UNECA Continental Call for African AI Innovations 2026 invites African startups, universities, research institutions, technology hubs, public institutions, private-sector organisations and individual innovators developing practical AI-enabled solutions.
Background & Innovation Call
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), through the Africa Internet Governance Forum Secretariat and in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Research ICT Africa (RIA), is inviting applications from African innovators developing practical AI-enabled solutions.
The initiative forms part of the ECA Innovation Café at the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2026), taking place from November 2–5, 2026, in Accra, Ghana.
The Innovation Café is designed to connect African innovators with policymakers, investors, development partners, researchers, private-sector organisations and the wider technology community.
Areas of Innovation
The call is interested in AI-enabled solutions addressing development challenges across areas such as:
- Health
- Agriculture
- Education
- Financial inclusion
- Climate action
- Public-service delivery
- Trade
- Small-business development
- Other African development priorities
Selected innovations will contribute to an exchange focused on practical implementation, policy, responsible deployment and sustainable scaling.
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to:
- African startups and technology companies
- Universities and research institutions
- Innovation hubs and laboratories
- Private-sector organisations
- Public institutions and innovation teams
- Social enterprises
- Individual innovators
- Innovation teams
Applicants should demonstrate a functioning prototype, pilot or deployed solution, together with evidence of development impact or credible potential to generate meaningful impact.
What Selected Innovators Can Expect
The Innovation Café has two complementary components:
Innovation-to-Policy Exchange
Selected innovators will have an opportunity to present their solutions and engage directly with policymakers and other stakeholders.
Innovation Exhibition
Selected African innovations will also be showcased during AfIGF 2026.
The initiative aims to highlight solutions that are already being developed and implemented in Africa rather than focusing only on the potential future applications of AI.
Additional Information
Organisers: UNECA, Africa IGF Secretariat, ITU and Research ICT Africa
Programme: ECA Innovation Café
Event: AfIGF 2026
Dates: November 2–5, 2026
Location: Accra, Ghana
Focus: African AI-enabled innovations
Eligibility: African innovators and organisations
The source provided for this article does not specify an application closing date or funding amount. Applicants should therefore check the application form and organiser communications for the latest submission information.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application form provided by the organisers and submit information about their AI-enabled solution.
Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate the development stage of their innovation and its actual or potential contribution to African development challenges.
Application: Submit the UNECA AI Innovation application
For enquiries, the source provides sorene@un.org as the contact email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNECA Continental Call for African AI Innovations?
It is a continental initiative seeking African-led, AI-enabled solutions that address development challenges and can contribute to the SDGs and African Union Agenda 2063.
Who can apply?
African startups, technology companies, universities, research institutions, innovation hubs, public institutions, private-sector organisations, social enterprises, and individual innovators or teams can apply.
Does the solution need to be fully developed?
Applicants should demonstrate a functioning prototype, pilot or deployed solution.
Which sectors are eligible?
Solutions can address areas including health, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, climate action, public services, trade and small-business development.
Where will selected innovations be showcased?
Selected innovations will be featured through the ECA Innovation Café at AfIGF 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
Is this a funding programme?
The source provided describes an innovation showcase and policy-engagement opportunity. It does not state that applicants will receive funding, so applicants should not assume that participation includes a financial award.
Final Thoughts
The UNECA Continental Call for African AI Innovations provides a platform for African innovators to bring practical AI solutions to the attention of policymakers, investors, development organisations, researchers and technology stakeholders.
Applicants with a functioning AI prototype, pilot, or deployed solution addressing an African development challenge can consider submitting their innovation for consideration.
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