African Development Bank — Youth Innovation & Venture Support Programmes
The African Development Bank backs youth-led innovation and invests in African venture funds — including the YouthADAPT Challenge (with the Global Center on Adaptation), which funds young entrepreneurs building climate-resilient, technology-driven businesses.
Application
Navigate to the primary sponsor application portal to review requirements and submit materials.
Program Description
The African Development Bank (AfDB) supports African startups and young entrepreneurs primarily through partnerships rather than a single open grant programme. Its flagship youth initiative, the YouthADAPT Challenge — run with the Global Center on Adaptation — awards funding and accelerator support to young entrepreneurs leading climate-resilient and technology-driven businesses, including AI-enabled ventures in food security and agriculture.
**What it covers:** Cash grants and a structured accelerator programme for selected youth-led enterprises (typically operating in Africa and under a set age limit — check the current call).
**Other AfDB support:** The Bank also invests in African venture capital funds (such as seed-stage funds backing early-growth startups) and runs wider youth entrepreneurship and digital-skills initiatives across its regional member countries.
**How to apply:** AfDB programmes open in specific windows — monitor the Bank's website and its youth entrepreneurship pages for live calls, eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Eligibility Guidelines
- Applicants must be citizens of an African country, or currently registered in an accredited African tertiary academic institution.
- Demonstrable interest or active project development in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or computer science.
- Submission of active academic transcripts, CV, and a personal statement outlining project impacts.