Deadline: 4th September 2026
As Africa advances the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade aswell as the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat is excited to launch the second edition of the AfCFTA Digital Innovation Challenge to identify, nurture, and showcase innovative digital solutions, particularly those developed by women and young entrepreneurs, that advances the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade aswell as the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade.
The inaugural AfCFTA Digital Innovation Challenge demonstrated the role and importance of this programme in cultivating a new generation of African innovators whose solutions contribute to strengthen intra-African trade and the realization of a seamless, inclusive and integrated African Digital Market.
Benefits
Successful innovators will receive tailored support designed to enhance the visibility, growth, and scalability of their solutions while facilitating access to strategic partnerships, mentorship, investment opportunities, and continental markets.
- Top 50 Shortlisted Innovators
The top 50 shortlisted innovators will receive foundational support aimed at strengthening their knowledge, expanding professional networks, and increasing the visibility of their innovations through:
- Participation in AfCFTA Secretariat led capacity building programmes on digital trade.
- Access to networking and collaboration opportunities within Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
- Inclusion in the AfCFTA innovation community.
- Enrollment in a tailored incubation or acceleration programme.
- Opportunities to showcase their innovations to prospective investors, strategic partners, customers, and other ecosystem stakeholders.
- Featured promotion through AfCFTA communication platforms, digital channels, and flagship events.
- Priority access to participate in AfCFTA platforms aligned with their innovation.
3. Top 5 Grand Winners
- Formal recognition and unveiling during a high-level AfCFTA Forum.
- An exclusive engagement session with H.E. the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat to discuss their innovations and explore opportunities for collaboration.
- Tailored mentorship from industry leaders and access to business development advisory services.
- Designation as AfCFTA Digital Innovation Champions, serving as ambassadors for the AfCFTA Digital Innovation Challenge.
Eligibility
This challenge is open to:
- Individuals, teams, startups, and enterprises of an African Union Member State.
- Applications are open to African innovators and entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years
- Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed digital solution addresses existing barriers to cross-border trade and contributes to the implementation of the AfCFTA.
- The innovation solution should be in operational to scaling phase.