The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in collaboration with the Government of Japan under the framework of TICAD9, is inviting applications for a multi-phase capacity development programme aimed at strengthening the ability of youth and women in Sub-Saharan Africa to develop scalable, partnership-ready and investment-oriented initiatives.
The programme is designed to support participants in transforming early-stage ideas into structured, implementable projects that can attract public and private sector collaboration across Africa and Japan. It places strong emphasis on practical learning, applied innovation, and long-term ecosystem engagement.
About the Programme
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, young people and women are increasingly driving innovation in entrepreneurship, technology, and community development. However, many initiatives face challenges in scaling due to limited access to structured networks, investment readiness support, and cross-border partnerships.
This programme seeks to address those gaps by building participants’ capacity to design viable, financially grounded, and partnership-ready solutions aligned with national and regional development priorities. It also strengthens Africa–Japan collaboration in areas such as innovation, clean technology, agribusiness, digital transformation, and sustainable industrialisation.
Participants will engage in structured learning, mentorship, and applied project development, with opportunities for international exposure in Japan for selected candidates.
Programme Structure
The programme runs from August 2026 to March 2027 and is delivered in four phases:
Phase I: Foundations and Opportunity Development (Aug–Oct 2026)
Participants are introduced to innovation, entrepreneurship, AI and digital transformation, leadership, market analysis, and sustainability frameworks.
Phase II: Applied Innovation and Project Development (Nov–Dec 2026)
Focus on business model development, financial planning, impact measurement, and partnership mapping to refine ideas into implementable projects.
Phase III: Leadership and International Engagement (Jan–Feb 2027)
A selected group will participate in advanced engagement activities, including mentorship, ecosystem exposure, and a possible immersion programme in Japan.
Phase IV: Africa–Japan Innovation Round Table (Feb 2027)
Participants present their work, engage with stakeholders, and explore long-term collaboration and partnership opportunities.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to youth and women aged 18–35 from selected Sub-Saharan African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Applicants may include:
- Early-stage entrepreneurs and SME founders
- Researchers and innovators
- Professionals and practitioners
- Social entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders
- Individuals developing scalable solutions with social or economic impact
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be assessed based on:
- Innovation and problem-solving ability
- Leadership potential and commitment to development impact
- Clarity and feasibility of project ideas
- Willingness to collaborate and engage in partnerships
- Scalability and sustainability of proposed initiatives