If you’re a university staff member passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, there’s an exciting new opportunity to empower your students and create real change.
The 2025 British Council–IAU Enterprise and Innovation Challenge is officially accepting applications—and it’s all about helping universities across Africa lead the way in developing sustainable, job-creating businesses.
This programme is specifically designed for higher education institutions in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, giving them the tools, networks, and funding to drive impact across industries.
What’s the Goal of the Challenge?
At the heart of this initiative is a mission to boost the role of universities in Africa’s growing entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The challenge aims to strengthen institutions’ ability to help young people launch sustainable enterprises, become job creators, and solve real-world problems.
By building long-term partnerships between universities in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa, the programme encourages active knowledge sharing, co-creation of solutions, and innovative practices that have the power to transform communities.
What Are They Looking For?
Participants are invited to submit bold and forward-thinking project proposals under three key themes.
If you or your students have ideas in any of these areas, this is your chance to bring them to life:
Green Enterprises
These projects should promote sustainability and support the green economy.
Think renewable energy, climate-friendly products, or green tech—anything that advances environmental goals while creating new business opportunities.
Digital Enterprises
Proposals in this category should focus on using technology to solve local or global challenges.
Whether it’s data-driven platforms, AI solutions, or digital tools that improve education or healthcare, the goal is to use tech for meaningful progress.
Social Enterprises
Social-focused ventures that aim to improve lives through innovative products or services are also welcome.
This could include projects that address inequality, education gaps, or health access—anything that makes a social impact.
Why This Matters for Universities
This challenge is more than just funding. It’s about helping universities:
-
Equip students with real-world skills that boost their employability and entrepreneurship potential
-
Strengthen institutional capacity to support job-creating innovation
-
Build stronger, lasting ties with industry partners, aligning research and skills with market and community needs
In short, it’s about making higher education more relevant and impactful for the next generation.
Who Can Apply?
If you’re a lecturer or university staff member based in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or South Africa, and you’re working with final-year students or recent graduates, this is your call to action.
Support your students to develop and pitch ideas that could receive significant backing.
What’s In It for You?
Successful applicants can receive:
-
Up to £20,000 in grant funding
-
The chance to focus on either Digital, Green, or Social enterprises
-
8 winning projects will be selected—giving you a strong shot at seeing your ideas come to life with proper support
Ready to Apply?
If this sounds like the kind of initiative you or your students have been waiting for, don’t miss your chance.
This is a unique opportunity to create impact, shape futures, and connect with global innovation leaders.
[Click Here to Apply Now]