Deadline: July 8, 2026
Applications are open for the SheConnects Digital Accelerator 2026. The SheConnects Digital Accelerator: Africa aims to scale proven, high-impact solutions that enable women and girls to participate fully in the digital world, improving their lives and livelihoods.
By catalysing innovative partnerships and use cases in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Accelerator will strengthen evidence on what works, foster south-to-south learning, and help shape a more inclusive global digital ecosystem. The Accelerator’s initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa are managed by CARE and the GSMA Foundation with support from the Gates Foundation.
In Round 1, CARE has partnered with four African organizations to advance meaningful digital adoption and use of the internet for women – strengthening lives and livelihoods – while influencing digital ecosystems through evidence and learning.
Benefits
- Awards under Accelerator Round 2 are expected to range from USD $500,000 to USD $1,000,000 for an 18-month period of performance.
Eligibility
Eligible entities for this initiative include:
- Nonprofit and Civil Society Organizations, including registered nonprofits and charities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations
- Mission-Driven For-Profit Organizations. For-profit entities that have a clear public-benefit mission aligned with the goals of the RFP are eligible. Funding cannot be used for core commercial product development, customer acquisition, or general business operations.
- Consortia, Partnerships, & Collaborative Proposals. Proposals may be submitted through partnerships and other collaborative arrangements. In such cases, one lead organization must serve as the primary applicant and submit the proposal, with partner organizations included as sub-grantees.
- Academic institutions
As part of the review process, the SheConnects Digital Accelerator: Africa may:
- request clarifications or additional documentation;
- invite selected applicants to participate in follow-up discussions;
- request revisions to program design, workplans, or budgets; and
- conduct further assessment prior to final award decisions.
Application
Applicants must submit a complete proposal package consisting of the following materials:
- Technical application
- Detailed Budget and budget narrative
- Proof of organizational registration
- Proposal in English only
For more information, visit SheConnects Digital Accelerator.
