African Impact Challenge 2026 – Support for Innovators in Africa

Job Description

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Support for Innovators in Africa: The African Impact Challenge (AIC) is a premier program designed to empower bold, early-stage entrepreneurs who are addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges with innovative, scalable solutions that have global potential. The program provides founders with the resources, funding, and networks necessary to build market-shaping, globally competitive businesses.

Since its inception, AIC has trained over 7,000 founders and funded more than 100 businesses across 46 African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Uganda, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Botswana.

This year, the program offers two specialized tracks for ventures seeking funding and strategic support:

Programme Tracks

Pan-African Health Entrepreneurship (HENT)

Supports health-tech ventures from any African country that are improving health outcomes and delivering innovative solutions in healthcare.

Country Innovation (CI) – Focus: Nigeria

Supports early-stage ventures in Nigeria across any industry, providing targeted funding, mentorship, and growth opportunities.

Participants in both tracks benefit from tailored builder resources, track-based funding, a global network of innovators, and strategic partnerships, including collaborations with the University of Toronto.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be young Africans under 39 years old, residing in Africa
• Demonstrate a strong interest in impact-driven entrepreneurship as a sustainable livelihood
• Be committed to solving critical problems using technology-enabled solutions
• Commit full-time to building the venture as a team

Stream-Based Eligibility

Country Innovation Stream: Scalable ventures based in Nigeria, in any sector
Health Entrepreneurship Stream: Pan-African ventures with solutions improving health outcomes across Africa

Programme Features

• Capacity Building: Virtual, self-paced venture support bootcamp to strengthen business foundations
• Track-Based Funding: Grants or investments to accelerate growth
• Track-Based Programming: Mentorship and structured support to reach key milestones
• Funded International Market Exposure: Fully covered flights and accommodation for global exposure
• Post-Programme Investor Support: Access to additional capital and growth opportunities
• Market Access & Partnerships: Assistance in acquiring customers and securing go-to-market partners

Selection Criteria

• The venture must address a pressing local or regional problem
• The solution should be technology-enabled, either in creation or application
• Preference for solutions that increase accessibility, affordability, and adoption
• Innovative and scalable business models will be highly considered

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by 31 January 2026. Early applications are encouraged to maximize consideration.