18
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Applications are now open for the 2026 UNECA Continental Call for African AI Innovations. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through the Africa IGF Secretariat and in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Research ICT Africa (RIA), invites applications from African innovators developing practical, AI-enabled solutions that address the continent’s development challenges.
Across Africa, startups, universities, research institutions, technology hubs, public institutions, private-sector organisations, and individual innovators are developing technologies that respond to local realities and development priorities. These innovations are being applied in areas such as health, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, climate action, public-service delivery, trade, and small-business development.
The ECA Innovation Café will showcase African-led AI solutions that are already addressing development challenges and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It is designed to bridge innovation, policy, and implementation by creating direct engagement between innovators and policymakers, development partners, investors, researchers, private-sector actors, and the technical community.
Requirements
The call is open to:
- 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; and
- Individual innovators and innovation teams.
Applicants should demonstrate a functioning prototype, pilot, or deployed solution, supported by evidence of development impact or credible potential to generate meaningful impact.
Eligible Projects
Potential areas include:
- Artificial intelligence and digital technology
- Healthcare and health systems
- Agriculture and food systems
- Education and skills development
- Financial inclusion
- Climate action and environmental solutions
- Public-sector and government service delivery
- Trade and economic development
- Small and medium-sized business development
AIGF 2026
The 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum and ECA Innovation Café will take place in:
Location: Accra, Ghana
Dates: 2–5 November 2026
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the UNECA Continental Call for African AI Innovations