Africa–Japan Programme Empowering Youth and Women Through Innovation and Public-Private Partnerships

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is launching a seven-month programme to strengthen the capacity of African youth and women to turn innovative ideas into scalable, investment-ready initiatives, with a focus on Africa–Japan collaboration.

What it offers

• Seven-month blended programme (August 2026 – February 2027) combining virtual learning, applied project development, mentorship, and international engagement.
• Four progressive phases: Foundations and Opportunity Development; Applied Innovation and Project Development; Leadership and International Engagement; and a short immersion in Hiroshima, Japan.
• Structured mentorship, applied learning, ecosystem exposure, and networking opportunities across African and Japanese innovation ecosystems.

Who can apply

• Open to African youth and women with innovative ideas or initiatives in areas such as innovation, technology, sustainable industrialization, agribusiness, digital transformation, clean technologies, manufacturing, and human-centered economic development.

What you'll do

• Design inclusive and sustainable business or development solutions aligned with national and regional priorities.
• Apply digital technologies, AI, and innovation tools 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, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector collaboration competencies.
• Integrate sustainability, gender equality, social impact, and SDG considerations into initiatives.
• Formulate partnership-ready and investment-oriented proposals for investors, development partners, public institutions, and private-sector stakeholders.

How to apply

• Application-based registration.
• Submit an application through the UNITAR website.
• Deadline: 31 July 2026.

Good to know

• The programme is implemented by UNITAR with support from the Government and People of Japan.
• Participants will progressively develop projects that are credible, collaborative, and positioned for operationalization and long-term impact.
• The initiative contributes to building sustainable Africa–Japan relationships grounded in innovation, shared value creation, responsible investment, technology exchange, and inclusive economic transformation.