Applications are Now Open for the BeGreen Africa 3.0 Green Entrepreneurship Programme (Nigeria & South Africa)

Application Deadline: July 29, 2026

As climate change, environmental degradation, and youth unemployment continue to challenge economies across Africa, green entrepreneurship is emerging as one of the continent’s most promising pathways to sustainable development. Applications are now open for the BeGreen Africa 3.0 Green Entrepreneurship Programme, an initiative designed to empower young innovators in Nigeria and South Africa with the skills, mentorship, funding, and networks needed to build successful green businesses.

Supported by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the programme represents a significant investment in Africa’s next generation of environmentally conscious entrepreneurs. Whether you’re developing solutions in waste management, renewable energy, recycling, climate-smart agriculture, or other sustainable sectors, this opportunity could help transform your idea into a thriving enterprise.

Building on the success of its previous editions, BeGreen Africa 3.0 introduces an enhanced support model that combines entrepreneurship training with business incubation, financial literacy, coaching, and access to seed funding. The programme is particularly committed to creating opportunities for young women and youth-led businesses that have the potential to generate meaningful employment while addressing environmental challenges.

If you’re passionate about creating businesses that make both economic and environmental impact, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

About the BeGreen Africa 3.0 Green Entrepreneurship Programme

The BeGreen Africa 3.0 Green Entrepreneurship Programme is a youth-focused initiative aimed at strengthening Africa’s green economy by supporting emerging entrepreneurs with practical skills, financing opportunities, and long-term business support.

The programme focuses on empowering young people to establish sustainable businesses that contribute to environmental protection while creating jobs and improving livelihoods. Rather than simply offering entrepreneurship training, BeGreen Africa adopts a comprehensive ecosystem approach that supports entrepreneurs from idea development through business growth.

Previous editions of the programme have demonstrated impressive results. Thousands of young Africans received training in green entrepreneurship, business management, and specialized environmental sectors such as waste management. Hundreds of participants also secured seed funding, enabling them to expand their businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to sustainable local economies.

The third phase builds upon these achievements through a structured, stage-based learning model. Participants will receive foundational entrepreneurship training before progressing to advanced business development activities, including innovation design sprints, business planning workshops, mentorship sessions, pitching opportunities, and incubation support.

The programme aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable economic development, youth employment, women’s economic empowerment, and climate resilience across Africa.

In Nigeria, implementation will focus on Lagos State, while activities in South Africa will take place in Gauteng Province.

Benefits of the Programme

Selected participants will gain access to a wide range of opportunities designed to strengthen both their entrepreneurial and leadership capacities.

Participants can benefit from:

Comprehensive green entrepreneurship training
Technical and vocational education support
Business development coaching
One-on-one mentorship from experienced professionals
Financial literacy training
Business planning workshops
Design sprint participation
Pitch preparation and pitching opportunities
Business incubation support
Access to finance opportunities
Market linkage and networking opportunities
Continued enterprise support for business growth
Opportunity to become part of a growing network of green entrepreneurs across Africa

Funding Opportunity

One of the programme’s biggest highlights is its funding component.

Up to 45 promising entrepreneurs will receive:

Seed funding of up to USD 5,000
Continued incubation support
Business advisory services
Guidance on scaling sustainable enterprises

Who Can Apply?

The programme is designed primarily for young people interested in building businesses that contribute to environmental sustainability.

Ideal applicants include:

Young entrepreneurs in Nigeria or South Africa
Aspiring founders with innovative green business ideas
Existing youth-owned green MSMEs
Green start-ups with strong growth potential
Entrepreneurs working in sectors such as:
- Waste management
- Recycling
- Renewable energy
- Circular economy
- Sustainable agriculture
- Climate innovation
- Environmental technology
Young women entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to apply.
Businesses with potential to create inclusive employment opportunities.

The programme aims to reach 20,000 young people through foundational entrepreneurship training, with high-performing participants advancing to more intensive support stages.

Application Process and Key Dates

Interested applicants should carefully review the programme details and submit their applications before the deadline.

Important Dates

Applications Open: July 20, 2026
Application Deadline: July 29, 2026

How to Apply

Applicants should:

Visit the UN Partner Portal.
Review the full Call for Expression of Interest.
Confirm that they meet the eligibility requirements.
Complete the online application.
Submit all required information before the deadline.

Because this is a competitive programme, applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications.

Why You Should Apply

Africa’s transition to a green economy presents enormous opportunities for young entrepreneurs who are ready to solve environmental challenges through innovation.

Programmes like BeGreen Africa do much more than provide funding. They help participants develop practical business skills, connect with mentors, access professional networks, and refine business models that can attract future investment.

If you’re a young entrepreneur in Lagos or Gauteng, participating in this programme could significantly accelerate your business journey.

Beyond the financial support, participants gain credibility by being associated with a UNICEF-supported initiative. This recognition can strengthen future funding applications, improve investor confidence, and open doors to valuable partnerships.

For women entrepreneurs, the programme also creates an inclusive environment that supports leadership development and economic participation within the rapidly growing green economy.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of being selected:

Clearly explain the environmental problem your business addresses.
Demonstrate the potential social and economic impact of your solution.
Highlight how your business creates jobs or supports local communities.
Present realistic growth plans supported by achievable milestones.
Show evidence of commitment through previous projects, pilot activities, or community involvement.
Ensure your business idea aligns with sustainability principles.
Carefully review your application for accuracy before submission.

Strong applications typically communicate both environmental impact and commercial viability.

Conclusion

Green entrepreneurship is becoming one of Africa’s fastest-growing sectors, creating opportunities for innovation, employment, and climate action.

The BeGreen Africa 3.0 Green Entrepreneurship Programme offers much more than funding—it provides the knowledge, mentorship, and business ecosystem needed to help young entrepreneurs build resilient and sustainable enterprises.

If you’re a young innovator in Nigeria or South Africa with a passion for solving environmental challenges through entrepreneurship, don’t miss this opportunity. Submit your application before July 29, 2026, and take the next step toward growing a business that creates lasting impact.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

Be one of the first to see new opportunities, Follow Us on social media: Facebook, Whatsapp Channel, LinkedIn