Young innovators across Sub-Saharan Africa can sharpen their entrepreneurial skills and connect with global partners as applications open for the Government of Japan and United Nations Institute for Training and Research, UNITAR, Empowering Youth and Women Programme 2026.
- Young innovators across Sub-Saharan Africa can sharpen their entrepreneurial skills and connect with global partners as applications open for the...
- The fully funded initiative will support 2,000 participants from 11 English-speaking African countries through a multi-phase learning programme focused on...
- Eligible participants include aspiring entrepreneurs, founders of small and medium-sized enterprises, researchers, professionals and social entrepreneurs with practical ideas capable...
- During this stage, they will meet experts, explore Japanese innovation ecosystems, and engage with public and private-sector organisations.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Africa innovation — everything you need to know is covered below.
The fully funded initiative will support 2,000 participants from 11 English-speaking African countries through a multi-phase learning programme focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and project development.
The programme forms part of the follow-up to the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) and aims to strengthen collaboration between Africa and Japan.
Training for Africa’s Next Generation of Innovators
The programme welcomes applicants aged between 18 and 35 from Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Eligible participants include aspiring entrepreneurs, founders of small and medium-sized enterprises, researchers, professionals and social entrepreneurs with practical ideas capable of creating economic or social value.
Participants will complete a structured learning journey running from 2026 into 2027. Training will cover business development, leadership, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, investment readiness and partnership building.
Mentorship sessions and expert guidance will also help participants refine ideas into projects that can attract investment and wider collaboration.
Japan Offers International Exposure
A select group of outstanding participants will advance to an international engagement phase in Japan. During this stage, they will meet experts, explore Japanese innovation ecosystems, and engage with public and private-sector organisations.
The programme also includes networking opportunities with industry leaders, innovation hubs and development partners. Organisers say these activities will strengthen cooperation between African innovators and Japanese institutions while encouraging knowledge exchange across multiple sectors.
Focus on Practical Solutions
Applicants working on ideas in agriculture, fintech, healthcare, climate action, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, the blue economy, creative industries and sustainable development are encouraged to apply. Throughout the programme, participants will develop partnership-ready projects that align with national and regional development priorities.
Successful applicants who complete each phase will receive certificates from UNITAR. While participation is fully funded by the Government and the People of Japan, only a limited number of participants will travel to Japan for the international engagement phase after a competitive assessment.
Applications are now open through UNITAR, with organisers encouraging young innovators and women across eligible African countries to apply early.
The initiative builds on the long-standing partnership between Japan and UNITAR, which has supported skills development and entrepreneurship programmes for thousands of young Africans over the past two decades.
Interested applicants should apply here.