Women for Zero Hunger 2026: Call for Applications to Support Women’s Economic Empowerment and Food Security in Africa
14 January 2026
WIA Philanthropy, in partnership with Stop Hunger, is pleased to announce the opening of the Call for Expressions of Interest for the Women for Zero Hunger 2026 programme.
This pan-African programme supports African NGOs and social organisations working to advance women’s economic empowerment as a key driver of food security and hunger reduction.
Since its launch in 2022, Women for Zero Hunger has supported locally rooted organisations delivering sustainable, measurable solutions to break the cycle of hunger by strengthening women’s access to income, resources, and economic opportunities.
Why Women’s Economic Empowerment Is Key to Ending Hunger
Women play a central role in food systems across Africa. Yet limited access to income, land, financing, and markets continues to undermine food security at household and community levels.
Women for Zero Hunger is built on a clear principle:
when women are economically empowered, hunger declines—sustainably and systemically.
The programme supports initiatives that:
- increase women’s income-generating capacity,
- improve access to nutritious and sustainable food,
- strengthen community resilience and local food systems.
About the Women for Zero Hunger Programme
Women for Zero Hunger is a capacity-building and funding programme designed to help African organisations scale high-impact solutions at the intersection of:
- women’s economic autonomy,
- food security and nutrition,
- sustainable development.
Selected organisations benefit from a combination of:
- financial support,
- strategic mentoring and project structuring,
- impact measurement guidance,
- visibility through WIA Philanthropy and Stop Hunger networks
Who Can Apply?
The Call for Expressions of Interest is open to African-based organisations, including:
- NGOs, associations, foundations
- with a structured team and clear governance,
- implementing projects that directly contribute to women’s economic empowerment.
2026 Focus Countries
Benin, Botswana, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Namibia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Tunisia.
What Selected Organisations Will Receive
In 2026, three organisations will be selected as laureates and will benefit from:
- project funding to scale their initiative,
- a 6-month tailored support programme, including:
- strategic mentoring and follow-up,
- project structuring and financial planning support,
- consolidation of impact indicators and reporting tools,
- a simplified impact measurement framework,
- enhanced visibility through digital communication, storytelling, and partner networks.
A Transparent and Supportive Selection Process
The Women for Zero Hunger selection process is designed to combine rigor, transparency, and capacity-building:
- Expression of Interest (short online form – 10–15 minutes)
- Capacity building webinars for shortlisted organisations
- Full application submission
- Due diligence and interviews
- Final jury and selection of laureates
This progressive approach ensures that organisations are supported throughout the process, while maintaining high impact standards.
Organisations interested in applying are strongly encouraged to review the full programme page before submitting their Expression of Interest.
Programme details, eligibility criteria, timeline, and application link:
https://wia-philanthropy.com/women-for-zero-hunger-en/
Latest in the WIA Community
Don’t miss the latest news. Find out what’s happening at WIA.
