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Join the Challenge

Take the leap. Apply now and turn your AI idea into an impactful startup journey!

Join the Future of Digital Innovation!

 This competition is designed to empower pre-MVP innovators like you, providing mentorship, exposure, and opportunities to showcase your project to industry experts.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Open to early-stage startups or innovative project teams.

  • Must focus on AI, technology, or digital solutions.

  • Teams can have up to 5 members.

  • Participants must be able to commit to the competition timeline (December – April).

Tips to Make Your Application Shine

Define the Problem Clearly

Explain the issue your project addresses in simple, compelling terms.

Show the Role of AI

Highlight how AI or technology powers your solution and makes it innovative.

Emphasize Uniqueness

Showcase what sets your idea apart from others and why it matters.

Keep it Concise

Present your idea clearly and briefly avoid unnecessary details.

Provide Supporting Materials

Attach pitch decks, prototypes, or visuals to strengthen your submission.

Focus on Impact & Scalability

Show how your project can grow and make a meaningful difference.

Apply to Join the Challenge

Turn your innovative idea into a real AI-powered startup, fill out the form below to join the competition and embark on a 5-month journey of mentorship, visibility, and impact.

Apply Now

Your Journey to Impact

Follow the key milestones that will shape your path from idea to continental recognition.

Call for Applications December 1 – January31

Official launch of the competition and opening of submissions across Africa.

Selection & Onboarding February 1 – January 25

Selected teams are announced and introduced to the program through short onboarding workshops.

Mentorship Program February 26 – Mai 25

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Prototype & Pitch Preparationh
Mai 30 – June 15

Shortlisted teams present their solutions to the public for voting and refine their pitches with expert guidance. 

Final Pitch & Awards
June 20

Finalists pitch their solutions before a jury; winners are revealed and celebrated in a digital showcase event. 

Follow-Up & Impact Conference
End of September 2026

An online event highlights the progress of finalists and explores future collaboration opportunities.

What is the Challenge?

The African Impact Online Challenge is a 5-month online program designed to empower young innovators across Africa to develop, test, and scale AI-driven solutions that address real-world problems.

Who can apply?

The competition is open to individuals or teams based in Africa with innovative ideas that leverage Artificial Intelligence. Whether you’re a student, a startup founder, or a tech enthusiast, if your project uses AI to create social or economic impact.

What kind of projects are eligible?

Projects can be working under the framwork of one of the eligible SDGs.

What’s the timeline of the challenge?

The challenge runs for five months starting December 1st. It includes four main phases:

  1. Application & Selection (December)

  2. Mentorship & Development (January–March)

  3. Final Pitch Event (April)

  4. Follow-up Online Conference (May)

What type of support do participants receive?

Selected teams receive:

  • Expert mentorship and personalized guidance.

  • Access to AI tools, online training, and industry resources.

  • Networking opportunities with investors and tech leaders.

  • Visibility through media and partner promotion.

What do the winners get?

Winners receive in-kind support, ongoing mentorship, and promotion through our partner network. In addition, they’ll be invited to showcase their progress at an online conference one month after the final pitch.

Is the challenge conducted online or in-person?

The entire program, mentorship, workshops, and pitching, is conducted online to make it accessible to innovators from all over Africa.

Frequently asked questions

We’ve gathered the most common questions to help you better understand the application process, eligibility, and competition details. Check below before reaching out—your answer might already be here!

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