Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has launched the 2026 Continental Call for African AI Innovations through its Africa IGF Secretariat, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Research ICT Africa (RIA). This initiative identifies and showcases African-led artificial intelligence solutions that address the continent’s most pressing development challenges.
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Selected innovators will present their work at the ECA Innovation Café, held alongside the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AIGF 2026) in Accra, Ghana. The program creates direct engagement between innovators and policymakers, development partners, investors, researchers, and private-sector actors—bridging the gap between technological innovation and policy implementation.
What Is the ECA Innovation Café?
The ECA Innovation Café is a curated showcase platform designed to highlight practical AI solutions already contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Unlike traditional grant programs, this call focuses on visibility, networking, and policy integration for existing innovations.
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Participants gain access to:
- Direct dialogue with ECA policymakers and African government representatives
- Engagement with international development partners and potential investors
- Connection to research institutions and technical communities
- Platform visibility for scaling and partnership opportunities
Who Can Apply
The call is open to a broad range of African innovation actors:
- African startups and technology companies
- Universities and research institutions
- Innovation hubs and laboratories
- Private-sector organisations
- Public institutions and public-sector innovation teams
- Social enterprises
- Individual innovators and innovation teams
Critical requirement: Applicants must demonstrate a functioning prototype, pilot, or deployed solution with evidence of development impact or credible potential for meaningful impact. Early-stage concepts without working implementations are not eligible.
Eligible Innovation Areas
The call seeks AI-enabled solutions across these sectors:
- Healthcare and health systems: Diagnostic tools, health information systems, telemedicine platforms
- Agriculture and food systems: Crop monitoring, supply chain optimization, predictive analytics for farmers
- Education and skills development: Adaptive learning platforms, skills assessment tools, educational content systems
- Financial inclusion: Credit scoring, mobile banking solutions, insurance products for underserved populations
- Climate action and environmental solutions: Emissions tracking, renewable energy optimization, disaster prediction
- Public-sector and government service delivery: Administrative automation, citizen engagement platforms, data-driven policy tools
- Trade and economic development: Market linkage platforms, trade facilitation tools, economic forecasting
- Small and medium-sized business development: Business intelligence tools, market access platforms, operational efficiency solutions
Event Details: AIGF 2026 and Innovation Café
| Event | 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum & ECA Innovation Café |
| Location | Accra, Ghana |
| Dates | 2–5 November 2026 |
For innovators based in Zimbabwe and the SADC region, Accra offers accessible connections via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines hub) or Nairobi (Kenya Airways hub). Ghana maintains visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies for most African nationals, though applicants should verify current requirements well in advance.
Application Requirements
While specific documentation requirements are not detailed in the call, applicants should prepare to demonstrate:
- Functioning prototype, pilot, or deployed solution (not concepts or proposals)
- Evidence of development impact or credible impact potential
- Clear connection to SDGs and/or African Union Agenda 2063 priorities
- Team capacity and organizational background
- Scalability and sustainability plans
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the official UNECA portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official webpage (see link below)
- Review the complete call documentation and eligibility criteria
- Prepare your innovation showcase materials, including evidence of functioning implementation
- Complete the online application form
- Submit all required supporting documentation
Application deadline: Not specified in the published call. Applicants should monitor the official webpage for deadline announcements or contact the Africa IGF Secretariat directly.
Strategic Value for Zimbabwe and SADC Applicants
Innovators from Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region should consider these advantages:
- Regional representation: Southern African perspectives are often underrepresented in continental innovation showcases; strong applications from this region stand out
- Policy influence: The ECA’s policy recommendations directly inform SADC and national government strategies—participation shapes the enabling environment for AI across the region
- Investment pipelines: Accra-based events increasingly attract pan-African venture capital with interest in Southern African markets
- Research partnerships: Collaboration with Research ICT Africa (RIA) offers ongoing research engagement beyond the event
Important Considerations
Applicants should note:
- This is a showcase and networking opportunity, not a cash grant program. The research does not indicate direct financial awards to selected innovators.
- Travel and participation logistics (funding, visas, accommodation) are not specified in the call—applicants should clarify these arrangements with organizers
- The focus on functioning solutions means documentation of real-world deployment is essential
- Selection prioritizes innovations with clear development impact pathways
Official scholarship page: https://ofafrica.org/uneca-continental-call-for-african-ai-innovations-2026/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
