UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme 2026

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is launching a seven-month programme to build the capacity of African youth and women to turn innovative ideas into investment-ready, partnership-focused projects aligned with national and regional priorities.

What it offers

• A 7-month blended programme (August 2026 – February 2027) combining virtual learning, applied project development, mentorship, and international engagement.
• Four progressive phases:
  • Phase I: Foundations in entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, SDGs, market analysis, and partnership readiness (August–October 2026).
  • Phase II: Business model refinement, financial planning, project structuring, and Training-of-Trainers components (November–December 2026).
  • Phase III: Advanced hybrid engagement with mentorship, ecosystem exposure, and learning visits (January–February 2027).
  • Phase IV: International immersion in Hiroshima, Japan for high-performing participants.

Who can apply

• Open to African youth and women with innovative ideas or initiatives.

What you'll do

• Design inclusive, sustainable solutions aligned with national and regional priorities.
• Apply digital technologies and AI to challenges in food security, climate resilience, employment, trade, healthcare, industrialization, and service delivery.
• Develop financially viable project concepts with clear implementation pathways and partnership strategies.
• Strengthen leadership, negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector collaboration competencies.
• Integrate sustainability, gender equality, social impact, and SDG considerations into initiatives.
• Build long-term professional networks across African and international innovation ecosystems.

How to apply

• Application-based registration.
• Submit an application through the UNITAR website.
• Mode of delivery: Blended (virtual and in-person components).

Good to know

• Implemented by UNITAR with support from the Government and People of Japan.
• Focuses on strengthening Africa–Japan collaboration in innovation, technology, sustainable industrialization, agribusiness, digital transformation, clean technologies, manufacturing, and human-centered economic development.
• Programme language: English.
• Event focal point: tftp@unitar.org.