Call for Applications: African Continental Free Trade Area Digital Innovation Challenge in Africa

Who Can Apply?

This challenge is open to:

✅ African innovators and entrepreneurs aged 18 – 35.

✅ Individuals, teams, startups, and enterprises with a digital solution that addresses cross-border trade challenges for MSMEs.

✅ Early-stage (for example Ideation and Prototype Phase) or growth-stage (Operational and Scaling Phase) solutions.

Selection Process and Criteria

All applications will be assessed based on the following:

✅ Uniqueness of the Innovation

✅ The potential for expansion or scaling of the solution into multiple African markets?

✅ Impact on addressing cross-border trade barriers for MSMEs.

✅ Promoting intra-African trade and economic integration.

Focus Areas

Applicants should propose digital solutions that support MSMEs in one or more of the following areas:

🔹 Market Intelligence & E-Commerce Platforms – B2B/B2C platforms, trade data solutions, and market information providers.

🔹 E-Commerce & Logistics – Warehousing, last-mile delivery, and digital aggregation of goods/services.

🔹 Cross-Border Professional Services – Leveraging digital tools for the delivery of services across African borders.

🔹 Digital Financial Services – Fintech innovations in payments, investments, insurance, and trade finance.

🔹 Trade & Investment Facilitation – Digital tools to streamline trade procedures, formalities, and compliance.

🔹 Entrepreneurial Skills Development – Digital training, capacity-building, and mentorship platforms for MSMEs.

For More Information and Application Details, See;