The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has opened its 2026 Call for Expressions of Project Intentions (AMI) under the CSO Initiatives (CSO-I) mechanism, inviting civil society organisations (CSOs) to submit project intentions for initiatives to be co-financed in 2027.

Applications are now open for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy, a global innovation prize that seeks to identify and support high-growth, technology-enabled companies transforming circular economy practices across Africa.

With US$2 million in total prize funding, the competition recognises commercially viable businesses that reduce waste, extend the lifecycle of materials, and create measurable environmental, economic and social impact through circular business models.

Call Reference: HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-02

Overview

The European Commission, under the Horizon Europe Programme, has launched a call for proposals to strengthen Europe's cultural and creative industries by supporting innovative projects that help creative startups scale, commercialise disruptive innovations and build stronger innovation ecosystems.

Applications are now open for the STREETS Global Awards 2026, an international awards programme celebrating organisations that are creating measurable social impact through hospitality and tourism.

The awards recognise social enterprises, mission-driven businesses, non-profit organisations and NGOs that are using tourism as a catalyst for community development, youth empowerment, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.

Shape the Future of Africa Through Data, Evidence and Strategic Foresight

Africa's future will be shaped by the decisions made today. As governments, businesses, researchers and development organisations respond to rapid technological, economic, environmental and social change, there is an increasing need for evidence-based decision-making that enables long-term planning and resilient development.

The Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking, under Horizon Europe, has launched a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) aimed at strengthening integrated research and healthcare systems across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through the adoption of digital health technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) has launched its 2026 Multilateral Research Call to support African-led, multi-country research projects that advance the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034).

Backed by US$12 million in research funding, the programme seeks to strengthen cross-border scientific collaboration, generate policy-relevant research, and accelerate innovation that addresses Africa's most pressing development challenges.

Organisation

Grand Challenges Canada and the Science for Africa Foundation

Category

SME and Startup Scale-Up Support Opportunities

Focus Areas

• Climate & Environment
• Health

Application Deadline

22 July 2026 (2:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. UTC)

Overview

The Africa International Conference on Clean Energy & Energy Storage (AICCEES) 2026) has opened applications for its Clean Energy Innovation Challenge, inviting African innovators to showcase solutions that advance clean energy access, climate resilience and sustainable development across the continent.

The Innovation Challenge is designed to identify and support high-potential startups, SMEs, researchers and university spin-offs through a structured programme that combines technical assessment, mentorship, investor exposure and live pitching opportunities during AICCEES 2026.

Help Shape the Programme of Africa's Inaugural Science Diplomacy Conference

The inaugural Africa Science Diplomacy Conference (ASDC) 2026 has opened a call for session proposals from the African and global science diplomacy community.