CARE SheConnects Digital Accelerator: Africa 2026

The SheConnects Digital Accelerator Round 2 is a funding initiative designed to support organizations leveraging digital technologies to enhance outcomes for women and girls across Sub-Saharan Africa. Managed by CARE and the GSMA Foundation with support from the Gates Foundation, this accelerator seeks scalable models that strengthen women’s participation in the digital economy while delivering measurable social impact. The program targets organizations with tested approaches and clear pathways to growth, prioritizing initiatives that demonstrate how digital tools can improve livelihoods, health, education, and long-term resilience for women and their communities. Selected projects should demonstrate realistic implementation pathways and the ability to serve at least 50,000 women users during the 18-month grant period. Strong applications will place women's lived realities, needs, and risks at the center of program design, build on trusted delivery channels, community partnerships, or direct distribution mechanisms, and show a realistic pathway to sustaining or scaling beyond the grant period. The initiative also emphasizes responsible AI practices and safeguards where AI is applied. Eligible applicants include nonprofit and civil society organizations, mission-driven for-profit organizations, and consortia, with one lead organization serving as the primary applicant. Priority sector outcomes include improved women's and children's health and nutrition, improved household income, economic opportunity, and resilience, and better educational outcomes for children and youth. The award size ranges from USD $500,000 to $1,000,000.

Apply online via the official CARE SheConnects Digital Accelerator portal. Round 2 awards range from US$500,000 to US$1,000,000 over an 18-month period. Open to nonprofits, NGOs, community-based organisations, and mission-driven for-profit organisations.