Author: Mark James

Introduction Across Africa, the connection between people, animals, and the environment is deeply intertwined. Communities rely on animals for food, livelihood, and companionship, while the environment provides essential resources that sustain both human and animal life. However, issues such as habitat destruction, climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and unsustainable practices have threatened this delicate balance. To address these challenges, organizations across the continent have been seeking innovative, community-driven solutions that promote harmony and sustainability. One of the notable initiatives supporting such efforts is the Alliance for Human-Animal Coexistence (AHAC) Small Grants Program. This funding opportunity provides financial support to African organizations…

Introduction For Nigerian entrepreneurs, 2025 presents a year of both challenges and immense opportunities. As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria has a vibrant entrepreneurial landscape filled with bold innovators, tech pioneers, and small business owners. However, despite the potential, funding remains one of the biggest obstacles to business growth. Unlike loans, which require repayment and often come with high interest rates, grants provide capital without financial burden, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on building, innovating, and scaling their ventures. Whether you are a young graduate with a startup idea, a female entrepreneur growing a business, or a founder tackling critical issues like…

Introduction Engineering has always been at the heart of solving Africa’s biggest challenges—from energy access to healthcare, agriculture, waste management, and transportation. Recognizing this, the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) established the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, now the largest engineering award in Africa. For the 2026 edition, African innovators will once again have the chance to compete for up to £50,000 in prize money, alongside world-class training, mentoring, and international exposure. The program helps innovators transform their prototypes into impactful, scalable businesses that improve lives across the continent. Applications are currently open, and this guide will walk you through…

Introduction In today’s world, running a small business successfully requires more than just passion and hard work. Technology has become a key driver of growth, and entrepreneurs who embrace digital tools are often the ones who remain competitive and relevant. Recognizing this need, the MTN Foundation introduced the ICT and Business Skills Training Programme, a youth-focused initiative designed to empower young Nigerians with practical knowledge in technology, business management, and digital branding. This training goes beyond theory; it provides real-life strategies taught by top industry experts and offers direct support to participants, including internet data for online learning and an…

Introduction In Nigeria today, many young people, especially women, are showing remarkable interest in entrepreneurship. From small-scale businesses in local communities to startups seeking global reach, the drive to build something sustainable is strong. However, one of the challenges most entrepreneurs face is the lack of access to proper training and mentorship that can help them scale and sustain their businesses. To bridge this gap, Keystone Bank, in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University, has introduced a special opportunity for female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The initiative, known as the Keystone Bank Free Business Management Certification Training…

Introduction In today’s interconnected world, leadership is no longer defined by borders. The challenges faced by humanity particularly the climate crisis require collective action that bridges regions, sectors, and generations. This is the vision behind the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Fellowship 2025, a fully funded programme designed to empower emerging leaders from Africa, the global South, and the global North. The AFC Fellowship is more than just a leadership training opportunity. It is a platform for dialogue, exchange, and collaboration among individuals who share a passion for tackling global challenges while shaping innovative solutions. At its core, the programme seeks…

Introduction Agriculture has always been one of the most important sectors in Nigeria, not only because it provides food but also because it creates jobs and drives economic growth. In recent years, technology has begun to reshape the sector, giving rise to agritech startups that are solving real challenges such as food security, supply chain inefficiencies, and access to markets. However, many of these promising ventures often face one big obstacle: access to funding and the right business support to scale. This is where the FCMB-FMO AgriTech Investment Readiness Program 2025 comes in. The initiative, backed by First City Monument…

Introduction Nigeria’s creative industry has continued to gain recognition as one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. From Nollywood movies and Afrobeats music to fashion, art, gaming, and cultural tourism, the creative space has become a powerful contributor to job creation, cultural diplomacy, and economic growth. Recognizing this potential, the Federal Government of Nigeria has rolled out the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) through the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE). The fund, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), is designed to provide sustainable financing, encourage innovation, and expand opportunities for individuals…

Introduction For many young African academics, pursuing a PhD can be a challenging journey due to limited funding, lack of research networks, and insufficient institutional support. The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) is tackling this challenge by providing structured doctoral training, funding, and mentorship for early-career researchers in Africa. The CARTA PhD Fellowships 2026 are now open for applications. This program focuses on developing the next generation of African research leaders in public and population health, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resources to conduct high-quality research that impacts health systems, informs policy, and improves teaching…

Introduction Do you have a child between ages 9 and 15 who loves spelling and learning new words? The MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Competition 2025 is here again, offering over ₦40 million worth of scholarships, gadgets, and school prizes. Organized by the MTN Foundation Nigeria, the competition is designed to encourage literacy, build confidence in young learners, and reward Nigeria’s brightest young spelling champions. Students, teachers, and schools all benefit from this exciting national competition. Application Deadline Not specified. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible on the MTN mPulse website. About the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee The…