Call for Submissions: African Union Innovating Education in Africa 2025 (Up to $50,000 Grant

Deadline: June 30, 2025

 About the Innovating Education in Africa (IEA) Call

Launched by the African Union Commission in partnership with key development partners, the IEA Call for Submissions seeks to identify practical innovations in education that have already demonstrated success and hold the potential for impact at scale.

This initiative is in line with the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16–25), which aims to reposition education and training to drive the African continent’s transformation.

• Promote innovative practices in African education systems.
• Encourage the scaling and replication of effective education solutions.
• Foster collaboration among education stakeholders etc.

 Who Can Apply?

Submissions are invited from:

• Education innovators across Africa including entrepreneurs, startups, NGOs, academic institutions, public/private organizations.
• Organizations that have implemented proven education innovations (not just ideas) that can be replicated or scaled across African contexts.

 Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be legally registered in an African Union Member State.
• Submit an innovation that has been successfully piloted or implemented.
• Demonstrate the impact of the innovation in terms of improved learning outcomes or access to education.
• Show potential for sustainability and scalability.

 Benefits

Selected innovators will receive:

• Up to $50,000 in funding support to scale their innovation.
• Continental recognition and visibility through AU platforms and networks.
• Opportunities for partnerships and mentorship.
• Invitation to participate in the Innovating Education in Africa Expo 2025, where winners will showcase their work to policymakers, investors, and other key stakeholders.
• Application Procedure

Submissions should be made online in English or French at this link , with the following information.

• Brief statement of the challenge being addressed (100 words).

• Description of the innovation, specifically how it functions, the implementation approach, and revenue model (less than 500 words).

• Report of the performance and outcomes of the innovation (less than 500 words).

• Documentation of business registration and license of operation.

Please note that an organization may submit no more than one innovation; failure to comply will lead to disqualification. Recipients of grants under the IEA program in the past are not eligible to apply.

Deadline for submissions: 30 JUNE 2025 by 23:00 (GMT). Inquiries may be sent to OkonkwoC@africa-union.org

4. Evaluation and selection process

Submissions will undergo the following process.

Activity

Outcome

Timeline

i.	Eligibility Check	The longlist of eligible innovations	1st – 31st July 2025
ii	Technical review and Shortlisting	50 promising innovations and 15 finalists for Early Pitch are selected	1 August – 30th August 2025
iii	Early Pitch (Virtual)	10 finalists for Final Pitch are selected	September 2025
iv	Final Pitch (TBC)	3 Innovations are selected and awarded grants	September 2025