South Africa

Overview of the Opportunity

This opportunity, which commenced on October 06, 2025, is dedicated to shaping the future of democracy around the world. It supports governments and communities experimenting with bold participatory ways of making decisions, which may range from youth assemblies to climate participatory budgeting.

The applications are open to civil society organizations, governments, and civil servants globally. The participants are provided with funding, mentorship, and global allies.

Overview of the Opportunity

The purpose of this BRICS STI Framework Programme special action is to build up new cooperative ties for high-tech and innovation-driven institutions within BRICS, in pursuance of the XVI BRICS Summit Kazan Declaration. This initiative acts as a critical catalyst for economic development and an improved quality of life for people across the BRICS nations by allocating funding for research and development (R&D).

The National Business Initiative (NBI) is driving this campaign, focusing on the IRM Initiative. 

Target Beneficiaries: Local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), township enterprises, TVET students, youth entrepreneurs, and artisans.

The goal is to empower SMMEs by removing technical, financial, and market barriers, enabling them to create more jobs and play a key role in building a sustainable and inclusive Just Energy Transition (JET). 

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is inviting suitable candidates to express their interest in joining a national initiative known as the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Innovation Cluster (APIIC). This cluster is driven by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), with the CSIR serving as the host.

Purpose and Context

The French Embassy invites researchers and academics from France, South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi to take part in a new initiative supporting collaboration in digital and green innovation.

Fund The People is calling for applications for the Tender Solution Platform Built for SMEs. Fund The People provides quick, accessible funding solutions that empower South African SMMEs to take on tenders, deliver large orders, and scale confidently without taking on risky loans or giving up equity. They assist with purchase orders starting from R150,000.

The Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE), based at Stellenbosch University, in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, through the Innovation Bridge Portal is pleased to announce the opening of applications for its prestigious PhD and Master’s scholarships for the 2026 academic year. These scholarships are designed to support exceptional emerging researchers who are passionate about contributing to original, high-impact research in the field of entrepreneurship in Africa.