African entrepreneurs with innovative solutions in healthcare or the environment can now apply for the Changemakers Africa Incubation Programme for a chance to get up to $15,000 in funding.
The 5-month hands-on programme, offered by Swiss Re Foundation, will also help you refine your business model, receive expert mentorship, and connect with a global network of changemakers.
Themes in focus
– Climate solutions: The business contributes to sustainability, conservation, or climate resilience; demonstrates use of nature-based solutions or circular economy principles; helps communities adapt to climate change (flood-resistant infrastructure, net-zero transformation); supports biodiversity or healthy ecosystems (example, urban gardening, soil regeneration, climate-smart agriculture); and incorporates renewable energy or promotes waste reduction.
– Access to health: Enhances healthcare accessibility (brick-and-click models improving telemedicine, public health efficiencies); addresses preventable lifestyle diseases (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, malnutrition, obesity); provides climate-resilient health solutions (mitigating health impacts of heatwaves or pollution); supports nutritional security (e.g., food banks, zero hunger initiatives, access to quality nutrition); or encourages healthy habits and preventative health measures;
Funding and other benefits
– There are three funding prizes: 1st place = $15,000; 2nd place = $10,000; 3rd place = $5,000
– You will also be part of a dynamic community and get the chance to build friendships with a professional network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and Swiss Re experts. Here, you’ll learn, share, and grow together.
– It also offers personalized mentorship from a team of Swiss Re professionals. They will provide helpful feedback and guidance during the programme.
– Finally, there is an expansion opportunity through collaboration with like-minded social entrepreneurs and a global network of professionals.
Who qualifies?
You qualify to apply if you:
– Have a socially innovative business in health or climate in its early stages, preferably launched within the last 2 years.
– Are seeking a programme to incubate and validate your business plan. You want guidance on developing your business model, marketing, fundraising, or impact measurement.
– Are based in an African country and are dedicated to working in a programme fully in English.
– Are passionate about making a positive impact and are open to dedicating 6–8 hours per week for 5 months.
– Have a reliable internet connection and access to a computer/laptop that you can use regularly.
Application deadline
May 28, 2025
Where to apply
Click HERE to apply
African entrepreneurs in the early stages of developing innovative solutions in healthcare or the environment can apply for the Changemakers Africa Incubation Programme to receive up to $15,000 in funding.
The 5-month hands-on programme, organized by the Swiss Re Foundation, offers assistance in refining business models, expert mentorship, and a connection to a global network of changemakers.
The programme focuses on two main themes: Climate Solutions, which include sustainability and climate resilience initiatives, renewable energy incorporation, and waste reduction; and access to health, which involves enhancing healthcare accessibility, addressing lifestyle diseases, and providing climate-resilient health solutions.
Funding prizes include $15,000 for 1st place, $10,000 for 2nd, and $5,000 for 3rd. Participants will also benefit from personalized mentorship, networking opportunities with professionals and entrepreneurs, and potential expansion through collaborations.
Eligible applicants must be African-based social entrepreneurs with an early-stage health or climate business, fluent in English, capable of dedicating 6-8 hours weekly for 5 months, and have access to reliable internet and computer resources.
