African startups developing solutions to social and economic challenges can now apply for up to $1.5 million in funding from the Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) fund.
The funding program, backed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), supports innovations that demonstrate impact and can scale across developing markets.
DIV provides funding in stages, allowing startups to receive between $200,000 and $1.5 million depending on the maturity of their solution.
Early-stage ventures can use the funding to test and validate their ideas, while more established companies can access larger grants to expand proven solutions. The applications are open until September 30, 2026.
The program targets agriculture, healthcare, education, climate, and livelihoods, backing African solutions to persistent challenges.
For Black founders, the funding could offer an alternative to venture capital for startups serving low income and underserved communities that may struggle to attract conventional investors. low-income
