Applications are open for the 2026 Food & Energy Sovereignty Challenge launched by the African Union under the theme “Rooted and Powered in Resilience: Securing Africa’s Future in a Shifting Global Order.” This continental innovation challenge seeks to support African innovators, startups, researchers, enterprises, and solution providers working on transformative ideas that can strengthen Africa’s food and energy sovereignty. The initiative focuses on reducing dependency on external systems by encouraging resilient, industrial-scale, and technology-driven solutions that are designed within Africa for African communities.

The challenge comes at a time when Africa is facing increasing food insecurity, energy instability, climate-related disruptions, and global supply chain shocks. According to the concept note released by the African Union Commission, the programme aims to encourage locally driven solutions that can build resilient food systems, expand energy access, improve agricultural productivity, and accelerate industrial transformation across the continent.  

Selected applicants will have the opportunity to showcase innovative projects addressing areas such as climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy systems, food processing technologies, bio-fertilizers, indigenous seed preservation, circular bio-economy systems, AI-powered agricultural tools, green hydrogen, smart grids, battery technologies, solar-powered cold chains, and sustainable manufacturing solutions. The challenge particularly encourages scalable innovations capable of creating long-term economic and social impact across African countries.  

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link to apply.