The Global Development Awards Competition (GDAC) 2025 is a prestigious, multi-tiered contest that recognizes and supports innovative research and development projects aimed at solving critical social and economic challenges in developing countries. Organized annually by the Global Development Network (GDN), the competition brings together emerging researchers, development practitioners, civil society organizations, and grassroots innovators who are committed to tackling global development challenges with evidence-based solutions.
The Awards Competition consists of two main categories:
Japanese Award for Outstanding Research on Development (ORD) – A research-based competition for early-career researchers.
Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP) – A project-based competition for non-profit organizations implementing impactful development projects.
Both categories focus on empowering solutions that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas like poverty reduction, gender equality, climate resilience, food security, governance, and inclusive economic growth.
In its 2025 edition, the competition continues its mission to bridge the gap between research and policy, as well as to support the scaling of grassroots development solutions with proven impact in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The Global Development Awards Competition 2025 offers a unique platform for researchers and non-profits from developing countries to shine. More than just prize money, it opens doors to influence real policy, build global partnerships, and expand the reach of development solutions that work.
For young researchers, it’s a chance to validate your ideas, receive international mentorship, and contribute meaningfully to development discourse. For grassroots organizations, it is a recognition of your innovation and a lifeline to scale your impact.
Over the years, several Nigerian and African teams have won awards under this program. The competition is fierce, but the support from GDN is robust—and the rewards are transformational.
Name of Organizer
Global Development Network (GDN)
Requirement/Eligibility
The competition is inclusive and specifically designed to uplift underrepresented voices from developing countries. Each category has its own set of eligibility criteria:
1. Japanese Award for Outstanding Research on Development (ORD)
- Open to early-career researchers, including PhD students and young professionals under the age of 45.
- Applicants must be citizens of a developing or transition country (as classified by the World Bank).
- Proposals must present original, policy-relevant research on the annual theme (often related to sustainability, poverty, governance, etc.).
- Research proposals should include:
- A clear research question
- Methodology
- Anticipated policy implications
- Literature review and references
2. Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP)
- Open to non-profit, civil society, or grassroots organizations implementing development projects in low- or middle-income countries.
- Projects must be already in implementation, not just conceptual.
- Organizations must be legally registered and have:
- At least one year of operational history
- Transparent financial and reporting systems
- Projects should demonstrate:
- Replicability or scalability
- Tangible impact on the target community
Prize
One of the biggest attractions of the Global Development Awards Competition is its substantial financial support, combined with exposure, mentorship, and international networking.
For Research (ORD) Category:
- First Prize: $30,000 USD
- Second Prize: $10,000 USD
- Third Prize: $5,000 USD
Winners also receive mentorship to refine their research, present at global forums, and connect with development agencies, think tanks, and academics.
For Development Projects (MIDP) Category:
- First Prize: $50,000 USD
- Second Prize: $30,000 USD
- Third Prize: $20,000 USD
Prize money is awarded to expand and scale the project. Finalists are also invited to participate in GDN’s annual Global Development Conference, where they pitch their projects to an international audience.
Many past winners have gone on to receive additional grants, policy endorsements, or replication opportunities through partnerships with governments and donors.
Deadline
18th June, 2025
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