African entrepreneurs are rising stars in the global business scene, but accessing funding remains one of the biggest barriers to growth. Fortunately, several international organizations and donor agencies now offer grants tailored to startups, small businesses, and innovative ventures across the continent.
This article highlights some of the top international grant opportunities available to African entrepreneurs in 2025, what you need to qualify, and how you can apply. We’ll also explore how platforms like ProInvoice can help you present your business more professionally during your grant application process.
👉 If you run a small business or startup in Africa, this is your guide to getting free funding (non-repayable) to scale your venture.
What Is International Grants?
International grants are non-repayable funds or products disbursed by global organizations, governments, or foundations to businesses and individuals to help them pursue projects that have a clear social or economic impact.
Unlike loans, grants don’t require you to pay back the funds, and are typically given based on innovation, business potential, or alignment with specific causes (like youth empowerment, gender inclusion, climate change, or tech innovation).
Top International Grants for African Entrepreneurs in 2025
Here are some of the most relevant and active international grant opportunities you should look into:
1. Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme
- Amount: Up to $5,000
- Target: African entrepreneurs across all 54 countries
- Eligibility: Business must be less than 3 years old or in idea stage
- How to Apply: Visit www.tefconnect.com
This is one of the most popular and reputable grant opportunities. TEF has supported over 15,000 entrepreneurs since inception.
2. Orange Social Venture Prize Africa and Middle East
- Amount: Up to €25,000
- Target: Tech startups with social impact in Africa and the Middle East
- Eligibility: Must present an innovative ICT-based project that addresses social or environmental challenges.
- How to Apply: Visit https://startup.orange.com
3. USADF Grants (United States African Development Foundation)
- Amount: Up to $250,000
- Target: Youth-led and women-led enterprises, cooperatives, and farmer groups
- Eligibility: Must be 100% African-owned and managed
- How to Apply: Visit www.usadf.gov
4. GSMA Innovation Fund for Africa
- Amount: Varies between $50,000–$250,000
- Target: Startups using mobile and digital technology to impact low-income communities
- Eligibility: Must be registered and operating in Sub-Saharan Africa
- How to Apply: Check www.gsma.com
5. Global Innovation Fund
- Amount: From $50,000 to $15 million (equity, grants, and convertible debt)
- Target: Entrepreneurs with scalable ideas that benefit people living on less than $5/day
- Eligibility: Must demonstrate measurable impact
- How to Apply: Visit www.globalinnovation.fund
6. Seedstars World Competition
- Amount: Up to $500,000 in equity investment
- Target: Tech and innovation-driven startups in emerging markets
- Eligibility: Must be early-stage and high-growth potential
- How to Apply: Visit www.seedstars.com
7. Anzisha Prize
- Amount: Up to $100,000 in funding and venture support
- Target: Young African entrepreneurs (15–22 years)
- Eligibility: Must be running a small business already
- How to Apply: Visit www.anzishaprize.org
Documents You Need to Apply for Grants
To apply successfully for these grants, ensure you have:
- A strong business plan
- A pitch deck or proposal
- Business registration documents
- Financial statements or projections
- A professional invoice sample (use ProInvoice’s free invoice generator)
- Personal ID documents (passport/NIN)
- Bank account details
Why Use ProInvoice as an Entrepreneur?
If you’re applying for international grants, presentation and professionalism matter. This is where ProInvoice comes in.
With ProInvoice, you can:
- Create professional invoices for your business in seconds
- Track payments and client details
- Download free invoice templates that are grant-application-ready
- Boost your brand’s credibility when submitting financial documentation
📝 Sign up on ProInvoice today via this link and take your business documentation to a global standard.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Grant
- Apply early before deadlines
- Tailor your application to each specific grant’s focus
- Provide measurable impact examples
- Have a solid online presence (website, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Keep your finances and documents organized with ProInvoice
Final Thoughts
Grants are not just for big businesses — many international opportunities are tailored to small businesses, startups, and social enterprises led by young and driven Africans like you.
Take the time to research and apply, and while at it, make your business appear credible and professional. Use tools like ProInvoice to generate invoices and manage your finances with ease.
👉 Ready to get started? Sign up here and start building a business that global funders will love to support.
