Africa–Japan Innovation Programme for Youth and Women in Sub-Saharan Africa

The Africa–Japan Innovation Programme for Youth and Women in Sub-Saharan Africa is a seven-month capacity development programme designed to help African youth and women turn innovative ideas into scalable, investment-ready initiatives, while strengthening Africa–Japan collaboration in innovation, technology, and sustainable development.

What it offers

• A 7-month blended programme running 17 Aug 2026 – 28 Feb 2027, combining virtual learning, applied project development, mentorship, and international engagement.
• Four progressive phases: Foundations and Opportunity Development (Aug–Oct 2026), Applied Innovation and Project Development (Nov–Dec 2026), Leadership and International Engagement (Jan–Feb 2027), and a short immersion programme in Hiroshima, Japan.
• Structured mentorship, ecosystem exposure, networking, and training-of-trainers (ToT) components.
• Focus on designing inclusive, sustainable solutions aligned with national and regional priorities, integrating digital technologies, AI, and SDG considerations.

Who can apply

• Open to youth and women from Sub-Saharan African countries.

How to apply

• Application-based registration via the UNITAR website.
• Deadline: 31 Jul 2026.
• Contact: tftp@unitar.org for inquiries.

Good to know

• Implemented by UNITAR with support from the Government and People of Japan.
• The programme contributes to building sustainable Africa–Japan relationships grounded in innovation, shared value creation, and inclusive economic transformation.