Applications are now open for the 2026 UNITAR’s Empowering Youth and Women Programme. Sub-Saharan Africa is entering a period of significant transformation shaped by rapid demographic growth, digital disruption, evolving trade opportunities, climate pressures, food security challenges, and the urgent need for quality jobs and resilient livelihoods. Across the continent, youth and women are increasingly driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and community-based solutions. However, many promising ideas and initiatives struggle to progress beyond early stages due to limited access to networks, investment readiness, strategic partnerships, and market linkages.
At the same time, there is growing interest in strengthening practical and mutually beneficial collaboration between African and Japanese ecosystems in areas such as innovation, technology, sustainable industrialization, agribusiness, digital transformation, clean technologies, manufacturing, and human-centered economic development.
In this context, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research is launching a multi-phase capacity development programme under the framework of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development 9 (TICAD9) to strengthen the capacity of African youth and women to transform innovative ideas into scalable, partnership-ready, and investment-oriented initiatives aligned with national and regional development priorities.
WORTH
- Mentorship sessions with industry and ecosystem experts
- Exposure to innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems
- Learning visits and institutional dialogue
- Networking and strategic engagement opportunities
- Project refinement and partnership discussions
ELIGIBILITY
- Aspiring or early-stage entrepreneurs
- SME founders and innovators
- Professionals and practitioners
- Researchers and technology innovators
- Social entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders
- Individuals developing scalable solutions with economic or social impact potential
DEADLINE: JULY 31, 2026
To apply and for more information, visit here