Call for Applications: African Impact Challenge – Building Global Businesses From Africa
Applications from aspirational innovators and startup founders throughout Africa are now being accepted for the African Impact Challenge. This program helps entrepreneurs expand their firms from African solutions into globally competitive enterprises by providing capital, capacity building, access to international markets, and networking opportunities.
The Benefits of the African Impact Challenge
Promising African firms that employ innovation or technology to address urgent problems in their communities are intended to be accelerated through the African Impact Challenge. Participants in an organized program receive assistance in several 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)
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- How to Apply: Submit your application online via the official initiative page.
