The African Impact Challenge is now open for applications from ambitious innovators and startup founders across Africa. This programme supports entrepreneurs with funding, capacity building, global market access, and networking opportunities — helping them grow their ventures from African solutions into globally competitive businesses.
What the African Impact Challenge Offers
The African Impact Challenge is designed to accelerate promising African startups that use technology or innovation to solve pressing challenges in their communities. Through a structured programme, participants receive support across multiple areas:
1. Capacity Building
Founders start with a virtual and self-paced bootcamp to strengthen business fundamentals and venture execution skills.
2. Track-Based Venture Funding
Selected ventures can access investments or grants based on their stage and stream.
3. Specialized Programming
Targeted support helps businesses reach their next growth milestones, such as product development or market traction.
4. Funded International Market Exposure
Entrepreneurs receive support for global exposure, including flights and accommodation when selected for in-person engagements.
5. Post-Program Investor Support
Founders gain ongoing help to access further capital and refine investor readiness.
6. Market Access & Partnerships
Participants benefit from connections to customers, go-to-market partners, and strategic collaborators through a global innovation network.
Who Should Apply (Eligibility)
This challenge is open to young African founders and startup teams who meet the following criteria:
✔ Under 39 years old and currently based in Africa
✔ Committed to impact-driven entrepreneurship as a livelihood
✔ Focused on technology-enabled solutions
✔ Able to commit full-time to venture development during the program
There are two main participation streams:
Health Entrepreneurship (HENT) — Pan-African: Open to ventures across Africa that use technology to improve health outcomes.
Country Innovation (CI) — Nigeria (2026 focus): Sector-agnostic stream for scalable ventures based in Nigeria.
Tracks & Support Levels
The programme offers four tracks tailored to different stages of venture maturity:
Explorer Track: For early ideas and problem validation
Builder Track: For ventures building MVPs or early traction
Momentum Track: For startups with early users, revenue, or product-market fit indicators
Scale Track: For established ventures with repeatable revenue and defined growth strategy
Each track offers varying support, including funding (from CAD 5,000–CAD 25,000 or more depending on performance), mentorship, accelerator access, and global market exposure opportunities.
Application Details
Program: African Impact Challenge — Building Global Businesses: From Africa to the World
Streams Open: Health Entrepreneurship (Pan-African) and Country Innovation (Nigeria for 2026)
