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Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility, GrowImpact 2.0, Aquillius Pitch Fest, ACT Changemakers Challenge & EDP Energy Starter – Aug 2025

Apply now for Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility, GrowImpact 2.0, Aquillius Pitch Fest, ACT Changemakers Innovation Challenge, and EDP Energy Starter before they close.

8/15/2025
•Anass Baddou
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August 2025 features multiple opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across Africa and beyond. With funding pools, tailored accelerators, international competitions, and pilot project collaborations, these programs offer a chance to gain capital, global exposure, and deep industry connections. From AI-driven healthcare to climate resilience, social impact, and renewable energy, founders can explore these openings and apply before the deadlines approach.


Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF)

Deadline: August 18, 2025
Type: Funding Opportunity
Target Region: Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania
Target Stage: Seed, Pre-Series A, Series A
Organizer: Village Capital

Overview

A $4 million facility to accelerate early-stage investment in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania, focusing on ventures advancing economic mobility and climate resilience. Operates through locally embedded Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs).

Program Structure

  • Locally led investment model via ESOs: Anza Entrepreneurs, Africa Fintech Foundry, Ennovate Ventures, FATE Foundation, Reach for Change Foundation
  • Country-specific sourcing and evaluation
  • Focus on economic mobility and climate innovation

Why Apply

  • Access to funding between $75,000 – $500,000
  • Backing from FMO and RVO
  • Locally tailored due diligence and support

Eligibility Snapshot

  • Locally led, post-MVP with early-stage revenue
  • Less than $2 million raised to date
  • Healthy unit economics and innovation in product, process, or business model

How to Apply

Submit via ESO partner platforms before August 18, 2025.

GrowImpact 2.0 Investment Readiness Program

Deadline: August 19, 2025
Type: Accelerator
Target Region: Tunisia
Target Stage: Seed, Pre-seed
Organizer: Impact Partner

Overview

Six-month acceleration program under the EU-funded ImpactTogether! initiative, designed for social enterprises in Tunisia, focused on sustainability, education, tourism innovation, and green economy.

Program Structure

  • In-person, Tunis-based delivery
  • Bootcamps, investor matchmaking, technical and financial support

Why Apply

  • Access to Impact Investment Fund
  • No program fee
  • Exposure to national and international stakeholders

Eligibility Snapshot

  • Africa-based social enterprise with active operations
  • Users and/or paying customers
  • Fundraising is optional but supported

How to Apply

Apply via Impact Partner’s official site by August 19, 2025.

Aquillius Pitch Fest 2025

Deadline: August 20, 2025
Type: Competition
Target Region: Global
Target Stage: Idea to Series A
Organizer: Aquillius

Overview

Live pitch competition in San Diego on August 28, 2025, showcasing AI-powered life sciences, medtech, and diagnostics to investors and industry leaders.

Program Structure

  • Round 1: 2-minute fast pitches with investor feedback
  • Round 2: 8-minute finalist pitches with Q&A
  • Networking and investor meetings

Why Apply

  • Visibility to global investors and partners
  • Exposure across bioinformatics, precision medicine, diagnostics, and AI health solutions

Eligibility Snapshot

  • Open to global startups, incorporated or not
  • All early-stage funding profiles accepted

How to Apply

Details on Aquillius event site before August 20, 2025.

ACT Changemakers Innovation Challenge 2025

Deadline: August 22, 2025
Type: Competition
Target Region: Africa
Target Stage: Stage-agnostic (youth-led)
Organizer: Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation

Overview

Annual challenge supporting African youth aged 18–25 leveraging technology for social change in areas such as AI, renewable energy, edtech, and mobile health.

Program Structure

  • Grants for the top four winners
  • Technical support and capacity building
  • Pitch event on October 8, 2025

Why Apply

  • Funding and resources to scale
  • Recognition and visibility through the pitch platform

Eligibility Snapshot

  • Youth-led, tech-driven, aligned with SDGs
  • First-time applicants only

How to Apply

Submit via the ACT Foundation platform by August 22, 2025.

EDP Energy Starter 2025 – Renewable Energy Track

Deadline: August 22, 2025
Type: Accelerator
Target Region: Global
Target Stage: Stage-agnostic
Organizer: EDP – Energias de Portugal

Overview

Global open innovation program for renewable energy startups and scaleups, offering pilot projects, market access, and funding pathways.

Program Structure

  • Hybrid format with online evaluation and Lisbon bootcamp
  • Focus areas include energy storage, emerging tech, and trading optimization

Why Apply

  • Fully funded pilots with EDP business units
  • Access to global markets and decision-makers
  • No equity or exclusivity required

Eligibility Snapshot

  • Solutions in renewable energy, storage, or operational optimization
  • Ability to collaborate with EDP teams

How to Apply

Apply via EDP’s program site before August 22, 2025.


With deadlines approaching, these programs offer entrepreneurs funding, mentorship, exposure, and pathways to scale impactful solutions. Whether aiming to secure investment, test innovations in real-world contexts, or connect with global networks, these August opportunities represent a pivotal moment for emerging ventures.

AECF, GrowImpact, Pitch Fest & More, Deadlines on August