The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Innovation Challenge seeks to identify digital solutions with high potential to structurally influence intra–African trade by increasing efficiencies and enabling seamless cross-border commercial exchanges across AfCFTA markets.
Applicants should propose digital solutions that support MSMEs in one or more of the following areas:
- Market Intelligence & E-Commerce Platforms – B2B/B2C platforms, trade data solutions, and market information providers.
- E-Commerce & Logistics – Warehousing, last-mile delivery, and digital aggregation of goods/services.
- Cross-Border Professional Services – Leveraging digital tools for the delivery of services across African borders.
- Digital Financial Services – Fintech innovations in payments, investments, insurance, and trade finance.
- Trade & Investment Facilitation – Digital tools to streamline trade procedures, formalities, and compliance.
- Entrepreneurial Skills Development – Digital training, capacity-building, and mentorship platforms for MSMEs.
Eligibility
This challenge is open to:
- African innovators and entrepreneurs aged 18 – 35.
- Individuals, teams, startups, and enterprises with a digital solution that addresses cross-border trade challenges for MSMEs.
- Early-stage (for example Ideation and Prototype Phase) or growth-stage (Operational and Scaling Phase) solutions.
Selection Criteria
All applications will be assessed based on the following:
- Uniqueness of the Innovation
- The potential for expansion or scaling of the solution into multiple African markets?
- Impact on addressing cross-border trade barriers for MSMEs.
- Promoting intra-African trade and economic integration.
Benefits
- Showcase your innovative solution at high-profile AfCFTA forum event
- Gain mentorship and Capacity from industry leaders, investors, and more
- Unlock funding and partnerships to scale your innovation and business proposal across Africa
- Networking with key stakeholders in the digital trade ecosystem.
Application Process
Challenge stages include:
- Selection of 50 Finalists – Shortlisted innovators will join a capacity-building program on developing a business plan and/or pitch for their innovation
- Top 10 Finalists selected – Finalists will present their pitches at the AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum in May 2025.
- Top five (5) Winners Announced and to pitch at BIASHARA AFRIKA 2025
Winning innovators will receive recognition, funding, mentorship, and access to finance opportunities.
Deadline: April 18, 2025
Click HERE to Apply
