FULLY FUNDED: Apply for the UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women amid Economic Instability Programme 2026

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FULLY FUNDED: Apply for the UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women amid Economic Instability Programme 2026

Applications are open for the 2026 United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Empowering Youth and Women amid Economic Instability: Enhancing Public-Private Partnership between Japan and Africa for Sub-Saharan African Countries, Addressing Urgent Challenges, and Promoting TICAD9 Programme. This seven-month, fully funded blended programme is designed to equip young entrepreneurs, innovators, professionals, and women leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa with the knowledge, skills, mentorship, and international exposure needed to transform innovative ideas into scalable and investment-ready projects.

Supported by the Government and People of Japan, the programme combines virtual learning, project development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. High-performing participants will have the opportunity to participate in a short immersion programme in Hiroshima, Japan, where they will engage with Japanese innovation ecosystems, industry experts, and potential partners. The initiative aims to strengthen Africa–Japan collaboration while fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth.

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

Host Institution

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research, with support from the Government of Japan.

Program Type

Fully Funded

Program Benefits

Participation in the programme is completely free of charge, with funding provided by the Government and People of Japan. Participants will receive high-quality training from UNITAR experts, practical mentorship, project development support, and opportunities to strengthen leadership, entrepreneurship, AI, digital innovation, financial planning, and partnership-building skills.

Participants will also gain access to professional networks across Africa and Japan, collaborate with fellow innovators, and develop investment-ready projects. A limited number of outstanding participants will be competitively selected to join an international immersion programme in Hiroshima, Japan, where they will engage with innovation ecosystems, industry leaders, and potential public and private sector partners. Certificates of completion will be awarded to participants who successfully complete each phase of the programme.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be 18–35 years old and be citizens of one of the eligible Anglophone Sub-Saharan African countries. The programme welcomes aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage startup founders, SME owners, innovators, researchers, professionals, social entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, and individuals developing practical solutions with strong economic or social impact potential.

Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential, innovation, a commitment to community or economic development, and a clear project or business idea with implementation potential. They should also be willing to participate throughout the seven-month programme and engage actively in mentorship, collaborative learning, and project development activities.

Eligible Countries

* Botswana
* Ethiopia
* Ghana
* Kenya
* Nigeria
* Rwanda
* South Africa
* Tanzania
* Uganda
* Zambia
* Zimbabwe

Application Procedure

Click the official link below to apply for this opportunity

Official Link

https://event.unitar.org/full-catalog/empowering-youth-and-women-amid-economic-instability-enhancing-public-private