Applications are now open for the 2026 African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Innovation Challenge, an initiative designed to identify, support and showcase innovative digital solutions that can help advance cross-border trade and the development of Africa’s digital economy.

The challenge is organized by the AfCFTA Secretariat as Africa continues implementing the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade and the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade. The programme is particularly focused on solutions developed by young people and women that can contribute to building a more seamless, inclusive and integrated African digital market.

The challenge is open to individuals, teams, startups and enterprises from any African Union Member State. Applicants must be African innovators or entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 years and must demonstrate how their digital solution addresses existing barriers to cross-border trade while contributing to the implementation of the AfCFTA. The proposed innovation should already be at the operational or scaling stage.

The top 50 shortlisted innovators will receive foundational support through AfCFTA Secretariat-led capacity-building programmes focused on digital trade. They will also gain access to networking and collaboration opportunities within Africa’s innovation ecosystem and become part of the AfCFTA innovation community.

The top 10 winners will receive further business development support to help commercialize and scale their innovations. This will include participation in a tailored incubation or acceleration programme, opportunities to present their solutions to potential investors, customers and strategic partners, promotion through AfCFTA communication and digital platforms, and priority opportunities to participate in relevant AfCFTA platforms.

The top 5 grand winners will receive the highest level of recognition and strategic support under the challenge. They will be formally recognized during a high-level AfCFTA Forum and receive an exclusive engagement with the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat to discuss their innovations and potential collaboration opportunities. They will also benefit from tailored mentorship, business development advisory services and designation as AfCFTA Digital Innovation Champions, serving as ambassadors for the challenge.

Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions as potential contributors to the realization of a single African digital market, gain mentorship and technical capacity from relevant experts, and access potential investment and partnerships through platforms organized or co-hosted by the AfCFTA Secretariat and its partners. The challenge also provides opportunities to connect with key stakeholders across Africa’s digital trade ecosystem.

Eligibility: African innovators and entrepreneurs aged 18–35 from an African Union Member State, applying individually or as part of a team, startup or enterprise. The proposed digital solution must address barriers to cross-border trade and be at the operational or scaling stage.

Who can apply: Young African innovators, entrepreneurs, startups, teams and enterprises with digital solutions that can contribute to AfCFTA implementation and strengthen intra-African trade.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity