to mentors across different fields

-Training alongside a global peer group of journalists

-Support to develop and execute an impact strategy for your investigation

-Freelancers may allocate up to one-third of their total funding as a personal stipend.

Who Is It For?

The Fellowship is open to journalists worldwide, including staff reporters and freelancers, from all beats, desks, and formats. The Pulitzer Center is recruiting 8 to 10 journalists globally for this cohort.

Eligibility (Country/Region):

-Open to journalists from ANY country worldwide, no geographic restriction

-Both individual journalists and collaborative reporting teams are welcome

-Freelancers and staff journalists are both eligible

-Journalists from the Global South and from communities underrepresented in media are especially encouraged to apply

-The entire 10-month program is conducted remotely, so location is not a barrier

-Meetings and training are held in English, but your published stories can be in any language

-You'll need a concrete reporting project, not just a general theme, and it should show evidence of some pre-reporting already done on the subject.

What You Need to Apply

-A short statement of purpose (500 words) on how the Fellowship fits your career path and why you're a strong fit

-A detailed, concrete description of the reporting project you want to pursue

-A letter of commitment from a media organization willing to publish your story, or, if you're on staff, a signed letter from your editor confirming support and time allocation

-Three professional references (contact info or recommendation letters)

-Your resume or CV

Note: Proposals are evaluated partly on your own voice, editorial judgment, and specificity, so avoid using AI tools to draft your application. The Pulitzer Center has noted that AI-generated proposals tend to read as generic and can contain factual errors.

What's Expected If You're Selected

Fellows commit to a mandatory monthly meeting (1.5 to 2 hours), contribute to at least one community call, engage with fellow journalists on a dedicated online platform, and are encouraged to attend monthly virtual training sessions. You'll also be asked to share your methodology so your story can serve as a blueprint for others.

Deadline for Submission

July 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Not Ready for a Full Fellowship?

If you have a strong AI story but can't commit to the full 10-month Fellowship requirements, you can apply instead for an AI Reporting Grant, a shorter-term option under the same Network.

How to Apply

Apply through the Pulitzer Center's official application portal:

https://pulitzercenter.submittable.com/submit/354661/ai-accountability-fellowship-2026-2027

Learn more about the Fellowship and Network here:

https://pulitzercenter.org/journalism/initiatives/ai-accountability-network

Read the full call for proposals:

https://pulitzercenter.org/grants-fellowships/opportunities-journalists/ai-accountability-fellowships

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 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: World YWCA Leadership Cohort 2026 — Only 5 Days Left!

Are you a young woman ready to grow your leadership skills while working directly with a global movement? World YWCA has opened applications for its 2026 Leadership Cohort, and time is running out — only 5 days left to apply!

What Is the Leadership Cohort All About?

The World YWCA Leadership Cohort is a six-month, hands-on programme where young women work alongside the World YWCA Secretariat on key global priorities. It's built around mentorship, training, and real hands-on experience — not classroom theory.

This year's cohort will contribute to two major focus areas:

✨ YWCA Community Activation — strengthening the global YWCA movement through events, communications, and storytelling.

📊 Financial Vitality & Impact Mapping — supporting the financial health and collective impact of YWCAs worldwide.

If you want real experience working on global strategy, communications, and impact measurement — this is your chance.

Who Can Apply?

-Young women aged 18–30 who:

-Have at least two years of active engagement in a local or national YWCA

-Can be endorsed by an affiliated YWCA Member Association

-Have a working knowledge of English

-Can commit full-time to the six-month programme

Eligibility (Country/Region): This opportunity is open globally — to young women in any country with an active, affiliated YWCA Member Association.

How to Apply

🔗 Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9fOcRFKhoGXho50SlMuSYEB-kl2ZGfHT1ZjWQqs1IFHQSew/viewform

🔗 Hear from current cohort members in their own words — "From Rights to Reality: Rewriting the Story of Young Women's Leadership at the World YWCA": http://bit.ly/4v8Jmjl

📩 Questions? Contact leadershipcohort@worldywca.org

Deadline: 5 Days Left — Don't wait until the last minute!

This could be you. Apply today, and help spread the word — share this with young women in your YWCA network who deserve to know about it.

One thing to flag: the post you shared doesn't state the exact closing date, just "5 days left." If you know the actual date, drop it in and I'll slot it into the post so readers have a firm deadline instead of a moving countdown

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AFRICAN CLIMATE INTERVENTION FELLOWSHIP (ACIFER) 2026

 African Climate Intervention Fellowship (ACIFER) 2026 — Apply Now

Are you an early-career researcher, grad student, or innovator passionate about climate solutions? Emerging Climate Frontiers (ECF) just opened applications for ACIFER 2026, and it's a big one — Africa's first fellowship dedicated to climate intervention research.

What is ACIFER about?

ACIFER stands for African Climate Intervention Fellowship for Early-Career Researchers. It's a fully funded virtual fellowship designed to strengthen African leadership in emerging climate intervention research  focused on two cutting-edge fields: Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Solar Radiation Modification (SRM). 

These are areas getting more and more attention in global climate policy, and ECF wants African researchers actively shaping that conversation instead of just watching from the sidelines. 

The fellowship is fully funded — participants get access to learning activities, mentorship, networking sessions, and programme resources at no cost. 

Who is it for?

Open to early-career African researchers, Master's students, PhD candidates, professionals, and innovators interested in advancing climate intervention research. 

Eligibility — Country

Open to applicants across Africa (all African countries welcome).  

Key Dates

Application Deadline: 30th July 2026

Fellowship Period: 31st August – 14th October 2026

Format: Fully virtual

Application Link

ecfrontiers.org/e/acifer-2026

Why apply?

This isn't just a training — it's a chance to join a continent-wide network of African climate researchers and get in early on shaping how Africa engages with climate intervention science and policy going forward.

If this fits your circle — sha share am, someone dey wait for this kind opportunity. 

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 THE FOUNDERS SUPPORT INITIATIVE (FSI) GRANT 2026 — UP TO ₦7.5 MILLION NON-DILUTIVE FUNDING FOR AFRICAN FOUNDERS

Do you have a business or startup idea that is ready to grow but you don't want to give away shares just to get funding? The Founders Support Initiative (FSI) has opened applications for its 2026 grant cohort, and it's giving out real money — no equity taken, no shares collected.

What is FSI Grant all about?

FSI is a Pan-African program built to close the gap many young entrepreneurs face: no capital, no mentorship, no network. This is their first cohort (2026), and they say they are aligning with global best practices similar to World Bank, UNDP, and African Development Bank programs.

Selected founders get:

-Non-dilutive funding (money that doesn't cost you equity)

-8–12 week structured training program covering product, growth, and operations

-Mentorship from experienced founders and operators

-Investor exposure through demo opportunities

Grant categories and amounts

-General Startup Grant — ₦750,000 to ₦7,500,000 (any industry, must have MVP or clear traction)

-Youth Grant — ₦750,000 to ₦3,000,000 (ages 18–35, early-stage idea to business)

-Women in Business Grant — ₦1,500,000 to ₦4,500,000 (female-led startups, any sector)

-Innovation & Tech Grant — ₦3,000,000 to ₦7,500,000 (Health, EdTech, Agritech, Fintech, Climate)

You can only apply to one category.

Who is this for? (Eligibility)

-Country/location eligibility: Open to founders based anywhere in Africa, including all Nigerian states, plus African diaspora founders building for the African market

-Age: 18–45 years (Youth Grant specifically is 18–35)

-Must have an early-stage or growing business, ideally with an MVP (minimum viable product) or active market traction

All sectors are welcome

FSI says they especially encourage female founders and teams building outside Lagos and Nairobi — so founders in places like Kano, Kaduna, Zaria, and other Northern cities have a real shot

How the money is paid

Funds are released in tranches, not all at once:

50% upfront when you're accepted

30% after 6 weeks of progress (Milestone 1)

20% after demo day completion (Milestone 2)

Funds can be used for product development, hosting/cloud costs, your first 1–2 hires, marketing, legal/registration, and equipment. It cannot be used for personal expenses or crypto trading.

Deadline for submission

Applications close 31st July 2026. Only 50 spots available, and decision is given within 21 days after applying.

A caution to note

FSI's FAQ mentions a ₦1,000 non-refundable "processing fee" to apply, which they say is to prevent spam applications. Legitimate grants typically don't charge fees, so do your own research and confirm details directly on their official channels before paying anything.

Application link

Apply here: https://founderssupport.org/grants

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