The Million Lives Collective (MLC), in partnership with the Judith Neilson Foundation (JNF), has launched a new initiative aimed at unlocking African innovation and shaping the future of urban living across West Africa. The African Cities Innovation Fund (ACIF) is set to provide catalytic support to innovators developing collaborative solutions that promote smart, healthy, equitable, and climate-resilient cities.
The initiative was announced during the closing plenary of the International Development Innovation Alliance (IDIA) Global Summit in Nairobi, where it was confirmed that applications for the Fund will open in Spring 2026. Through ACIF, pairs of African innovators will be eligible for flexible grants of up to $75,000 to jointly design, test, and scale solutions to pressing urban challenges.
"African cities are growing at a dramatic pace, creating huge opportunity, challenge and change. Ensuring that cities are places where people can thrive calls for imagination, ambition, innovation and collaboration," said Abi Taylor, Innovation Lead at the Judith Neilson Foundation. "We're delighted to partner with the Million Lives Collective to help innovators experiment with new partnerships and generate impact for those who need it most."
In cities such as Accra, major urban innovations – among them master-planned communities like Appolonia City and Hope City, as well as sustainable development efforts like the Greening and Beautification Project – stand to benefit from the new Fund. Initiatives such as Abuja's Urban Lab, which drives collaborative solutions for waste management, and Fresh Direct's use of vertical farming in shipping containers to enhance food production and improve public spaces, also represent the types of projects that could be strengthened.
Source: environewsnigeria.com
