Applications have opened for the 2026 AfCFTA Digital Innovation Challenge, an initiative of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat designed to identify and support digital innovations capable of strengthening cross-border trade across Africa.

The challenge places particular emphasis on solutions that can advance implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade and the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade.

It also seeks innovations that can help African micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) participate more effectively in intra-African trade.

The initiative is open to individuals, teams, startups and enterprises from African Union Member States. African innovators and entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible to apply.

Women and young entrepreneurs developing digital solutions for trade are also encouraged to participate, alongside applicants with operational digital solutions that are ready for expansion and scaling.

Eligible innovators should have solutions that address barriers to cross-border trade and support the objectives of the AfCFTA.

Solutions eligible for the challenge

Applicants are expected to present digital solutions with the potential to improve intra-African trade, particularly for MSMEs.

The solutions will be evaluated across several areas, including proven impact, with applicants expected to provide evidence that their innovations facilitate cross-border trade and benefit MSMEs.

AfCFTA relevance will also be considered, particularly how closely a solution aligns with the objectives of the AfCFTA and digital trade.

Other assessment areas include operational excellence, covering the reliability and user-friendliness of the technology; scalability, based on the potential to expand into other African markets; and digital innovation.

The digital innovation category includes the use or potential application of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, blockchain and other emerging technologies.

Benefits for selected innovators

The challenge will provide different levels of support to innovators selected at each stage of the competition.

The Top 50 innovators will receive capacity-building programmes led by the AfCFTA Secretariat, networking and collaboration opportunities, access to Africa’s innovation ecosystem and inclusion in the AfCFTA innovation community.

The Top 10 winners will receive tailored incubation or acceleration support and business development assistance. They will also have opportunities to connect with investors and strategic partners, receive promotion through AfCFTA communication platforms and events, and gain priority access to relevant AfCFTA platforms.

The Top 5 grand winners will receive formal recognition at a high-level AfCFTA Forum and an engagement session with the AfCFTA Secretary-General.

They will also benefit from tailored mentorship from industry leaders, business development advisory support and recognition as AfCFTA Digital Innovation Champions.

Why innovators should apply

The challenge offers innovators an opportunity to present their digital solutions on a continental platform while gaining access to mentorship, capacity building, investors, strategic partners and networks within Africa’s digital trade ecosystem.

It is particularly relevant to startups and entrepreneurs developing digital solutions designed to make cross-border trade easier for African businesses.

Application deadline: 4 September 2026

Interested and eligible applicants are expected to complete the online application form before the deadline.

Absolutely. Add this at the end of the article:

How to apply

Interested and eligible applicants can complete the online registration form before the 4 September 2026 deadline.

Register for the 2026 AfCFTA Digital Innovation Challenge

Source: MSME Africa Online