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United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Call for Applications

USAID Accelerating Women Entrepreneurs Prize 2018 for women-led enterprises ($50,000 prize)

by OFA
written by OFA

Application Deadline: April 25, 2018 at18:00 Eastern Daylight Time

At the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that Feed the Future would launch a new competition for women-led enterprises to access investment advice, business analysis, and other services to take their agribusinesses to the next level. To support this initiative, Feed the Future Partnering for Innovation is issuing a competitive request for applications (RFA) from women owned or operated agribusinesses in sub-Saharan African countries where USAID operates.
Eligibility Requirements:
  • Applicants must be a woman-owned or operated (i.e. women in leadership positions including founder, CEO, president, or managing director) commercial enterprise that is selling products or services in smallholder agricultural or livestock markets.
  • Companies must be headquartered in a sub- Saharan African country where USAID currently operates
  • Companies should have viable business models and incorporate and ultimately benefit smallholder farmers in at least one the following areas:
1. Increased access to agricultural inputs (e.g. seeds, fertilizer, crop protection products, equipment), technology (e.g. information and communication technology, cold chain logistics, mechanization, irrigation), financial and/or risk management services, and/or better agricultural practices.
2. Expansion of market access through improved services by off takers or processors.
Benefits:
  • This prize will help woman-led enterprises access capital to scale improved agricultural products and services in smallholder markets.
  • The selected finalists will receive investment readiness consulting services and investor matchmaking support.
  • This RFA will identify woman-owned or women-operated, for-profit businesses that match the evaluation criteria set forth in Section IV. Up to two companies will be awarded a package of technical assistance valued at $50,000. The technical assistance package will include:
• An assessment of investment readiness, including a review of the enterprise’s corporate
systems and a summary of key challenges and overall readiness for external investment
• Co-development of a five-year business strategy and financial projections, preparation of an
investor overview document and outreach materials including a pitch deck, a landscape review of potential investors, and initial introductions to principals of the funds. Application review
will take place in April 2018. Shortlisted finalists will be notified of application status and next steps in May 2018.
Selected finalists will undergo additional due diligence between May and June 2018. Notification of due diligence is not a guarantee of continuing service. If selected, prize awardees will receive investor readiness and matchmaking services between June and July 2018 (subject to change).

 

Application Procedure:

Please submit an application addressing the points in Section IV and using the attached application form.
  • The application must be typed with a minimum 11-point font. Please do not include any hyperlinks to external documents, websites, videos, or other sites in your application as these will not be considered by the reviewers. Any information about your concept should be captured in the application form.
  • Applicants may submit questions to [email protected] until March 26, 2018. All questions and responses will be posted on the AgTechXChange (http://agtech.partneringforinnovation.org) no later than March 29, 2018.
  • All applications must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected] with the name of your organization and “Accelerating Women Entrepreneurs” in the subject line. Receipt of submitted application will be confirmed. Only documents in Microsoft Word or PDF format will be accepted.
  • Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of Partnering for Innovation, nor does it commit the US government or Partnering for Innovation to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.
  • Applications must be received by April 25 , 2018 at 18:00 Eastern Daylight Time.
  • Applications will not be considered if delivered in hard copy form. Applications will not be considered if incomplete or received after the deadline. Review of applications will take place in April 2018.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be notified of next steps in May 2018.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the USAID Accelerating Women Entrepreneurs Prize 2018

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AngolaCall for ApplicationsSouth Africa

2016 YALI Regional Leadership Center Fellowship Program for Southern Africans- Cohort 3 (Fully Funded)

by OFA
written by OFA

Application Deadline: March 21st 2016 (23:59, Pretoria Time Zone)

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched by President of the United States Barack Obama as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. The need to invest in grooming strong, results-oriented leaders comes out of the statistics: nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60% of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35.

Initially, there will be four Regional Leadership Centers (Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and Southern Africa). These Centers will serve as regional hubs across the continent to encourage transformational learning and enhancing leadership skills. The YALI Regional Leadership Centers are a project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in close partnership with The MasterCard Foundation. Each Regional Leadership Center is managed under a public/private partnership.

Eligibility Requirements:

The program is open to young African leaders aged 18 – 35 years old depending on their level of experience and track record in their chosen sector.

Participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age (18-35)
  • English language proficiency
  • Portuguese speaking participants will be accommodated in the Mozambique Hub at UEM
  • A commitment to positively impact Africa, their own countries as well as communities
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities and interest in Public Management, Entrepreneurship Development and Civic Leadership
  • Commitment to serve the development agenda of the African continent

Young leaders from the following countries are eligible to participate in the programme:
Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Program encourages Application from:

  • Rural based and economically disadvantaged communities
  • Young leaders living with disabilities
  • Young leaders in lusophone countries
  • Women
  • People who are HIV positive or who are living with AIDS
  • Organisations that represent and advocate for the rights of LGBTI communities across the region

Benefits:

  • There is no fee to apply for or attend the program. Successful applicants will be provided round-trip transportation to the program,lodging, meals, and course materials.
  • All other cost will be at the participant’s expense
  • The Program is residential and requires a commitment to attend all sessions from 16 May – 10 June 2016
  • Following the residential program, there is an online project component for three weeks.

Partnership

Develop partnerships with companies and organizations to sustain this standard of excellence

Mentors & Advisors

Work with experienced professional volunteers 1:1 and/or in groups

Education Philosophy & Curriculum

Learn cutting-edge leadership techniques

Alumni Relations

Build better communities by becoming involved in shaping the future

Technology

Study in a high-tech environment that brings leadership skills to your front door

Collaboration

Work in teams, embrace innovation, learn by doing

Tracks:

Business and Entrepreneurship Development

The objective of the course is for participants to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to apply the principles, tools and systems of innovation and entrepreneurship in pursuing their career and business goals

Civic Leadership

The civic leadership course will expose participants to the practical knowledge of the administrative, financial, and organizational aspects of non-profit organizations and civil society projects.

Public Management and Governance

The objective of this course is to prepare the next generation of Southern Africa’s public service professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully address problems of democratic governance in public administration at the local, provincial, and national levels.

Selection Criteria:

Selection for participation in the YALI RLC SA will be conducted by a selection panel which will use the following criteria to evaluate applications:

Requirements:

  • A proven record of leadership in public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic engagement. They can be new entrants in public and private service institutions looking to develop their leadership abilities.
  • Proven record of knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the sector/track selected.
  • Proven record of active engagement in public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
  • Selected participants applying for the contact session must be willing to travel to the RLC SA in Midrand, Johannesburg or Maputo for the duration of the program.
  • A commitment to apply leadership skills and training to benefit your country and/or community after the program.

Apply Now for the 2016 YALI Regional Leadership Center Fellowship Program for Southern Africans

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the 2016 YALI Regional Leadership Center Fellowship Program for Southern Africans

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FellowshipsSouth Africa

2016 YALI Regional Leadership Center Fellowship Program for Southern Africans- Cohort 2 (Fully Funded)

by OFA
written by OFA

Application Deadline:February 26th 2016, 23:59 SAST.

When: April 11 – May 6, 2016.

Application for April 2016 Cohort is now open until the 26th Feb 2016

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched by President of the United States Barack Obama as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. The need to invest in grooming strong, results-oriented leaders comes out of the statistics: nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60% of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35.

Initially, there will be four Regional Leadership Centers (Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and Southern Africa). These Centers will serve as regional hubs across the continent to encourage transformational learning and enhancing leadership skills. The YALI Regional Leadership Centers are a project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in close partnership with The MasterCard Foundation. Each Regional Leadership Center is managed under a public/private partnership.

Eligibility Requirements:

The program is open to young African leaders aged 18 – 35 years old depending on their level of experience and track record in their chosen sector.

Participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age (18-35)
  • English language proficiency
  • Portuguese speaking participants will be accommodated in the Mozambique Hub at UEM
  • A commitment to positively impact Africa, their own countries as well as communities
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities and interest in Public Management, Entrepreneurship Development and Civic Leadership
  • Commitment to serve the development agenda of the African continent

Young leaders from the following countries are eligible to participate in the programme:
Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Benefits:

Partnership

Develop partnerships with companies and organizations to sustain this standard of excellence

Mentors & Advisors

Work with experienced professional volunteers 1:1 and/or in groups

Education Philosophy & Curriculum

Learn cutting-edge leadership techniques

Alumni Relations

Build better communities by becoming involved in shaping the future

Technology

Study in a high-tech environment that brings leadership skills to your front door

Collaboration

Work in teams, embrace innovation, learn by doing

Tracks:

Business and Entrepreneurship Development

The objective of the course is for participants to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to apply the principles, tools and systems of innovation and entrepreneurship in pursuing their career and business goals

Civic Leadership

The civic leadership course will expose participants to the practical knowledge of the administrative, financial, and organizational aspects of non-profit organizations and civil society projects.

Public Management and Governance

The objective of this course is to prepare the next generation of Southern Africa’s public service professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully address problems of democratic governance in public administration at the local, provincial, and national levels.

Selection Criteria:

Selection for participation in the YALI RLC SA will be conducted by a selection panel which will use the following criteria to evaluate applications:

Requirements:

  • A proven record of leadership in public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic engagement. They can be new entrants in public and private service institutions looking to develop their leadership abilities.
  • Proven record of knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the sector/track selected.
  • Proven record of active engagement in public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
  • Selected participants applying for the contact session must be willing to travel to the RLC SA in Midrand, Johannesburg or Maputo for the duration of the program.
  • A commitment to apply leadership skills and training to benefit your country and/or community after the program.

Skills:

  • Good interpersonal and communications skills
  • Knowledge of youth leadership and development issues
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a small or large team setting
  • Proven computer skills
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Positive attitude
  • Dedication, responsibility and reliability

Over and above, the intended beneficiaries of the program include the following:

  • Rural based and economically disadvantaged communities
  • Young leaders living with disabilities
  • Young leaders in lusophone countries
  • Women
  • People who are HIV positive or who are living with AIDS
  • Organisations that represent and advocate for the rights of LGBTI communities across the region

Apply Now for the 2016 YALI Regional Leadership Center Fellowship Program Southern Africa

 

 

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the 2016 YALI Regional Leadership Center Fellowship Program Southern Africa

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BurundiCall for ApplicationsCentral African RepublicCongo BrazavilleDemocratic Republic Of CongoDjiboutiEast-AfricaEritreaEthiopiaRwandaSomaliaSouth SudanSudanTanzaniaUganda

2016 YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa Leadership Program Cohort 6, Nairobi Kenya (Fully Funded)

by OFA
written by OFA

Application Deadline: November 30th 2015

Cohort 6 will run from February 29th, 2016 – May 20th, 2016

The YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa is looking for young men and women between the ages of 18 and 35 from Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, DRC, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda who are ready to embrace leadership and work hard to transform their countries.

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched by President of the United States Barack Obama as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. The need to invest in grooming strong, results-oriented leaders comes out of the statistics: nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60% of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35.

Selected participants aged 18-35 years, drawn from 14 countries in East and Central Africa; namely Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa Republic, South Sudan, and Congo, engage in innovative leadership training across three tracks of study of (1) Business and Entrepreneurship, (2) Civic Leadership, and (3) Public Management.

Located at Kenyatta University, in Nairobi, Kenya, the Center is more than a location for learning or a venue for collaboration; it is a philosophy, a forward-leaning culture of diversity that invites dreaming and thinking differently to define and realize one’s potential. The program is inclusive, embracing future leaders regardless of religion, ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender, or disability.

The YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa is supported by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Eligibility:

Competition for the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa is merit-based and open to young East African leaders who meet the following criteria:

  • Are 18 to 35 years of age at the time of application submission,
  • Are citizens and residents of one of the following countries: Burundi, Central African Republic. Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda,
  • Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.
  • Are eligible to receive any necessary visa to Kenya, and
  • Are proficient in reading, writing, listening and speaking English.

yali-east-leadership-programme

Study Tracks:

  • Business and Entrepreneurship
  • Civic Leadership
  • Public Management

Selection Criteria

Selection for participation in the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa will be conducted as a merit-based, open competition. All eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. Chosen semi-finalists will then be interviewed before a final selection is made and an invitation to join the program is issued.

Selection panels will use the following criteria to evaluate applications:

  • A demonstrated leadership in public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic engagement.
  • Active engagement in public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
  • The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others.
  • Strong social and communication skills.
  • An energetic, positive attitude.
  • A demonstrated knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the sector/track selected, and
  • A commitment to apply leadership skills and training to benefit your country and/or community after the program.

Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Benefits:
  • The participants immerse themselves in a 12-week course of study, three weeks of residential learning on-site at the Center in Nairobi;
  • Eight weeks of virtual distance learning via technology from their home countries; and a final week on-site at the Center in Nairobi for wrap-up and presentations.
  • The Center benefits the participants by linking them to a network of other young leaders from East Africa empowering them by enhancing their skills and confidence to lead; providing guidance from some of the best business and leadership minds in Africa; and opportunities for internships, among other benefits.

Apply Now for the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa Leadership Program Cohort 6

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa Leadership Program Cohort 6

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BurundiCall for ApplicationsCentral African RepublicDemocratic Republic Of CongoDjiboutiEritreaEthiopiaKenyaRepublic of CongoRwandaSomaliaSouth SudanSudanTanzaniaUganda

2015 YALI East Africa Regional Leadership Program, Nairobi Kenya (Fully Funded)

by lanredahunsi
written by lanredahunsi

Application Deadline: Ongoing

The YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa is looking for young men and women between the ages of 18 and 35 from Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, DRC, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda who are ready to embrace leadership and work hard to transform their countries.

The YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa is a diverse and dynamic learning environment that will provide the training, networking, business and entrepreneurial skills to enhance your ability to lead. The Center will open in July 2015, hosting its first cohort of emerging leaders from throughout East Africa.

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched by President of the United States Barack Obama as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. The need to invest in grooming strong, results-oriented leaders comes out of the statistics:

nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60% of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35.

Who will empower and lead these young Africans? Who will shape the future of business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management? In order to answer these questions, YALI promotes three models designed to identify and empower young leaders: the YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship, YALI Network, and now the establishment of Regional Leadership Centers across Africa.

YALI Regional Leadership Centers

  • Initially, there will be four Regional Leadership Centers (Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa). These Centers will serve as regional hubs across the continent to encourage transformational learning and enhancing leadership skills.
  • The YALI Regional Leadership Centers are a project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in close partnership with The MasterCard Foundation. Each Regional Leadership Center is managed under a public/private partnership.

yali-east-africa

 

Selected participants will engage in innovative leadership training across three tracks of study:

(1) Business and Entrepreneurship,

(2) Civic Leadership, and

(3) Public Management by immersing themselves in a 12-week format (three weeks of residential learning on-site at the Center in Nairobi, eight weeks of virtual distance learning via technology from your home country, and a final week on-site at the Center in Nairobi for wrap-up and presentations).

  • During the program, participants in their chosen track will be required to contribute individually and in teams to an interactive and experiential education course through project-based development and achievement.
 Eligibility:
Competition for the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa is merit-based and open to young East African leaders who meet the following criteria:

  • Are 18 to 35 years of age at the time of application submission,
  • Are citizens and residents of one of the following countries: Burundi, Central African Republic. Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda,
  • Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.
  • Are eligible to receive any necessary visa to Kenya, and
  • Are proficient in reading, writing, listening and speaking English.

Benefits:

  •  Networking : Build a leadership network throughout East Africa
  • Mentorship : Gain experience and guidance from proven leaders
  •  Scholarship : Learn cutting-edge leadership techniques
  • Trusteeship : Build better communities by becoming involved in shaping the future
  • Technology : Study in a high-tech environment that brings leadership skills to your front door
  • Collaboration : Work in teams, embrace innovation, learn by doing

Selection:

  • Selection for participation in the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa will be conducted as a merit-based, open competition.
  • All eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. Chosen semi-finalists will then be interviewed before a final selection is made and an invitation to join the program is issued.

Selection Criteria:

Selection panels will use the following criteria to evaluate applications:

  • A demonstrated leadership in public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic engagement.
  • Active engagement in public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
  • The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others.
  • Strong social and communication skills.
  • An energetic, positive attitude.
  • A demonstrated knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the sector/track selected, and
  • A commitment to apply leadership skills and training to benefit your country and/or community after the program.

Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Apply Now for the 2015 YALI Regional Leadership Program

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the 2015 YALI East Africa Regional Leadership Program

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Compétition @enConcours @enContests

West Africa Clean Energy Finance Forum (WAFCEF-2) Clean Energy Business Plan Competition 2014

by lanredahunsi
written by lanredahunsi

CALL FOR BUSINESS PROPOSALS Applications must be received by October 19, 2014

Event Sponsors:
USAID Regional Clean Energy Investment Initiative(RCEII), Climate Technology Initiative Private Financing Advisory Network ( CTI PFAN), African Development Bank (AfDB) through its Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA)

Organizers / Event Partners:

ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD), and African Biofuels and Renewable Energy Company (ABREC ), affiliated with ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID)

 

The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) and partners co-organized in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, an event on Friday, September 4 to launch and promote the second West Africa Clean Energy Finance Forum (WAFCEF-2). The partners include the Climate Technology Initiative Private Financing Advisory Network (CTI PFAN), Regional Clean Energy Investment Initiative (RCEII) together with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), Banque ouest africaine de développement (BOAD), and the African Biofuels and Renewable Energy Company (ABREC), which is affiliated with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

The purpose of the  West Africa Clean Energy Finance Forum (WAFCEF-2)  is to reach out and attract potential start-ups and existing companies with promising clean energy projects to enter into the business plan competition.

The Competition:

WAFCEF-2 final Forum will be held in April 2015 where up to 10 qualified projects will have the opportunity to present their Business Plans to invited investors and make a pitch for financing. As part of the competition, an Expert Panel including investors, industry specialists and business executives with a keen interest in enabling cleaner and greener projects in West Africa, will judge the Finalists’ presentations and select the top three projects for the West African Clean Energy Financing Awards.

 

Benefits

  • West African businesses selected through the Business Plan Competition will receive free mentoring to help them polish their business plans, develop convincing investment pitches, and formulate a commercially, financially, socially and environmentally viable growth strategy that in turn will significantly enhance the possibility of obtaining financing.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Any entrepreneur or company actively operating and/or registered in ECOWAS countries of West Africa including: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo may participate in the Business Plan Competition.
  • Clean energy projects in an ECOWAS country not exceeding US $50 million.
  • Proposals must reasonably demonstrate that the project is commercially and technically viable

Acceptable Proposals
Proposals eligible for the competition, may include, but are not limited to:

Greenfield and brownfield utility projects and distributed generation projects;
New business ventures;
Deployment of an existing clean technology;
Commercialization of a new clean technology;
Merger, acquisition or joint venture that will add value to an existing clean energy business;
Other innovative proposals and business models focused on clean energy that have positive development impacts and result in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions.

 

Documents

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the West Africa Forum for Clean Energy Enhancing (WACEF-II)

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