The COVID-19 pandemic has without a doubt exacerbated major economic and social challenges across the globe.

In Africa, young people, especially the vulnerable youth, have not been spared the devastating effects of the pandemic. The disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified many of the challenges already facing the continent’s youth.

The challenge for all is to embolden young people to escalate their contributions to the African recovery agenda by spearheading a network of local catalytic solutions, supported by regional advocacy and policy influencing.

This is why YOTA (Youth Opportunity & Transformation in Africa) has launched the Youth Innovation Challenge to foster and nurture catalytic youth-led solutions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Challenge forms part of activities under the Africa Youth Partnership to Advocate an Equitable Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Criterion:

YOTA is supporting young innovators to drive change and contribute to post-pandemic recovery efforts through grassroots innovations and social action. This is to alleviate the negative consequences of the pandemic on young people and their communities while elevating the ideas, ingenuity, and creativity of young innovators working to address the effects of the global health crisis.

YOTA is calling out to young innovators from Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria to participate in the Youth Innovation Challenge, by showcasing their ideas and proposed solutions for addressing the many challenges posed to the continent, by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are looking for the most talented young innovators from Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria to showcase their ideas on and proposed solutions for addressing the many challenges posed to the continent by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We want to support youth innovation for the advancement of inclusive and equitable post-pandemic recovery efforts.

Individuals or teams of young innovators in participating countries can take part in the Challenge by deploying the human-centered design approach to problem-solving in education and skills, youth employment and enterprises, health systems and treatment, vaccine equity, distribution, and uptake, among others.

The best ideas or solutions from each participating country, as decided by our panel of judges and peers, will receive a mix of financial support, complete with expert advice, networking, tools, and other opportunities to enable them to implement their solutions.

Challenge Sectors:

The thematic focus of the Youth Innovation Challenge cuts across several sectors, as long as a direct connection can be made to post-pandemic recovery potential.

In particular, we are looking for youth-led solutions that address challenges in one or more of the following themes:

• Agriculture and Fisheries
• Biodiversity
• Digitalisation, AI, and Emerging Technologies
• Education and Skills
• Employment
• Energy and Industry
• Finance, Trade, and International Investment
• Gender
• Governance and Politics
• Health and Wellbeing, including Vaccines
• Housing and Infrastructure Development
• Local and Regional Development
• Migration
• Mobility and Transport
• Tourism

Timeline of Events:

• 11th July 2022

First Round Submissions Open

• 29th July 2022

First Round Submissions Deadline

• 12th August 2022 (International Youth Day)

Announcement of shortlisted submissions

• 15th August To 30th September 2022

Business development support, coaching, networking opportunities and technical assistance for shortlisted submissions

• 15th September 2022

Second Round Submissions end

• 23rd September 2022 (At The UN General Assembly)

Announcement of top four submissions with cash awards

Eligibility:

• An individual young person between the age of 18 and 35; or an informal group of young people, or a local youth- or women-led organization or company (both non-profit or for-profit are welcome); female candidates or teams with predominantly female members are particularly encouraged to apply.

• Nationals of Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria who are resident in their countries or based in the diaspora.

• Persons who are passionate about using their skills to design innovative solutions to promote addressing the many socio-economic challenges posed to your country by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Truly innovative and impactful ideas or solutions that have the potential to change lives in a sustainable way.

Awards:

Participants of the Youth Innovation Challenge stand the chance of receiving a mix of support to enable them to implement their solutions, including:

• Up to $5,000 USD of funding per project

• Business development advice from top experts in the field of innovation and human-centered design

• Access to carefully curated tools and resources to support the full cycle of youth-led innovation and human-centered design

• Opportunity to become part of a growing community of young African innovators for ongoing learning, sharing, and networking

• Opportunity to be supported to showcase solutions across various international multi-stakeholder platforms, processes, and convenings before the end of 2022

Submissions Deadline:

29th July 2022

Young innovators across these 4 countries are encouraged to submit their applications by clicking here.

The Africa Blockchain Incubation Program 2023, is designed to support and nurture the next generation of blockchain innovators on the continent.

This is the 3rd edition of the program and it has successfully incubated different blockchain startups from across Africa.

Host: Africa Blockchain Institue
Tagged: Training
Eligible Countries: All African Countries
Benefits: Full Scholarship
Deadline: January 31, 2023

The Africa Blockchain Incubation Program is a four-month intensive program designed to help participants develop and launch their blockchain projects. Selected participants will receive training, mentorship, and resources to help bring their ideas to fruition.

Scholarship Requirements:

We are looking for ambitious individuals that are forward-thinking, innovative, and ready to take up challenges in creating the next Big Thing.

• Must be between 20 – 35 years of age.
• Priorities are given to Female Applications.
• Strong business case and market potential.
• Both idea-stage and early-stage (1 year) companies are encouraged to apply.

Scholarship Duration and Reward

There are a number of scholarships to participate in this program.

However, if you are unable to secure one of the scholarships, you can still participate, but you will be responsible for covering the cost of participation in the program.

Benefits

Selected participants will enjoy the following benefits which to help bring their ideas to fruition.

• Access to a network of blockchain experts and mentors
• Training sessions on blockchain technology and business/entrepreneurship.
• Opportunities to pitch to potential investors.
• Regular check-ins and progress reviews with program mentors.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified applicants should apply using the link provided below.

It is important to visit the official website to access the application form and for more detailed information on how to apply for this offer.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

Deadline:

January 31, 2023

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme for young Africans is designed to empower women and men across our continent, catalyzing economic growth, driving poverty eradication, and ensuring job creation.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation is the leading champion of entrepreneurship in Africa.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) was founded in 2010 by Tony O. Elumelu, CON, an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist who is passionate about Africa’s economic development.

Requirements:

1. The Programme is open to entrepreneurs across Africa, both new start-ups and existing young businesses, operating in any sector.
2. Applicants must be 18 years of age and above.
3. All businesses must be business ideas or an early-stage company, in the range of 0 to 5 years old.

Duration and Reward

• Non-refundable seed funding of $5,000
• A world-class business training for 12 weeks
• Access to TEF Alumni network with over 15,000 entrepreneurs across’ Africa
• Mentoring and networking opportunities via Africa’s largest digital platform for entrepreneurs, TEFConnect.net.

Program Procedures

Selection Process

• THE APPLICATION PHASE: This will take place from the January 1 to March 31. Once applications are closed, eligible applicants will be placed in the appropriate training path as follows:
• (a) REPARATORY: This means you do not have the skillset needed to start a business. You will go through the general training on TEFConnect. You will, however, not be eligible for mentorship or seed capital.
• (b)START-UP/ BEGINNER:This means you are a starter according to the business start-up profiling. You will go through the beginner training modules and you will have access to world class mentors during the programme.

• INNOVATIOR/ INTERMEDIATE: This means that you have been profiled to be an intermediate entrepreneur. You have a good potential to be a successful entrepreneur. You will go through the Intermediate training modules and you will have access to world class mentors during the programme.
• DISRUPTOR/ ADVANCED: This means that you are or identified to be natural or a seasoned entrepreneur. You will go through the Advanced training modules and you will have access to world class mentors during the programme.
• THE TRAINING AND MENTORSHIP PHASE: Once shortlisted and placed in the appropriate training path, you will be eligible to take part in our rigorous business training and mentoring sessions. There will be multiple choice questions to track your performance. You will attend a virtual orientation program to learn more about the process and we will share timelines and resources available for you to succeed. The shortlisted entrepreneurs will be given access to join the peer-to-peer support groups.
• Shortlisted entrepreneurs will be expected to complete the business training, answer the quiz at each end of each module.
• The shortlisted applicants after the training will be given the opportunity to develop a BUSINESS PLAN

• THE BUSINESS PLAN AND FINANCIALS SUBMISSION PHASE: At the end of the TEEP 2023 training, you will be required to combine all the learnings from the training into a single cohesive document. You will be given a business & financial plan template; this will be in the online resource library. This template will help you create a first draft of your business plan. write a business plan. After the BUSINESS TRAINING & BUSINESS PLAN SUBMISSION, only successful candidates (who complete the MCQs and score above cut off mark and submit a business plan) would be eligible to move on to the next stage: the PITCHING COMPETITION.
• THE PITCHING PHASE: This is an opportunity to demonstrate your business knowledge and convince the judge about the feasibility of your business. At the pitching stage, entrepreneurs will pitch their ideas before a panel of judges. Only the successful candidates from the pitching competition will receive seed capital funding and access to the Alumni network to support their business ambitions. If you successfully completed all required training requirements and submitted a business plan, but was unsuccessful after the pitching competition, you will receive a training completion certificate and can reapply next year.
• Please note that this phase is another key outcome of this training programme and all shortlisted entrepreneurs must go through this phase to be eligible for SEED CAPITAL.
• THE SEED CAPITAL PHASE: All entrepreneurs who have successfully completed all the above steps will be required to open business accounts and seed capital will flow into these accounts created. An entrepreneur who is eligible to receive seed funding will be given a CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION AND ACHIEVEMENT from the Foundation.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified applicants should apply using the link below.

It is important to visit the official website to access the application form and for more detailed information on how to apply for this offer.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

Deadline:

March 31, 2023

Future Academy Tech Scholarship is giving out scholarships/waivers worth $700 (N295,000) each to 1000 young Africans across the continent who want to start a career in tech (Product Design, Front-end web development, Data Science, NFTs & Introduction to Blockchain).

Host: Future Academy Africa
Tagged: Training
Eligible Countries: African Countries
Reward: Full Sponsorship
Deadline: Not Specified

Future Academy Africa is raising global technology leaders from Africa. Through our launchpad (incubation) and fellowship (acceleration) programs, talents are well prepared to join Global Companies across different sectors.

Our Programs

• Product Design
• Front-end web development
• Data Science
• NFTs
• Introduction to Blockchain

Requirements:

• Fellowship Program: You’re The Badt Guy (Junior, Intermediate Or Senior) Convince Us And Join Our Existing Fellows For An Amazing Ride!
• Acceleration: This Is Really Intense, Working Tirelessly With Mentors To Be Global Standard
• Internship: During Or After Your Acceleration, We Offer Both Paid And Unpaid Internships From Partners To Work On Real Live Solutions And Build A Portfolio
• Job Placement: Hurray, Get You An On-Site Or Remote Job

Why should you miss another Scholarship Opportunity? Join the Scholars WhatsApp group to receive alerts of Open Scholarships and available opportunities from around the world.

Scholar27

Duration and Reward

Start – Build – Get a Job – Migrate, we are giving out scholarships/waivers worth $700 (N295,000) each to 1000 young Africans across the continent who want to start a career in tech (Product Design, Front-end web development, Data Science, NFTs & Introduction to Blockchain).

Method of Application

Interested and qualified applicants should apply using the link below

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

Deadline:

Not Specified

The Standard Chartered Youth to Work programme seeks to recruit young and enthusiastic professionals looking for an opportunity to learn new business and consultancy skills and apply them in a real business environment, and contribute to the wider community.

Details:

ROLES

• Conduct an in-depth audit of the enterprise’s strengths and areas for development in one of the following three areas: operations, finance or sales and marketing.
• Develop an action plan based on your analysis to help the enterprise to improve and prepare for growth.
• Work closely with the Challenges staff and enterprise leadership team to deliver the action plan.
• Deliver capacity building sessions which improve the SGBs partnerships, communication and opportunities.
• Deliver key employment readiness workshops to university students.

Requirements:

To be considered for the role, you must:

• Be between 21 to 30 years of age or 21 to 35 for persons with disabilities
• Have an understanding of business and finance for business, demonstrated through previous work experience and/or hold a relevant university degree
• Relevant work experience including previous internship, voluntary work etc.
• Good communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Interest in small business development, enterprises and entrepreneurship
• Ability to travel to training and placement
• Ability to commit to the placement full-time and 2 weeks pre-placement training
• Must be fluent in both verbal and written English

Why should you miss another Scholarship Opportunity? Join the Scholars WhatsApp group to receive alerts of Open Scholarships and available opportunities from around the world.

Duration and Reward

1. A comprehensive 2 week training program in professional consulting and business improvement skills
2. Access to best-practice resources to guide you on placement
3. Ongoing training, mentoring and support from Challenges during your enterprise placement
4. Unprecedented opportunity to gain valuable insight into all areas of a enterprise and work alongside their senior management team to develop an action plan
5. An opportunity to develop your current skill set to improving your employability
6. A monthly stipend to cover expenses related to your placement.

Method of Application

Please ensure that before filling the application form, you have thoroughly read the application information. Answer all questions sincerely and to the best of your knowledge, incomplete forms will not be considered.

Also, attach any relevant academic documents to the application when submitting.

Please note that the Youth to Work program is only available for residents of UGANDA, ZAMBIA and GHANA

Click the country section in which you’re eligible and use the link below to apply.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

Deadline:

November 15, 2022

MTN Global Graduate Development Programme provide successful applicants with an opportunity for accelerated career path and the opportunity to be exposed to high-level business exposure where there will be an opportunity to experience rotations in different areas at MTN.

The opportunity will provide a rewarding adventure to the candidate as they will work alongside some of the industry’s leading experts to develop future solutions that will not only shape the future of customers, but that of the candidate alike.

Host: MTN
Tagged: Internships | Training
Eligible Countries: All African Countries
Benefits: Monthly Salary | Training
Deadline: November 30, 2022

The MTN Graduate Development Programme combines both formal development through the MTN Academy, as well as on-the-job development through full employment and placement into a strategically aligned role.

The formal component includes modules at MTN’s 3 regional learning centres, located in Southern, Northern and Western Africa.

Requirements:

Are you a young, energetic and enthusiastic person aged between 20-26 years? If the answer is a resounding YES, then we are looking for you!

Recruitment for our Global Graduate Programme for 2023 has officially kicked off and we are excited to meet graduates who have ambition, drive and ideas to join the MTN family.

Duration and Reward

These will include blended learning experiences such as metaphoric immersive experiences, multiple digital and media channels, and connection to social media platforms.

On-the-job development will take place locally where graduates are employed in MTN’s operating companies, and through job rotation. This will include in-role experience, varied interactions with the executive committees, mentoring, and coaching.

The MTN Graduate Development Programme offers top graduates a bespoke development and significant employment experience in a company that has and continues to shape this continent.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified applicants should apply using the link below

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

Deadline:

November 30, 2022