Call for Application Proposals

AfCFTA Digital Innovation Challenge

2nd Edition, 2026
Theme: Shaping Africa’s Future Through African Solutions
  • Applications Open: 4th August 2026
  • Application Deadline: 4th September 2026
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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.

Who Can Apply?

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.

Criteria for Operational to Scaling

Applicants should submit operational digital solutions that actively demonstrate a significant impact on intra-African trade and are ready to scale across the continent under the following criteria:
01
Proven Impact

Evidence of the solution’s effectiveness in facilitating cross-border trade and its benefits to MSMEs within the AfCFTA framework.

02
Relevance to AfCFTA Objectives
Alignment of the idea with the goals of the AfCFTA, particularly focusing on digital technologies that can facilitate cross-border trade of goods and services for MSMEs.
03
Operational Excellence
Robustness of the technology, user experience, and backend support, ensuring the solution’s operational stability.
04
Scalability and Expansion Potential
Strategies and capabilities for expansion into new markets, including adaptability to different regulatory environments and trade ecosystems.
05
Digital Innovation
Integration (or potential for integrating) of advanced digital technologies (e.g., AI, blockchain) that enhance the solution’s effectiveness and efficiency in trade facilitation.

Selection Process and Criteria

Winners will be selected through a competitive evaluation process that ensures equitable regional and gender representation. 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.

Top 10 Winners

The top 10 winners will receive targeted business development support to accelerate the commercialisation and scaling of their innovations including:
  • 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.

Top 5 Grand Winners

The top 5 winners will receive the Challenge’s highest level of recognition and strategic support, including:
  • 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.

Timelines

  • Applications Open: 4th August 2026
  • Application Deadline: 4th September 2026

Why Participate?

Showcase your innovative solution as a solution for the realization of a single African digital market

Gain mentorship, skills and capacity from relevant experts to support in scaling your innovation solution

Unlock investments and partnerships to scale your innovation and business proposal through platforms organized or cohosted by AfCFTA Secretariat with other partners

Networking with key stakeholders in the digital trade ecosystem.

How to Apply

Submit your proposal through the application link by 4th September 2026.

For inquiries, please contact the AfCFTA Secretariat @ [email protected]

Apply Now
Join us in shaping the future of digital trade in Africa! 🚀 #AfCFTASecretariat #DigitalTrade #WomenandYouth