Call for Applications: She Grows Green Cohort 1 for Women in Climate and Green Innovation

Applications are now officially open for She Grows Green Cohort 1, an empowering initiative designed to support young women building innovative solutions for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

The programme is implemented by the SEDA Initiative, with support from the Youth Empowerment Fund, a partnership between the European Union (EU) and the Global Youth Mobilization (GYM).

She Grows Green is dedicated to equipping young women with the knowledge, skills, mentorship, and funding opportunities needed to develop impactful solutions within the green economy.

About the Programme

She Grows Green is a climate-focused initiative aimed at empowering young women of African descent to become leaders in sustainability, climate innovation, and green entrepreneurship.

Across Africa and beyond, women are disproportionately affected by climate change, yet remain underrepresented in climate leadership and innovation spaces. This programme seeks to bridge that gap by building a strong community of women-led climate innovators.

Participants will be trained to design and implement sustainable solutions in areas such as agriculture, recycling, and environmental innovation.

Climate Innovation Tracks

Participants will be selected into one of the following specialised learning tracks:

1. Climate-Smart Agriculture

This track focuses on sustainable farming practices and agribusiness development. Participants will gain skills in:

• Climate-smart agriculture techniques
• Sustainable vegetable production
• Climate adaptation strategies
• Agribusiness development and management
• Food security and market opportunities
• Building profitable and sustainable agricultural enterprises

2. Circular Economy & Waste Recycling

This track focuses on transforming waste into value through innovation and sustainability. Participants will learn:

• Circular economy principles
• Waste management and recycling systems
• Plastic and nylon waste recycling
• Upcycling and product innovation
• Building recycling-based enterprises
• Scaling sustainable green businesses

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to young women of African descent (ages 18–30) who are:

• Running a climate-related or green business (agriculture, recycling, sustainability, etc.)
• Developing an early-stage green business idea
• Passionate about climate action and environmental sustainability
• Interested in green entrepreneurship and innovation

Note: You do not need to own an existing business to apply—passion and commitment are highly valued.

Programme Structure

Phase 1: Application & Baseline Survey

Applicants will complete a climate and green economy survey to assess interests, challenges, and motivations. This will help shape learning content and selection.

Phase 2: Virtual Training (Starting July 2026)

Selected participants will join expert-led online sessions covering:

• Climate science and sustainability
• Green business development
• Entrepreneurship and financial readiness
• Track-specific technical training

Phase 3: Facility Visits (Ibadan, Nigeria)

Participants will visit organisations working in climate-smart agriculture and circular economy solutions to gain practical exposure.

Phase 4: Pitch Event & Closing Ceremony (Ibadan, Nigeria)

Participants will pitch their ideas and businesses. Outstanding projects will receive grant funding to support implementation and growth.

Programme Benefits

Selected participants will gain access to:

• Expert-led climate and business training
• Mentorship and peer learning community
• Real-world industry exposure
• Business development coaching and support
• Networking opportunities with industry professionals
• Grant funding opportunities for outstanding ideas
• Pitching and visibility platforms

Location

• Virtual sessions: Open globally (including African women in the diaspora)
• Physical sessions: Ibadan, Nigeria (facility visits and final pitch event)

Participants are responsible for their travel to Ibadan if selected for in-person activities.

Important Dates