The African Design Centre (ADC), a program of MASS Design Group, has officially relaunched its prestigious African Design Centre Fellowship. With renewed support from the Mellon Foundation and the Cravens Foundation, the ADC Fellowship is now accepting applications from built-environment professionals across the African continent. This twelve-month, hands-on residency program is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and aims to train, mentor, and support emerging African designers committed to socially and environmentally responsible design.

About the African Design Centre at MASS

The African Design Centre at MASS is dedicated to transforming insights from architectural projects into sustained movements for change. With a mission to advance Africa’s unique architectural legacy, the Centre operates through three interconnected workstreams:

• Research: Examining how spatial and design failures contribute to inequality in health, education, economic development, and climate resilience. The research identifies how localized, design-based solutions can enact meaningful change.
• Catalyst Projects: Implementing high-impact, scalable pilot projects—ranging from maternal health clinics to educational campuses—that showcase community-centered design as a solution to Africa’s most pressing issues.
• Systems Change: Training and mentoring the next generation of African design leaders through the ADC Fellowship and related mentorship programs.

The African Design Centre Fellowship is a 12-month paid residency in Kigali, Rwanda, designed for nationals of African countries. It empowers Fellows to create culturally grounded, community-driven solutions to infrastructure challenges, while preserving Africa’s architectural heritage.

This Fellowship is particularly focused on three thematic areas:

• Maternal & Newborn Health: Designing dignified, health-promoting spaces that support care, resilience, and well-being from birth onward.
• Expanding Opportunities: Creating spaces that cultivate innovation, skills development, and local enterprise to promote social and economic growth.
• Building a Climate-Positive Future: Redefining development through ecologically responsible design, enabling people and nature to thrive together.

Fellowship Objectives and Activities

ADC Fellows will engage in the following:

• Conduct Research: Deep-dive into African architectural traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, and urban development patterns.
• Pilot Projects: Participate in community-driven design projects aligned with the fellowship’s core themes.
• Disseminate Knowledge: Publish reflections and findings that contribute to global and local discourse on design and development.

Fellows will receive:

• Support from MASS Design Group staff.
• Mentorship from experienced professionals in design and architecture.
• Relocation assistance and a competitive stipend for the duration of the Kigali residency.

Following the 12-month residency, Fellows will continue their engagement through a year-long remote mentorship and network-building program, including potential funding for independent research.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be a national of an African country and 35 years old or younger.
• Hold a degree in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, engineering, or a related field.
• Be a built-environment professional with a portfolio of relevant work.
• Be available to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda for the full in-person fellowship period from September 2025 to August 2026.

Fellowship Timeline

• In-Person Fellowship & Residency in Kigali: September 2025 – August 2026
• Ongoing Fellowship Network & Mentorship: September 2026 – August 2027

Application Process

The application involves a three-stage process:

1. Stage 1: Expression of Interest
   Submit your resume/CV, references, portfolio, and a statement of alignment with the ADC Fellowship goals.
2. Stage 2: Pre-Fellowship Essays & Availability Confirmation
   Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit essays and confirm their ability to participate fully.
3. Stage 3: Interviews
   Final candidates will take part in interviews to determine suitability and alignment with the program’s mission.

Interested applicants should complete the online application form. Eligible candidates will be required to submit the following documents:

• Resume or CV
• Professional references
• Project portfolio
• Statement of alignment with ADC Fellowship themes

Deadline: July 13, 2025

Click HERE to Apply

The annual DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme (DBNETP) is the flagship programme of the Development Bank of Nigeria and is currently in its 7th Cycle. Capacity building is a core mandate of the Development Bank of Nigeria, and so far, the Bank has trained over 4000 MSMEs across Nigeria digitally and physically, leveraging partnerships and the DBN Learning Management System (LMS).

The annual DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme aims to achieve the following objectives:

Objectives

1. Ensure MSMEs are well equipped with skills and competencies to defend sound and viable business proposals.
2. Improve the Capacity of MSMEs to access available credit.
3. Improve the capacity of MSMEs for efficient funds utilization, trade, investments and access to markets.

Target Audience:

This is open to all Nigerian MSMEs across any sector, who are interested in acquiring the right knowledge needed to succeed in doing business in Nigeria.

Training Format

The programme takes a blended learning format approach of virtual and physical training.

Virtual Training:
The Virtual training is a self-paced comprehensive curriculum of the basic business principles broken down into 9 modules and will be implemented using the DBN learning management platform of the BizAid App.

Onsite Training:
This is a 5-day intense practical training and the curriculum is based on a needs assessment of the shortlisted businesses. A total of 300 businesses will be shortlisted for this to be trained in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Pitching Session:
All businesses will be eligible to pitch their business value proposition and businesses will be selected to receive grant funding ranging from N500,000 to N1,000,000.

Eligibility Criteria

All applicants shortlisted for the onsite training must meet the below minimum eligibility criteria:

A. Owner of business must be 18 years and above

B. Business owner must be a citizen or legal resident of Nigeria

C. The business must be based in Nigeria

D. The business must be for profit from any sector

E. Applicant must be available to commit to the training schedule once accepted

Selection Criteria

Bankability- Level of readiness to access credit

Feasibility and Sustainability of the business model

Scalability- Demonstrates potential for growth of business to create jobs

Training Programme Process Flow

• 1. All applicants must register on the DBN learning management system of the BizAid application.

2. All applicants must complete a minimum of 4 mandatory courses on the BizAid Learning management platform and obtain an average score of 80% from all quizes.

The courses that must be completed are:

a. Accounting & Bookkeeping,

b. Sustainability for MSMEs

c. Marketing and Sales Techniques,

d. Credit Management/Access to Finance

3. All businesses who have completed the 4 courses by the stipulated deadline and achieved the required pass mark of 80% will receive an email with a link to apply for the face-to-face training.

4. Upon submission of the application form, an email confirming receipt will be sent to the applicant within a 24-hour period

5. Applicants will be screened and shortlisted from the close of the application based on the eligibility criteria

6. Selection will be carried out using the defined selection criteria from the pool of shortlisted applications

7. Communication with successful applicants shall be by email to the email address provided and a phone call to the phone number provided on the application form.

8. Training will commence on announced dates consecutively in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

The Green Youth Upskilling Program is a transformative initiative aimed at equipping 25 passionate and driven young individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to thrive in green and technical sectors.

This program is designed to support Nigeria’s transition to a sustainable economy by investing in youth capacity building, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking young changemakers who demonstrate potential and interest in building careers within the green economy. Ideal candidates should fall within the following profile:

• Age Range: 20–35 years old
• Location: Must be a resident of Lagos State
• Educational Background: Minimum of Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE)
• Interest/Experience: While prior experience in technical areas such as solar energy, electrical work, mechanical trades, recycling, or climate-smart agriculture is a plus, it is not mandatory.

What matters most is a genuine passion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

• Be a Nigerian citizen within the specified age bracket.
• Have completed at least secondary education (SSCE).
• Demonstrate a strong interest in green and technical fields.
• Be fully available to participate in the program, including all virtual or physical sessions.
• Submit a complete application with all required documents before the deadline.
• (Optional but advantageous): Have exposure to green or technical work through volunteering, self-learning, internships, or informal jobs.

Benefits

Participants will receive:

• Hands-on training in renewable energy, recycling innovation, sustainable agriculture, and climate technology.
• Mentorship from industry experts and ecosystem leaders.
• Access to grants and funding opportunities to kickstart green ventures.
• Exposure and visibility to help grow their solutions and career path.
• A strong peer community of fellow green youth leaders and changemakers.

Selection Process

The application and selection process will occur in four key phases:

Application Submission & Documentation Review

Applicants are required to submit:

• A completed application form
• A recent CV or one-page biography
• A statement of interest (max 300 words) detailing:
• Why you want to be part of the Green Youth Upskilling Program
• Any exposure to green/technical work (formal or informal)
• Your career aspirations after completing the training
• Optional supporting materials such as photos, reference letters, or certificates to demonstrate passion and initiative

Screening & Shortlisting

A review committee will evaluate all applications based on:

• Completeness and relevance of documentation
• Passion, motivation, and alignment with program goals
• Exposure or interest in green/technical sectors
• Potential for impact and growth
• Top-scoring applicants will be shortlisted for interviews.

4. Interviews & Final Selection

Shortlisted applicants will participate in virtual or in-person interviews to assess:

• Commitment and availability
• Communication and clarity of purpose
• Readiness to benefit from and contribute to the program
• The final selection will include 25 participants and a waitlist of 5–10 alternates.

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to promoting equity and inclusivity throughout this program. Priority will be given to:

• Young women and women-led initiatives
• Applicants from marginalized or underserved communities
• Persons with disabilities (PWDs)
• Diverse representation across l
• Local communities in Lagos

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 

As part of its linguistic and educational cooperation, the Embassy of France in Nigeria is launching a call for applications to support the creation of Digital Resource Centers in Nigerian universities. This project aims to enhance French language learning, develop students’ transversal skills, and strengthen their employability.

The project objectives include:

• Facilitate access to digital educational resources in French
• Strengthen students’ digital capabilities and professional skills
• Support universities in modernizing French language teaching
• Promote pedagogical innovation and international partnerships

Funding

• A maximum envelope of 15 000 Euros per selected university
• Funding intended for digital equipment, training, and implementation of pedagogical activities
• Institutional contribution is encouraged (e.g., provision of staff, space, internet access, etc.)

Eligibility

• Open to public or private accredited universities in Nigeria;
• Presence of a French department or a French language teaching program;
• Commitment to dedicate a physical space for the center and ensure its medium-term.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Quality of the pedagogical project and relevance of proposed activities – 30%
• Institutional capacity (human resources, infrastructure, management) – 20%
• Expected impact on students and the development of transversal skills – 20%
• Project sustainability (medium- to long-term commitments) – 15%
• Proposed partnerships (businesses, local/international institutions) – 15%

Application

• Fill the application form
• Send an application file, including :
  • Project description note (max. 5 pages)
  • Detailed provisional budget
  • Commitment letter from the Vice-Chancellor or university leadership
  • CVs of key individuals involved
  • Photos or plans of the proposed center space (optional but appreciated)

Complete files must be sent before August 15, in French and English, to the following address: feyifrench@gmail.com

Deadline: August 15, 2025

Click HERE to Apply

This 3-month virtual training program, beginning in July 2025, seeks to empower over 100 women and girls across Africa with in-demand Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Data Analysis skills through interactive online learning, mentorship, and live bi-weekly sessions. AWC

After the initial 3 months of structured learning, successful participants will transition into a 6-month self-paced learning phase with continued access to premium DataCamp licenses, allowing them to deepen their technical expertise and pursue further certifications.

Please Note:

• Attendance at the bi-weekly online training sessions is mandatory to remain eligible for the extended 6-month access to DataCamp courses.
• The program is designed for women and girls aged 15–45 who have access to a laptop and internet connectivity.

Benefits

• 3-month virtual intensive training
• Specialized learning tracks in AI, Data Science, and Data Analysis
• Free access to premium courses on the DataCamp platform
• Industry-recognized certifications upon completion

Deadline: July 16, 2025 AWC

Click HERE to Apply

Applications are open to interested Rice Processors with experience in the field of
the 5-course Rice Miller Business Training (RMBT) Program and Business Development Support (BDS)

Location: Nigeria

Introduction
GIZ-MOVE, Bühler Group, and Partners in Food Solutions are offering a unique, in-depth training and coaching program designed for rice processors located within a 350 km radius of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This includes parts of Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, and Kaduna States. Over a span of 10-months, rice processors will be trained on key elements of mill management, coached and supported to put theory into practice. If you are interested to know more about it, continue reading below.

GIZ-MOVE
The Market-Oriented Value Chains for Jobs and Growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE) project focuses on building resilient cashew and rice value chains to contribute to the creation of jobs and income in West Africa, with ECOWAS as its main political partner. MOVE represents the merger of two previously well-established regional projects: The Competitive Cashew Initiative (ComCashew) and the Competitive African Rice Initiative (CARI). Both respective brands (ComCashew and CARI) are kept under the umbrella of the MOVE project. Its goal is to ensure long-term, sustainable results and competitiveness in six (6) West African countries, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, and Senegal. As an entry point to the respective value chains, MOVE uses multi-stakeholder partnerships at the heart of its implementation and leverages its previous work in the region. The main
partners are therefore rice processors, input suppliers, or mechanization service providers who are working in the up and down stream value chain.

Partners in Food Solutions
Partners in Food Solutions (PFS) is an independent nonprofit organization working to strengthen food security, improve nutrition and increase economic development across Africa by expanding and increasing the competitiveness of the food processing sector. We link corporate volunteers from our consortium of world-class food companies (Buhler, Cargill, Dsm-Firmenich, General Mills, Hershey. Ardent Mills, and JM Smucker) with promising entrepreneurs in more than twelve African countries. Our partner companies are committed to improving food security by empowering their employee volunteers to share expertise and a combined 700 years of food industry experience with dynamic and promising food companies throughout Africa.

Bühler Group
Bühler is a Swiss family business with more than 170 years of experience, specializing in the manufacture of agro-industrial equipment, particularly for the transformation of cereals into flour and other agricultural raw materials into ready-to-eat finished products. To date, Bühler employs more than 13,000 people and generates a turnover of 3 billion dollars, 5% of which is reinvested in research and development. Bühler’s ambition is to create innovations to make the world a better place, with a particular focus on promoting healthy, safe, and sustainable industrial solutions.

Program description
The call for applications is specifically looking for mills intending to improve their mill operations. GIZ-CARI/MOVE, Bühler, and PFS are offering an in-depth specialisation in different topics through coaching and training. The program offered consist of two different parts: The first part is the Rice Miller Business Training (RMBT) program which is a modular training program (each training module consisting of 3 days) that will allow mill owners, mill managers and mill staff to improve their everyday management of the rice mill and deepen their knowledge on mill management. The second part is Business Development Support (BDS) which focuses on coaching and individual support to mills. The RMBT program consists of the following five modules:

• Milling Operations (conducted by Bühler Group)
• Practical Marketing for Rice Mills
• The Business of Rice Milling
• Finance Essentials for Rice Mills
• Developing Profitable Farmer Services

The training program will take around 10 months with one course taking place every 2 months, the mills are expected to participate in all 5 modules with the most fitting staff of their mill. Each course is a physical three-day training. The mill is expected to participate in every course with at least one staff member who is currently conducting the work within the company and the mill manager/owner. It is important that these two persons attend the training, as one is the executive power and one the implementing power.

The RMBT Program will be conducted in the mid-2025. Each round will accommodate around 10, meaning in total 10 mills will be selected in total.

Business Development Support (BDS)
The RMBT program will also have a special BDS support for a small selection of mills attending the program. For these mills, in addition to the RMBT courses, they will receive coaching sessions in between each of the courses to apply the knowledge acquired to their mill. If you are interested in participating in BDS, kindly insert it in your application form.

Requirements for mills
We are looking for partners who are willing to change! Mills who are willing to invest time to participate in the training, coaching sessions and willing to partner with GIZ-MOVE, Bühler, and PFS:

• The course is aimed at medium to large sized mills, preparing to scale up operations, upgrading equipment and improving efficiency and rice quality.
• Mills that are motivated & willing to change.
• Mills need to be in business for at least three years.
• Have a team of at least 10 employees.
• Mills are required to invest time to participate in the courses, for coaching and for M&E. The intervention will take around 10-months’ time. However, the duration of one coaching session will not exceed maximum of a half day.
• Each course will be attended by the owner, CEO or manager and the staff member of the mill that is responsible for that area of work related to each training thematic.
• At least 30% of the participants should be female. This requirement is negotiable if you can provide an explanation for not having sufficient qualified staff to participate in the training.
• Be willing to hand in M&E related data to GIZ and PFS; and conduct a baseline and endline study.
• Be willing to communicate with GIZ and PFS on success stories, feedback or other sorts of communication work.
• All applicants/participants need to be able to speak fluent English.

Costs:
• Following cost for the training will be covered: Trainer, training material, venue, and food during the training.
• Per diems and transportation allowance will be paid.

How to apply:

The applicants are expected to fill out the excel sheet and hand in the CVs of all applicants of your mill afterwards to move@giz.de via E-mail. Mills who apply should only register mill personnel who are already working within the thematic area. We highly encourage female led mills to apply and persons with disabilities to participate in the courses.

Download Application Form Here

The deadline to submit the application is 11th of July, 2025.

For further information, email us on the following email address: move@giz.de.

Deadline: 11th of July, 2025.

Click HERE to Apply

The AssuredInvest Cooperative Trust Fund has been officially launched by Maistrade Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited as a groundbreaking $5 billion initiative to channel cooperative capital into vital sectors of Nigeria’s economy. This ambitious fund is designed to accelerate growth in agriculture, affordable housing, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), education, renewable energy, and digital inclusion across the country.

Announcing the launch on Thursday, Maistrade described the AssuredInvest Cooperative Trust Fund as a bold step toward building inclusive prosperity through trusted cooperative finance. According to the President and Chief Vision Officer of Maistrade, the fund is much more than a conventional financial product—it is a platform that empowers millions of Nigerians to shape their own economic future. “The AssuredInvest Cooperative Trust Fund is more than an investment model; it is a national call to action,” he said. “Through this fund, we are enabling Nigerians everywhere to participate in secure and transparent cooperative finance.”

The fund comes with several unique features designed to protect contributor investments and enhance accountability. These include a 10-year convertible debenture structure, oversight by independent trustees, insurance-backed capital protection, and a split custodial account system to track fund flows in real time. The AssuredInvest Cooperative Trust Fund also provides digital access to individuals, institutions, and Nigerians in the diaspora, with a goal of enrolling over one million contributors during its first phase.

Maistrade Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited operates as a federated cooperative network of more than 150 independent cooperative entities. With over 237,000 members spread across Nigeria’s 37 states and territories, the organization is positioning the Cooperative Trust Fund as a transformative vehicle for cooperative-led economic development and sustainable wealth creation.

This launch reinforces the growing momentum of alternative financing platforms in Nigeria that aim to close long-standing gaps in credit access for underserved communities and sectors. By leveraging the power of collective investment, the Cooperative Trust Fund is set to play a pivotal role in unlocking opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

n a renewed push to empower young people with practical vocational skills, the Ogun State free phone repair training has launched through a strategic partnership between the Ogun State Government and leading technology firm Cybervilla. This forward-thinking initiative offers free technical training on phone and electronic device repairs for youths across the state, helping them build self-reliance and tap into opportunities within the fast-growing digital economy.

The Ogun State free phone repair training is structured under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) designed to deliver hands-on education and equip participants with in-demand skills. The training, facilitated by Cybervilla, emphasizes real-world experience, ensuring that young people gain both knowledge and confidence to start careers or even launch their own repair businesses. According to the Bureau of Information Technology (BIT), vocational education is now a core strategy in addressing unemployment and promoting economic participation among the youth.

Governor Dapo Abiodun has identified the Ogun State free phone repair training as a key pillar of his administration’s youth empowerment agenda. The governor believes that practical skills acquisition is critical for development in today’s technology-driven economy. Through this program, participants will not only learn the technical aspects of repairs but also receive professional toolkits to begin work immediately after graduation.

Cybervilla’s Chief Executive Officer, Ifeanyi Adirika, commended the Ogun State Government for its openness to collaboration and commitment to innovation. He explained that the first phase of the Ogun State free phone repair training will train 50 young people who will be eligible for job placements within Cybervilla or through state-supported employment opportunities. According to Adirika, this initiative is about more than education—it’s about creating a ripple effect of opportunity across communities.

Speaking on behalf of the first batch of trainees, Mr. Timilehin Ajisebutu expressed gratitude to the state government and Cybervilla for offering such a life-changing opportunity. He pledged to leverage the skills gained through the Ogun free phone repair training to build a career and eventually become an employer of labour himself.

This impactful partnership highlights Ogun State’s rising status as a hub for technology innovation and youth-focused development. It also aligns with broader goals to stimulate job creation, economic inclusion, and sustainable growth through vocational and digital education.

The Restoration Stewards program is a youth program rooted in care, landscape leadership, diversity, intersectionality and intergenerational equity. Launched in 2020 by the Global Landscapes Forum and the Youth in Landscapes Initiative, it aims to support the efforts of youth-led teams in holistically restoring their landscapes and seascapes while nurturing biocultural diversity. The program has four main pillars: funding, capacity development, mentorship and spotlighting at global events. Restoration Stewards and their teams are supported for one year to further develop their vision, deepen their impact and become ambassadors for restoration at global and local levels.

Eligibility Requirements 

The program will consider applications from anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 who is leading or working on a youth-led restoration project in any of the following ecosystems: forest, mountains, oceans, wetlands, peatlands, drylands or rangelands. Applicants must understand and be willing to adhere to and model the GLF vision, pillars and values.

Priority will be given to projects that:

Are led by a young person or a group of young people (aged 18 to 35) who are either local, Indigenous, or nationals of African, Asian, Latin American or Caribbean countries and are running projects in these regions;

Have been running for a minimum of six months.

Please note that:

• You do not have to create a new project from scratch to be eligible; candidates are invited to build on restoration programs or projects that are already running.
• It would be beneficial if at least one person in your team is proficient in English, as many of the activities and opportunities provided through the program are currently in English.
• The GLF and YIL would especially like to encourage young women, Indigenous youth, rural youth and other underrepresented groups and identities to apply for this program.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

The selected Restoration Stewards will receive mentorship from experts, as well as opportunities for professional and project development. They will also receive a grant of EUR 5,000 to further develop their restoration project while meeting the following objectives:

• Set project-specific targets to be reached by the end of the year, with guidance from the mentors and GLF experts;
• Seek and carry out training activities to deepen the understanding of the landscape approach and other relevant topics;
• Run a minimum of one event to engage local communities;
• Coordinate with the GLF team to promote their project via social media
• Produce articles and other content for GLF platforms to deliver progress updates and showcase inspiring stories from their local landscape ;
• Meet with the GLF team and the mentors on a regular basis to discuss the project’s progress.

How to Apply 

• Project selection is a competitive process, and as such, the application will require some preparation. Be sure to build an application that showcases the work you are carrying out in the best way possible.
• When applying, you will be asked the following questions.

About you: 

• What experience do you have related to restoration? (200 words).
• Prepare a one-minute video of yourself telling us why you would like to become a Restoration Steward. Share the video as a post on your social media, or use an unlisted YouTube or Google Drive link. Please make sure to add the link to your video in the application.

About your project: 

Make sure you have a name for your project.

• Describe the landscape you are restoring including its current state, the main drivers of degradation and why you are working on it. (200 words)
• Describe your project, clearly specifying your objectives and related activities. Please also explain how your project aims to restore the landscape through a landscape approach and how it aims to bring positive change for local people. (400 words)
• Explain where you see your project in a year after completing the program. (200 words)
• Prepare a one-page PDF or Word document with a clear breakdown of how you intend to use the EUR 5,000 seed funding.
• Attach a photo of your project area.

Click Here to Apply 

This prize calls on established companies in Africa revolutionizing manufacturing value chains in emerging markets by leveraging AI and other emerging technologies. This prize offers $2 million in total prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize. Participating companies will also gain access to exclusive networking and the opportunity to pitch to industry leaders and key decision-makers.

If your company is using AI and advanced data analytics to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and deliver scalable impact – this is your moment. We’re looking for tech-powered solutions ready to drive job creation, unlock commercial growth, and ignite breakthroughs across the globe.

The winning team will demonstrate a scalable innovation across manufacturing value chains that leverages AI to deliver measurable impact in efficiency and waste loss. Teams will be evaluated on commercial viability, technological integration, operational economics, and market scalability in Africa.

Eligibility Requirements 

We are seeking companies:

• 2+ years in operation
• Series A+ in funding
• Operating in Africa’s manufacturing sector
• Advancing workforce and job growth
• The Grand Prize winner will be awarded and celebrated in May 2026.

Benefits

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing offers $2 million in prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize.

Semi-Finalists: Ten (10) Semi-Finalists will receive $50,000 each.

Finalists: Five (5) Finalists will receive $30,000 each.

Final awards: One company will receive $1 million Grand Prize; One company will receive $250,000 Runner-Up Prize; and One company will receive $100,000 Most Advanced Use of 4IR Prize.

The following individuals or companies are not eligible to participate:

• Any individual or entity organized or with primary residence in a country embargoed by the USA
• Any individual or entity listed on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, or other sanctions lists administered by any agency or department of the United States government
• Any current or recent employee or immediate family member of an employee of the Milken Institute or the Motsepe Foundation

Award Rounds

Application Submission & Semi-Finalist Announcement

Teams submit their designs and business models. An independent panel of expert judges will select 10 teams to advance in the competition as semi-finalists. Each semi-finalist team will then receive $50,000.

Pitch Event & Finalist Announcement

Semi-Finalists will pitch their innovations to industry leaders and decision-makers. A panel of judges will select five teams to advance as Finalists and receive $30,000 each.

Grand Prize Submission & Announcement

Finalist companies will submit materials for the grand prize submission (as outlined in the rules). The winning team will receive $1 million, the runner-up will receive a $250,000 Runner-Up prize, and a team will receive $100,000 for the Most Advanced Use of 4IR.

The Grand Prize winner will be awarded and celebrated in May 2026.

Click Here to Apply