Apply to the ECA INNOVATION CAFÉ
OPPORTUNITY ALERT
ECA INNOVATION CAFÉ AT THE 15TH AFRICA INTERNET GOVERNANCE FORUM AFIGF 2026
THEME: BRIDGING POLICY, INNOVATION AND IMPLEMENTATION THROUGH AFRICAN AI-ENABLED SOLUTIONS
DATE: 2–5 NOVEMBER 2026
LOCATION: ACCRA, GHANA
ORGANIZERS
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa ECA, through the Africa IGF Secretariat, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union ITU and Research ICT Africa RIA.
ABOUT THE INNOVATION CAFÉ
The ECA Innovation Café is inviting applications from African innovators developing practical, AI-enabled solutions that address development challenges across the continent.
The initiative will showcase African-led innovations already contributing to development priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Solutions may address areas including:
Health
Agriculture
Education
Financial inclusion
Climate action
Public-service delivery
Trade
Small-business development
The initiative is designed to connect innovators with policymakers, development partners, investors, researchers, private-sector organisations and members of the technical community.
WHAT SELECTED INNOVATORS CAN EXPECT
The ECA Innovation Café will feature two complementary components:
- INNOVATION-TO-POLICY EXCHANGE
Selected innovators will have an opportunity to present their solutions and engage directly with policymakers, development partners, investors, researchers and other relevant stakeholders.
- INNOVATION EXHIBITION
Selected innovations will be showcased throughout AfIGF 2026, providing opportunities for visibility and engagement with participants from across Africa and beyond.
The initiative will highlight practical solutions already being developed and implemented by African innovators, including their results, development challenges, deployment barriers and the support and enabling conditions required for responsible adoption and sustainable scale.
WHO CAN APPLY
The call is open to:
- African startups and technology companies
- Universities and research institutions
- Innovation hubs and laboratories
- Private-sector organisations
- Public institutions and public-sector innovation teams
- Social enterprises
- Individual innovators and innovation teams
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants should demonstrate a functioning prototype, pilot or deployed solution.
The solution should be supported by evidence of development impact or credible potential to generate meaningful impact.
African innovators working on practical AI-enabled solutions addressing local and continental development priorities are encouraged to apply.
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: 2–5 NOVEMBER 2026
LOCATION: ACCRA, GHANA
APPLICATION LINK
Apply for the ECA Innovation Café
APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOT SPECIFIED IN THE PROVIDED INFORMATION
