The African Impact Challenge is now open for applications from ambitious innovators and startup founders across Africa. This programme supports entrepreneurs with funding, capacity building, global market access, and networking opportunities — helping them grow their ventures from African solutions into globally competitive businesses.
What the African Impact Challenge Offers
The African Impact Challenge is designed to accelerate promising African startups that use technology or innovation to solve pressing challenges in their communities. Through a structured programme, participants receive support across multiple areas:
Founders start with a virtual and self-paced bootcamp to strengthen business fundamentals and venture execution skills.
Selected ventures can access investments or grants based on their stage and stream.
Targeted support helps businesses reach their next growth milestones, such as product development or market traction.
Entrepreneurs receive support for global exposure, including flights and accommodation when selected for in-person engagements.
Founders gain ongoing help to access further capital and refine investor readiness.
Participants benefit from connections to customers, go-to-market partners, and strategic collaborators through a global innovation network.
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 programThere are two main participation streams:
The programme offers four tracks tailored to different stages of venture maturity:
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.