Call for Applications: ECOWAS Women’s Fellowship Programme 2026

• Share
• Tweet

Applications are now open for the ECOWAS Women’s Fellowship Programme 2026 under the Global Programme on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change (HMCCC II).

The regional leadership and capacity-strengthening programme is designed to empower young women across the ECOWAS region to develop gender-responsive solutions to climate-induced human mobility challenges. Through training, mentorship, and leadership development, participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to drive sustainable change within their communities and across West Africa.

The programme is implemented by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission, GIZ, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the German Cooperation.

Program Objectives

• Strengthen the leadership capacity of young women in the ECOWAS region.
• Promote gender-responsive approaches to climate change and human mobility.
• Build a network of women leaders working on climate resilience, migration, and sustainable development.
• Support participants in developing practical solutions to climate-related displacement and mobility challenges.

Eligible Countries

Applications are open to women from the following ECOWAS Member States:

• Nigeria
• Benin
• Cape Verde
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Liberia
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Togo

Why Apply?

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:

• Strengthen their leadership and advocacy skills.
• Receive mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Build regional networks with women leaders across West Africa.
• Gain practical knowledge on climate change, migration, and human mobility.
• Contribute to policy dialogue and community-based solutions addressing climate-induced mobility.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Interested applicants should visit:

For the mentorship programme, visit:

Nigeria Secures Global Approval for Root and Tuber Flour Standard, Opening New Export Opportunities

Call for Applications: CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge 2026

Call for Applications: Royal Academy of Engineering Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2027 (Up to £50,000 Prizes )

Applications are now open for the2027 Royal Academy of Engineering Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, Africa’s largest prize dedicated to engineering innovation. Established by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the program supports African innovators developing scalable engineering solutions that address local challenges while improving livelihoods and driving economic development.

The Africa Prize provides commercialization support, expert mentorship, business training, and funding opportunities to help engineering entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into successful businesses.

Eligibility Criteria

• Apply as an individual or on behalf of a team
• Be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country
• Be ordinarily based in sub-Saharan Africa (temporary overseas residence for study is permitted)
• Be at least 18 years old at the application deadline
• Demonstrate a high level of English proficiency
• Submit their application in English
• Not be previous Africa Prize alumni or applying with the same innovation previously supported
• Not be an industrial researcher or industrial establishment
• Meet the programme’s eligibility requirements regarding previous participation in the Academy’s Advance or Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (LIF) programmes

Programme Benefits

Up to 16 shortlisted innovators will receive:

• An eight-month tailored business acceleration programme
• Two fully funded training weeks, including one in the UK and one in a major African city
• Business and technical mentoring from leading engineering and industry experts
• Bespoke media and communications support
• Access to the Royal Academy of Engineering’s global network of engineers, investors, and business leaders
• Opportunity to pitch at the Africa Prize Showcase event
• Prize funding of up to £50,000

Application Process

The competition consists of two stages:

Stage One – Technical Assessment

Applicants will submit details of their engineering innovation for assessment based on technical feasibility, originality, engineering excellence, and innovation potential.

Stage Two – Business Assessment

Longlisted applicants will be invited to submit detailed business information, including market analysis, financial projections, and commercialization strategies.

Application Timeline

• Stage One Application Deadline: Tuesday, 8 September 2026 (4:00 PM UTC+1)
• Eligibility screening after submission
• Technical review in September 2026
• Stage Two applications open for longlisted applicants in October 2026
• Shortlist announced in December 2026
• Final applicants notified in January 2027

Innovators developing engineering-based solutions with the potential to create lasting social and economic impact across Africa are encouraged to apply.

Apply here:https://africaprize.raeng.org.uk/

Call for Applications: AG-SME Bootcamp and Pitch Competition Cohort 2

Applications are now open forCohort 2 of the AG-SME Bootcamp and Pitch Competition, a fully sponsored program designed to strengthen agribusiness SMEs by improving investment readiness, expanding access to finance, and connecting entrepreneurs with Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs).

The initiative is targeted at young agripreneurs seeking to scale their businesses, attract investment, and build sustainable enterprises within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Own or operate an agribusiness
• Focus on one of the following value chains:
  • Rice
  • Maize
  • Soybeans

Program Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

• Linkage and business diagnostics sessions
• Investment readiness training tailored for Ag-SMEs
• Opportunity to compete in the Pitch Competition and win up to ₦1 million in catalytic grant funding
• One-month post-bootcamp advisory and business support
• Access to experienced mentors, industry experts, and investment networks

Programme Details

• Location: Lagos, Nigeria
• Date: August 2026
• Format: Blended (Physical and Online)
• Participation Fee: Fully Sponsored

The bootcamp is designed to equip young agribusiness owners with practical business skills, investment strategies, and the networks needed to grow competitive and investment-ready enterprises.

Interested applicants are encouraged to register before the application deadline.

Apply here:https://bit.ly/Ag-SMECOHORT2

Articles & Resources

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for free Business Name Registration with CAC Under the Federal Government’s 250,000 MSME Programme

A registered business in Nigeria is more credible, can access funding opportunities, open corporate bank accounts, bid for contracts, and qualify for government support programmes.

To encourage more small businesses to formalise their operations, the Federal Government, through a partnership between the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has launched a programme to provide free business name registration for 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.

If you’re wondering how to benefit from the initiative, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the application process.

What is the Free CAC Registration Programme?

The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to formalise small businesses under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Under the programme, eligible MSMEs will receive free Business Name registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), removing one of the financial barriers that often discourages entrepreneurs from registering their businesses.

In addition to free registration, beneficiaries may also gain better access to business support services, financing opportunities, training programmes, and government interventions available to registered businesses.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is primarily designed for:

• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
• Sole proprietors and business owners operating informally
• Entrepreneurs who have not previously registered their businesses with CAC
• Businesses that register with SMEDAN as part of the application process.

Step 1: Register Your Business on the SMEDAN Portal

The first step is to register your business on the official SMEDAN portal.

During registration, you will provide details such as:

• Your personal information
• Business name (if available)
• Business sector
• Contact information
• Business location

Once completed, you will receive a SMEDAN Unique Identification Number (SUIN), which is required for the free CAC registration process.

Step 2: Complete Your Business Profile

Ensure that all information submitted is accurate and complete.

• National Identification Number (NIN)
• Phone number
• Email address
• Business address
• Description of your business activities

Providing accurate information helps speed up verification and processing.

Step 3: Wait for Verification

After registration, SMEDAN will verify your details to confirm your eligibility for the programme.

Eligible applicants will then be profiled and forwarded to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for free business name registration.

Step 4: CAC Processes Your Registration

Once your application is approved, the Corporate Affairs Commission will process your Business Name registration without charging the statutory registration fees covered under the programme.

The CAC will handle the registration process and issue your registration documents upon completion.

Step 5: Receive Your CAC Certificate

After your application has been successfully processed, you will receive your:

• CAC Certificate of Registration
• Certified Extract of Registration Information

These documents officially recognise your business as a registered entity in Nigeria.

Benefits of Registering Your Business

Registering your business under the programme can help you:

• Build trust with customers and partners.
• Open a corporate bank account.
• Access loans, grants, and investment opportunities.
• Qualify for government intervention programmes.
• Bid for contracts with government agencies and private organisations.
• Separate your personal finances from your business operations.

Tips for a Successful Application

To improve your chances of a smooth application:

• Ensure your NIN details are correct and up to date.
• Use an active phone number and email address.
• Double-check all information before submitting.
• Monitor updates from SMEDAN and CAC regarding your application status.
• Beware of unofficial websites or individuals requesting payment, as the registration under this programme is free for eligible beneficiaries.

If your business is still operating informally, now is a good time to take advantage of this initiative and position your enterprise for future opportunities.

• 
  Business4 years ago

  BREAKING: CBN announces New Withdrawal Policies, Pegs ATM Withdrawals Limit at N20,000 daily, N100,000 weekly

• 
  Business6 years ago

  First Bank Nigeria Joins SME Finance Forum

• 
  Business6 years ago

  FG Opens Application Portal for N75 Billion MSME Survival Fund 10pm Today, Releases Time-table for Payroll Support Scheme for different sectors

• 
  Business3 years ago

  Call for Applications: MTN ICT and Business Skills Training (N90 Million Grant for 300 Participants)

• Nigerian Youths”>
  Business4 years ago

  Call for Applications: Rural Youth Skill Acquisition Programme for Nigerian Youths (receive N50,000 monthly stipend)

• 
  Business6 years ago

  How to apply and benefit from free CAC Business Name Registration for 250,000 MSMEs

• 
  Articles & Resources6 years ago

  How to put your house in order for tax purposes

• 
  Business4 years ago

  Call for Applications: Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme 2023 for African Entrepreneurs (get $5,000 seed funding)