Opportunity Description
The African Impact Challenge (AIC) empowers bold, early-stage innovators who are solving Africa’s most pressing challenges with solutions that have global potential.
The programme supports entrepreneurs in building market-shaping, globally competitive businesses.
Our Impact So Far
- Trained over 7,000 founders and funded more than 100 businesses across 46 countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Uganda, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
- Supported ventures through two key tracks:
- Pan-African Health Entrepreneurship (HENT): Supporting health-tech ventures from any African country.
- Country Innovation (CI): Supporting ventures from a selected African country across any industry — Nigeria is the focus country for this year.
With track-based funding, tailored builder resources, a global network of innovators, and strategic partners such as the University of Toronto, participants receive comprehensive support to scale and succeed.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be young Africans under 39 years old, living in Africa
- Demonstrate a strong interest in impact-driven entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood
- Be committed to solving critical problems using technology
- Commit full-time to building the venture as a team
Stream-Based Eligibility
- Country Innovation Stream: Scalable ventures based in the country of focus (Nigeria) across any sector
- Health Entrepreneurship Stream: Pan-African ventures improving health outcomes anywhere in Africa
How the African Impact Challenge Works
- Capacity Building: Virtual and self-paced venture support bootcamp
- Track-Based Venture Funding: Provided through investments or grants
- Track-Based Programming: Designed to help ventures reach their next milestone
- Funded International Market Exposure: Flights and accommodation fully covered
- Post-Programme Investor Support: Access to additional capital and growth opportunities
- Market Access & Partnerships: Support to acquire customers and secure go-to-market partners
Selection Criteria
- The venture must address a pressing local or regional problem
- The solution must be technology-enabled in its creation and/or usage
- Preference will be given to solutions that reduce non-consumption by improving accessibility, affordability, and adoption
- Preference will be given to innovative, scalable business models
