The Green Growth Africa Sustainability Network has opened applications for the 2025/2026 cohort of the EcoHeroes Initiative, its flagship program for young environmental innovators.
This UNEP-accredited organization seeks to empower African youth to apply their knowledge in STEM and the Arts to solve pressing environmental challenges in their local communities.
The EcoHeroes initiative utilizes a learner-centered approach, encouraging students to act as leaders while designing tech-driven responses to socio-economic needs.
By tapping into the creativity of the youth, the program aims to nurture a modern green workforce equipped with leadership and digital innovation skills.
For the first time, this cohort—organized in collaboration with the Nysmith School in Washington DC—has expanded its reach beyond secondary schools.
The program now invites university undergraduates aged 18–22 to participate, helping to bridge the green skills gap as they move closer to the job market.
Participants are encouraged to develop projects centered on four thematic pillars: Waste Management, Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Nature Conservation.
These projects must integrate digital innovation components and demonstrate potential for community impact.
Funding and benefits
Selected EcoHeroes and team teams will receive micro-grants of up to $200 to facilitate the physical implementation of their learning projects.
This financial support is designed to help teams turn their conceptual ideas into tangible local solutions.
In addition to funding, teams will benefit from mentorship by leading experts who serve as technical advisors to refine project ideas.
Participants also receive capacity development through curated training and international knowledge-sharing sessions.
Successful students will be awarded a certificate of participation, while coordinating teachers receive certificates of recognition.
Exceptional projects may also leverage the global visibility of the #GreenGrowthAfrica network to amplify their work on a world stage.
Application requirements and eligibility
The competition is open to citizens of any African country between the ages of 11 and 22 who are fluent in English.
Secondary school teams must consist of at least ten students and two teachers, while university teams must have five to ten undergraduates.
Gender inclusivity is a primary requirement, with a mandate that 50% of team members must be female, though this is waived for same-sex secondary schools.
Applicants must provide a letter of support, a pitch deck, a budget, and a work plan to be considered.
Deadline
Qualified teams must submit their online applications alongside all required documentation through the official portal.
The final deadline for all submissions for the 2025/2026 cohort is February 17, 2026.
Visit EcoHeroes initiative call page to apply. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
