Best startup grants in Africa (2026)

54 Collective is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on supporting African technology startups by providing a mix of equity and non-dilutive capital. The firm typically offers equity investments ranging from $100,000 to $250,000, along with non-dilutive capital up to $150,000. Additionally, they offer an extra $150,000 in funding for female founders to address the unique challenges they face. 54 Collective takes a hands-on approach by offering venture support, helping startups scale and grow in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, agritech, and beyond, across Africa’s 54 markets. Their investment strategy is complemented by close, side-by-side venture support from local teams, helping founders navigate the complexities of African markets. The firm’s investment model is driven by a belief in the vast potential of African entrepreneurs to create lasting change. Their approach combines catalytic capital with practical, on-the-ground expertise, offering not only funding but also mentorship, strategic advice, and growth support. 54 Collective places particular emphasis on investing in founders who have strong connections to the problems they are solving and well-balanced teams that can scale their businesses successfully. Through their diversified venture capital instruments, the firm aims to deliver superior returns while creating positive social and economic impact across the continent.

Equity Investors, Grants · $100K - $250K

Accion is a global nonprofit organization focused on creating a fair and inclusive economy by providing financial services to underserved people around the world. They specialize in developing and scaling responsible digital financial solutions in collaboration with local partners, primarily benefiting small business owners, women, and low-income individuals. Their investments and advisory services focus on inclusive fintech, microfinance, and digital transformation, with a goal to improve access to financial products and services. Accion typically invests in early-stage companies with strong potential to provide scalable financial solutions to underserved populations. They also offer advisory support to enhance the sustainability and impact of these businesses. The organization prioritizes social impact and systems-level change, focusing on markets in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, South, and Southeast Asia.

Grants, Equity Investors · $100K - $500K

The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) is a leading non-profit development organization dedicated to supporting innovative enterprises in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors. AECF’s mission is to reduce rural poverty, promote resilient communities, and create jobs. By catalyzing the private sector, AECF brings forth and commercializes new ideas, business models, and technologies aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, improving farmer incomes, expanding access to clean energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing resilience to climate change. AECF specializes in financing high-risk businesses that face challenges in accessing commercial funding. The organization is committed to working in frontier markets, fragile contexts, and high-risk economies—regions often neglected by mainstream financing institutions. Through its efforts, AECF plays a critical role in fostering economic development in some of the world’s most vulnerable areas.

Grants · $250

The Jack Ma Foundation, established by Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma in 2014, focuses on philanthropic initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, women's leadership, and environmental protection. The Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI) is the foundation's flagship program in Africa, aiming to identify and support the continent's entrepreneurial talent. Additional Benefits: Finalists receive access to mentorship from industry experts and opportunities to connect with potential investors and partners. The competition provides a platform for entrepreneurs to gain international exposure, enhancing their credibility and attracting further opportunities. ANPI finalists benefit from significant media attention, helping to raise the profile of their businesses across the continent and beyond.

Grants · $1

Established in 2000, the AWDF is a pan-African grant-making organization that supports the realization and fulfillment of African women's rights through funding autonomous women's organizations across the continent. As a feminist fund, AWDF is dedicated to amplifying and celebrating African women's voices, combating harmful stereotypes, and promoting African women as agents of change. Their support extends beyond grant-making to include capacity building, knowledge sharing, and movement building.

Grants · $1K - $150K

AGFUND works to fulfill its mission of supporting sustainable human development by identifying successful initiatives and fostering collaboration and coordination among partners based on shared areas of interest. AGFUND offers financial support in two key ways: by providing grants to fund development projects implemented by partners that benefit target groups, and by offering equity contributions to support the establishment of Microfinance Banks and the expansion of the Arab Open University.

Grants

America's Seed Fund is dedicated to transforming scientific and engineering discoveries into products and services that have both commercial and societal impact. The deep technologies we fund are promising but have yet to be fully validated. Each year, the program awards over $200 million in research and development (R&D) funding to approximately 400 startups across the United States. America’s Seed Fund operates as part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and is housed within the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships, focusing on supporting early-stage ventures that push the boundaries of innovation and technological advancement.

Grants · $305K

The Anonymous Hope Fund® is an international organization founded in 2017 with a mission to empower, educate, emotionally support, mentor, and provide practical assistance to individuals in second and third world countries. Its goal is to help people live better and more successful lives by addressing and alleviating poverty, violence, hunger, and homelessness. Through its efforts, the organization seeks to create lasting, positive change in vulnerable communities around the world.

Grants · $50K - $300K

Ashden works in partnership to support entrepreneurs, promote green jobs, and engage citizens in climate action. The organization provides politicians with the tools to implement effective policies and gives investors the confidence to take bold steps in addressing climate challenges. Central to Ashden's mission is the use of powerful storytelling, which drives awareness and inspires action in the fight against climate change.

Grants

Established in 2016, ACT Foundation is a grant-making organization committed to addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges across the African continent. The foundation collaborates with local, national, and regional non-profit organizations and social enterprises to drive sustainable development through funding, capacity building, and strategic project implementation. ACT Foundation provides financial support tailored to the scope and impact of proposed projects. The foundation also offers resources, expertise, and networking opportunities to its grantees, ensuring the successful implementation and sustainability of funded initiatives.

Grants

The AU-EU Youth Cooperation Hub is a platform that brings together young leaders from Africa and Europe to co-create and implement innovative solutions addressing shared challenges. The Hub focuses on fostering youth-led initiatives that enhance economic opportunities, promote sustainable development, and strengthen the partnership between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU). These grants are available to individual youth organizations or consortiums aiming to implement initiatives that enhance economic opportunities for young people.

Grants · $30K

The Autodesk Foundation’s mission is to support innovative solutions addressing the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. The Foundation works across five continents, providing its portfolio of partners with grants, impact investments, Autodesk software, and in-kind support, all aimed at driving meaningful and sustainable change.

Grants · $100K - $1

Established in 2015 and headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, the BESTSELLER Foundation is a private philanthropic organization funded by the family-owned global fashion company BESTSELLER. The foundation focuses on driving positive social and environmental impact, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and communities connected to BESTSELLER's value chain. By investing in entrepreneurs and changemakers, the foundation aims to foster an inclusive, circular future. ? The foundation provides financial support through various investment tools, including equity, shares, and loans. Specific funding amounts are tailored to the needs and potential impact of each venture. In certain cases, the foundation may also offer grants, especially when projects do not have products or services that can be commercialized. ? The foundation engages in various initiatives to support startups and entrepreneurs with the potential to scale operations and amplify their impact. including providing capital to early-stage ventures that align with the foundation's mission.? The foundaton also partners with organizations to co-create impactful projects.? The foundation does not have a formal application process. Potential partners are encouraged to contact the foundation via email with a short concept note outlining their project or business. Projects must be operating in Sub-Saharan Africa or communities linked to BESTSELLER's value chain and demonstrate significant social or environmental impact.?

Equity Investors, Loans, Grants

About Funding Organization: Established in 2006 by Cartier, the Cartier Women's Initiative is an annual international entrepreneurship program that aims to drive change by empowering women impact entrepreneurs. The program is open to women-run and women-owned businesses from any country and sector that aim to have a strong and sustainable social and/or environmental impact. In addition to grant funding, fellows gain access to tailored mentoring and coaching, media visibility, networking opportunities, and educational courses from leading business schools. How to Apply: Interested applicants should apply through the official Cartier Women's Initiative website during the designated application period. The application process involves submitting an online application form, which includes detailed information about the business, its impact, and the entrepreneur's vision. Additional Benefits: Fellowship Program: Beyond financial support, awardees participate in a fellowship program that offers peer learning, industry-based educational programming, and leadership development. Community Access: Fellows gain lifelong access to a vibrant community of impact leaders, creating opportunities for engagement, relationship-building, and the development of social capital. Insights and Research: The program provides access to curated content and research partnerships aimed at driving active conversations about women impact entrepreneurs.

Grants · $100K

Established in 2021 by KfW on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, with additional funding from the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, CEI Africa aims to improve access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy for rural households and enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa. The foundation seeks systemic solutions to accelerate access to energy (A2E) by leveraging donor capital to stimulate growth in key A2E subsectors. ? CEI Africa provides various financial instruments, including debt, equity, and results-based financing (RBF) grants. While specific funding amounts are not publicly disclosed, the foundation tailors its financial support to the unique requirements of each project or company. ? Funding Windows: Results-Based Financing (RBF) Window: Offers grants to off-grid solar and mini-grid companies upon achieving pre-agreed results, such as the number of new energy connections established. ? Crowdlending (CL) Window: Co-invests with crowdlenders in the off-grid and mini-grid sectors, aiming to leverage additional capital and accelerate growth in these subsectors. ?

Grants · $300K

Established in 2010, the Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) is a non-profit organization operating with the support of the United Nations Foundation. CCA is dedicated to promoting clean cooking technologies in low- and middle-income countries. Their mission is to mobilize investment, innovation, and political will to accelerate access to clean cooking solutions, aiming to mitigate health issues, environmental degradation, and socio-economic challenges associated with traditional cooking methods. ? CCA provides various funding opportunities to support stakeholders across the clean cooking ecosystem. These include grants, investments, and other financial support mechanisms aimed at advancing clean cooking initiatives globally. ? Current Funding Opportunities: Decarbonising Humanitarian Energy: This fund focuses on transitioning from diesel-powered generators to renewable energy in the Sahel Region. The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy solutions in humanitarian settings. ? West Africa Clean Cooking Fund: This fund aims to advance qualified projects that enhance the sustainable adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a clean cooking solution in West Africa. The initiative seeks to improve access to clean cooking technologies and reduce reliance on traditional biomass fuels. ? Guarantees for Renewable Energy Investments: This guarantee scheme supports renewable energy investments in low- and middle-income countries, aiming to increase energy access and promote sustainable development. The program provides financial guarantees to mitigate investment risks in renewable energy projects. ?

Grants

The Coca-Cola Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, is dedicated to creating lasting social impact by supporting a wide range of causes and initiatives. Committed to uplifting communities around the globe, the Foundation focuses on driving positive change through meaningful contributions and partnerships.

Grants

D-Prize is designed for new organizations, with a focus on supporting first-time entrepreneurs. Most of the awardees are individuals who have not yet launched their organizations or secured other funding. D-Prize especially encourages applicants from low- and middle-income countries. Applications from existing organizations will be considered only if their core focus is distributing an existing, evidence-based poverty intervention. Typically, D-Prize does not support organizations that have been operating full-time for more than 18 months or have raised over $30,000 USD in external funding.

Grants · $20K

Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) is USAID’s tiered, evidence-based, open innovation program that funds breakthrough solutions to some of the world’s toughest development challenges. By prioritizing innovation and rigorous evidence, DIV is able to create significant impact, improving millions of lives at a fraction of the typical cost associated with traditional development initiatives.

Grants · $1

develoPPP is a funding program initiated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), designed for companies seeking to invest sustainably in developing or emerging countries while expanding their local operations. The program offers technical and financial support of up to 2 million euros for eligible projects. To qualify for funding, companies must demonstrate a long-term business interest in the target country and a sustainable developmental benefit for the local population. Whether the goal is to train local professionals or improve environmental and social standards within the supply chain, or if there is an innovative business idea that can contribute positively to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, develoPPP offers an opportunity to become part of its success story.

Grants · $2

Established in 1991 by the Dutch Postcode Lottery, the DOEN Foundation is committed to fostering a green, socially inclusive, and creative society. As the fund of the National Postcode Lottery and VriendenLoterij, DOEN supports pioneers and innovative initiatives that inspire and demonstrate that change is possible. The foundation provides grants, loans, and equity investments to a diverse range of projects, both within the Netherlands and internationally, particularly in East Africa and India.DOEN accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals at least four months prior to the planned project start date to ensure timely processing.

Grants

The Draper Richards Kaplan (DRK) Foundation is a global venture philanthropy firm that supports early-stage, high-impact social enterprises. The Foundation believes that with early funding and rigorous support, exceptional leaders tackling society’s most complex challenges can create meaningful change. Founded on the principles of innovation and the conviction that bold support for passionate individuals with groundbreaking ideas can transform the world, DRK applies a venture capital approach to find, fund, and support visionary leaders with scalable, impactful solutions. DRK provides unrestricted capital and, most critically, offers ongoing support by joining the organization’s board of directors and partnering with its leaders to build capacity and scale their impact. The Foundation often serves as the first institutional investor and outside board member for early-stage organizations. DRK invests in a broad range of sectors, with a current portfolio that includes organizations working domestically and internationally to improve access to healthcare, education, food security, social justice, water and sanitation, transparency, accountability, and shelter.

Grants · $300K

Established in 1987, Echoing Green is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to discovering and supporting social entrepreneurs and innovators. With a mission to unleash next-generation talent to solve the world's biggest problems, Echoing Green has invested over $36 million in seed funding to more than 600 social entrepreneurs across 60 countries.

Grants · $80K - $100K

EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC) is a Brussels-based entity established to deliver innovative development finance solutions that enable European Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), development banks, and private sector investors to increase the scale and impact of their work. EDFI MC focuses on business models, technologies, and geographies where other investors have not been able to operate at the desired scale, offering financial services that nourish entrepreneurship in developing countries. ? EDFI MC offers a comprehensive suite of financial services, including:? Direct funding to private companies in sectors such as renewable energy and agriculture.? Provision of risk-sharing instruments to de-risk investments in developing markets.? Collaboration with DFIs and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to promote private sector sustainable development.? Grants and advisory services designed to enhance the operational, financial, environmental, and social performance of investees. ?

Equity Investors, Business Support, Grants