The British Council has announced an open call for applications from students and universities seeking grants to grow and scale their enterprises. The initiative aims to support innovative, impact-driven ventures led by emerging entrepreneurs within African universities.
According to the organisers, the programme is designed to foster creativity, promote problem-solving, and empower young entrepreneurs to translate their ideas into sustainable, real-world solutions.
Successful applicants will receive financial support, mentorship, and access to networks that can help expand their enterprises beyond the university environment.
The grant opportunity is part of the British Council’s ongoing commitment to advancing innovation, education, and entrepreneurship across Africa. Interested students, academic institutions, and enterprise teams are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
Full details of the application process, eligibility criteria, and timelines can be found here: https://www.britishcouncil.org.ng/programmes/education/innovation-african-universities/call-enterprise-innovation-challenge.
The British Council, established in 1934, is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It operates in over 100 countries, connecting millions of people with the UK’s arts, culture, education, and English language expertise.
Through its Innovation for African Universities (IAU) programme, the British Council partners with African higher education institutions to strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems, enhance research-commercialisation capacity, and prepare graduates for meaningful economic participation. The Enterprise Innovation Challenge, under which this grant falls, specifically targets students, alumni, and academic-led ventures addressing pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges.
Over the years, the British Council has funded and supported hundreds of start-ups and university-based initiatives across Africa, creating pathways for young innovators to develop sustainable businesses, attract investment, and contribute to national development goals. The current grant call continues this tradition by offering not just funding, but also mentorship and international networking opportunities.
