Call for Applications: African Cities Innovation Fund 2026 – Grants Up to USD 75,000

As Africa’s urban population continues to grow rapidly, the Million Lives Collective (MLC) is seeking innovative, scalable solutions that promote smart, resilient, and inclusive cities. The African Cities Innovation Fund (ACIF) 2026 provides grants of up to USD 75,000 to support initiatives that improve the quality of life for urban residents living on less than $5.50 per day in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Urban Challenge
Africa’s urban population is projected to double from 704 million in 2025 to 1.4 billion by 2050, placing enormous pressure on infrastructure, housing, healthcare, public spaces, and basic services. The resulting challenges include increased poverty, food insecurity, vulnerability to climate shocks, and limited access to safe, healthy environments.

However, cities also offer immense opportunities for creativity, enterprise, and community-driven solutions. To address urban challenges effectively, locally-led innovation is essential for shaping equitable, sustainable, and thriving urban futures.

Priority Areas for Innovation
Applicants are invited to develop solutions in one or more of the following thematic areas:

• Circular Production: Innovations that support sustainable livelihoods, economic growth, and resource regeneration through repurposing waste and creating circular economic models.
• Climate-Resilient Services and Infrastructure: Solutions that help communities adapt to urban climate challenges such as flooding, heat stress, water scarcity, and food insecurity while reducing emissions.
• Youth Employment and Mobility: Initiatives that enhance access to decent work, skills, transportation, and mobility for young people, women, girls, refugees, and persons with disabilities.
• Digital Equity: Solutions that expand access to digital technologies, platforms, services, and global digital markets for underserved urban communities.
• Safe and Healthy Spaces: Projects that create socially secure, inclusive, and healthy urban environments while fostering community cohesion and wellbeing.

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for ACIF 2026 funding, applicants must:

• Demonstrate a credible pathway to positively impacting at least one million urban residents living on less than $5.50 per day.
• Be developed by, or implemented in close partnership with, nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries.
• Align with one or more of the thematic focus areas.

Benefits for Selected Innovators
Successful applicants will join the Million Lives Collective, gaining:

• Increased visibility among development agencies, funders, and scaling partners.
• Access to the International Development Innovation Alliance (IDIA) global ecosystem, including networks, resources, and Collaboration Labs.
• Opportunities to partner with civil society organizations, public and private agencies, and community groups to co-design and test integrated urban solutions.

The ACIF programme provides flexible grant funding of up to USD 75,000 per collaboration, coaching, mentorship, partnership facilitation, and visibility through dedicated Collaboration Labs. The initial cohort will fund four innovation partnerships.

How to Apply
Innovators and organizations ready to scale impactful solutions for African cities are encouraged to submit applications promptly. Funding, mentorship, and partnership opportunities are available for those whose projects demonstrate measurable impact potential and alignment with the ACIF thematic areas.

This initiative presents a unique chance for urban innovators and MSMEs to gain resources, mentorship, and global exposure while addressing pressing urban challenges and contributing to sustainable city development in Sub-Saharan Africa.