The Smart Africa Challenge – Where Africa’s Boldest Innovators Rise!

This is not just another competition. it’s a continental movement shaking the ground beneath Africa’s future! The Smart Africa Challenge is calling out every dreamer, every doer, every trailblazer who dares to transform Africa with bold, scalable solutions.


Backed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063, this challenge is Africa’s launchpad to the world stage. We are searching for unstoppable visionaries building groundbreaking solutions in agriculture, health, climate action, education, fintech, digital inclusion, and beyond.


$2,000, $5,000, $10,000, and $20,000 in grant funding is on the line! Plus, winners gain direct access to accelerator programs, fellowships, global recognition, and a fully funded trip to Nairobi, Kenya for the grand finale.


The Smart Africa Challenge is here to discover, ignite, and elevate Africa’s brightest changemakers. This is your moment to rise, to lead, and to prove that Africa is not just catching up — Africa is setting the pace!

The time is NOW. Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate. Apply today — the continent is counting on you!

What is the Challenge?

What is the Challenge?

The Smart Africa Challenge is a continent-wide competition that identifies and supports African innovators working on breakthrough solutions in agriculture, health, climate action, education, fintech, and digital inclusion.

Who Can Apply?

The Challenge is open to:

  • Innovators aged 18–44
  • Startups, SMEs, student innovators, and grassroots organizations
  • African citizens or residents with Africa-focused solutions
  • If your innovative solution is just an idea, you can still apply
Who Can Apply
Focus Areas

Focus Areas

Innovations must align with at least one of the 17 SDGs and fall within key sectors:

  • Agriculture & Food Security (sustainable farming, agro-tech, food processing, nutrition)
  • Health & Well-being (affordable healthcare, telemedicine, maternal & child health, mental health)
  • Climate & Clean Energy (renewables, energy access, clean cooking, climate-smart solutions)
  • Education & Digital Inclusion (edtech, skills training, equal access to learning, literacy tools)
  • Water, Sanitation & Waste Management (clean water access, recycling, circular economy, hygiene solutions)
  • Fintech & Economic Growth (financial inclusion, mobile banking, digital payments, SME empowerment)
  • Gender Equality & Women Empowerment (solutions promoting women’s rights, safety, and inclusion)
  • Smart Cities & Infrastructure (housing, mobility, transport, urban innovation)
  • Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions (civic tech, transparency, accountability, digital governance)

Selection Process

  1. Online Application Submission
  2. Screening & Evaluation
  3. Pitching Rounds
  4. Final Showcase & Awards Ceremony
Selection Process
Timeline

Timeline

  • Applications Open:1st - 10th Sept, 2025
  • Shortlisting: 12th - 16th September, 2025
  • Bootcamp & Mentorship: 20th September, 2025
  • Pitch Readiness & Mock Sessions: 22nd - 23rd Sept, 2025
  • Arrival of Finalists in Nairobi, Kenya: 25th Sept, 2025
  • Demo Day, Awards and Finals at Nairobi Kenya: 26th – 27th Sept, 2025
  • Post-Event Engagement: 29th – 30th Sept, 2025

Benefits

  1. Grant funding awards of $2,000 USD, $5,000 USD, $10,000 USD, and $20,000 USD for top innovators.
  2. All participants are celebrated — in the Smart Africa Challenge, everyone contributes to Africa’s progress.
  3. Direct access to exclusive Accelerator and Fellowship opportunities.
  4. Global recognition for creating scalable solutions to Africa's most pressing challenges.
  5. Fully funded trip to the Grand Finale in Nairobi, Kenya.
Selection Process