AfCFTA DIGITAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2026

🚀 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: AfCFTA DIGITAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2026 (2ND EDITION)

Applications are now open for the second edition of the AfCFTA Digital Innovation Challenge, an exciting continental initiative designed to identify, support, and scale innovative digital solutions that can transform intra-African trade and empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Under the theme “Realising the AfCFTA for MSMEs through Digital Solutions,” the challenge seeks bold, scalable, and impact-driven innovations that address barriers to cross-border trade and unlock new economic opportunities across Africa.

🌍 About the Programme:
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat is driving this initiative as part of its commitment to advancing the Protocol on Digital Trade and the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade. The programme particularly encourages participation from young innovators and women entrepreneurs, fostering a new generation of digital solutions that will shape Africa’s integrated digital economy.

💡 Why Apply?
This is a unique opportunity for innovators to:

• Showcase solutions that enhance cross-border trade
• Gain access to mentorship, partnerships, and investors
• Scale solutions across African markets
• Contribute to building a seamless and inclusive African Digital Market

👥 Who Can Apply?

• Individuals, teams, startups, and enterprises from African Union Member States
• Young innovators aged 18–35 years
• Applicants with operational to scaling digital solutions
• Solutions must demonstrate impact on cross-border trade and MSMEs

📊 Evaluation Criteria:

• Proven impact on intra-African trade
• Alignment with AfCFTA objectives
• Operational strength and user experience
• Scalability across markets
• Level of digital innovation (AI, blockchain, etc.)

🏆 What You Stand to Gain:

🔹 Top 50 Innovators:

• Capacity-building programmes on digital trade
• Access to networks and collaboration opportunities
• Inclusion in the AfCFTA innovation ecosystem

🔹 Top 10 Winners:

• Business incubation/acceleration support
• Exposure to investors and partners
• Promotion across AfCFTA platforms

🔹 Top 5 Grand Winners:

• Recognition at a high-level AfCFTA Forum
• Direct engagement with the AfCFTA Secretary-General
• Exclusive mentorship and advisory support
• Recognition as AfCFTA Digital Innovation Champions

📅 Timeline:

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

📩 Apply Now
📧 Enquiries: DT@au-afcfta.org

If your innovation can help African businesses connect, trade, and grow across borders, this is your moment to lead change and shape the future of digital trade in Africa.