Grant
$5,000 seed capital
Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme
Tony Elumelu Foundation
One of Africa's largest entrepreneurship programmes, awarding $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital plus 12 weeks of business training, mentoring and networking to 1,000 African entrepreneurs annually. Open to all sectors and all African countries.
- Who: African entrepreneurs, all genders, all sectors
- Stage: Early-stage and growth businesses
- Applications: Typically open January each year
- Region: All 54 African countries
Award
Up to $100,000
Cartier Women's Initiative
Cartier
A global entrepreneurship programme supporting women-led impact businesses at the early stage. Regional winners receive up to $100,000 in grants, one year of coaching, and access to an international network of investors and mentors. Africa has a dedicated regional category.
- Who: Women founders with impact-driven businesses
- Stage: Early-stage (1–5 years operating)
- Applications: Open annually, typically August–October
- Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (dedicated category)
Fellowship
Fully funded
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
U.S. Department of State (YALI)
A flagship exchange programme for young African leaders in business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management. Fellows attend 6-week academic institutes at U.S. universities, receiving leadership training, networking, and follow-on funding opportunities.
- Who: African women and men aged 25–35
- Stage: Any — focus is leadership development
- Applications: Typically open October–November
- Region: Sub-Saharan Africa including Zambia
Grant
Up to $250,000
USADF All In Africa Fund
U.S. African Development Foundation
USADF provides grants of up to $250,000 to African-owned enterprises and co-operatives, with a strong focus on women-owned and women-led businesses in agriculture, energy, and economic inclusion. Zambia is an eligible country.
- Who: African-owned businesses, priority to women-led
- Stage: Early to growth stage
- Applications: Rolling — check country office
- Region: Multiple African countries including Zambia
Accelerator
Free + funding access
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women
Goldman Sachs Foundation
A free online business education programme for women entrepreneurs globally, delivered via Coursera. Covers finance, marketing, operations and strategy. Graduates gain access to a global network and potential links to capital through partner financial institutions across Africa.
- Who: Women entrepreneurs at any stage
- Stage: Any — business education focus
- Applications: Rolling enrolment via Coursera
- Region: Open globally including all African countries
Fellowship
Mentoring + visibility
Cherie Blair Foundation Women in Business Mentoring
Cherie Blair Foundation for Women
A year-long online mentoring programme matching women entrepreneurs in developing countries with volunteer mentors from around the world. Participants get personalised business support, skills development, and access to a global alumni network.
- Who: Women entrepreneurs in developing countries
- Stage: Early to growth stage
- Applications: Typically open February–April
- Region: Africa including Zambia
Award
$50,000 + support
African Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards
AWIEF
Annual awards recognising outstanding women entrepreneurs across Africa in categories including agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and social enterprise. Winners receive cash prizes, media exposure, investor introductions, and business development support.
- Who: Women-led businesses across all sectors
- Stage: Growth and scale-up
- Applications: Typically open January–March
- Region: Pan-African
Grant
Varies by country
AFAWA — Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa
African Development Bank (AfDB)
A pan-African initiative to unlock $3 billion in financing for women-owned and women-led businesses. AFAWA works through partner financial institutions to provide loans, guarantees and business development support specifically designed around the needs of African women entrepreneurs.
- Who: Women-owned/led businesses seeking finance
- Stage: Growth stage with financing needs
- Applications: Via partner banks — check AfDB website
- Region: All 54 African Union member states
Accelerator
Equity-free support
Seedstars Women in Tech Fund
Seedstars
A dedicated fund and accelerator programme for women-led tech startups in emerging markets including Africa. Provides investment readiness training, access to a network of 500+ investors, and direct introductions to potential funders. Focuses on early-stage tech businesses.
- Who: Women-led tech startups
- Stage: Pre-seed to seed
- Applications: Rolling — check Seedstars website
- Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Fellowship
Fully funded to USA
TechWomen Emerging Leaders Programme
U.S. Department of State / Institute of International Education
A professional exchange programme connecting emerging women leaders in STEM from Africa and the Middle East with mentors at top U.S. technology companies including Google, Apple, LinkedIn and Salesforce. Fellows complete a 5-week professional mentorship in Silicon Valley.
- Who: Women in STEM with 2+ years experience
- Stage: Career development / business idea stage
- Applications: Typically open December–February
- Region: Africa including Zambia
Grant
Varies
African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) Grants
African Women's Development Fund
AWDF funds African women's organisations working on women's rights and gender justice across the continent. Grant categories include core funding, rapid response, and strategic initiatives. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis based on available funding windows.
- Who: Women-led organisations and NGOs
- Stage: Registered organisations
- Applications: Check awdf.org for open windows
- Region: Pan-African
Accelerator
Seed funding + training
WomHub Accelerator Programme
WomHub (South Africa-based, Pan-African reach)
A gender-lens accelerator supporting women-led high-growth startups across Southern and East Africa. Provides business development support, co-working access, investor readiness coaching, and connections to a curated network of impact investors and corporate partners.
- Who: Women-led startups in Southern & East Africa
- Stage: Early to growth stage
- Applications: Cohorts open periodically — check website
- Region: Southern and East Africa