Young innovators and women entrepreneurs across Sub-Saharan Africa have a new opportunity to strengthen their businesses and scale innovative ideas through a programme launched by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in partnership with the Government of Japan under the framework of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
Applications are now open for a transformative initiative designed to equip Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers with the skills, networks, and global partnerships needed to build sustainable businesses.
The multi-phase initiative seeks to empower youth and women aged 18 to 35 by providing practical training in entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, mentorship, project development, and international networking.
As Africa experiences rapid population growth and an expanding digital economy, initiatives that invest in entrepreneurial skills and innovation are increasingly becoming essential to creating jobs, reducing poverty, and driving inclusive economic growth.
Why This Programme Matters
Youth and women continue to face significant barriers when starting and growing businesses, including limited access to financing, mentorship, technology, and international markets. Many promising ideas never reach commercial success because entrepreneurs lack the technical support and strategic partnerships needed to scale.
This programme addresses these challenges by combining practical skills development with mentorship and exposure to Africa-Japan investment and innovation ecosystems.
Participants will receive training that goes beyond traditional classroom learning, focusing on developing investment-ready projects capable of attracting partners and funding.
For women entrepreneurs, the initiative offers an opportunity to strengthen leadership skills while overcoming persistent gender gaps in entrepreneurship and access to business opportunities.
Strengthening Africa-Japan Partnerships
One of the programme’s unique strengths is its emphasis on building stronger collaboration between Africa and Japan.
Through the TICAD framework, Japan has consistently supported African development by investing in innovation, infrastructure, education, technology, and private sector growth.
Selected participants may also benefit from international engagement opportunities in Japan, allowing them to connect with investors, industry experts, policymakers, and innovation hubs that can help accelerate business growth.
The programme also promotes public-private partnerships that can unlock new investment opportunities across African markets.
Skills for the Future Economy
The modern economy increasingly demands digital and technological capabilities.
Recognizing this shift, the programme includes training in artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, innovation management, and project development to help participants compete in rapidly evolving industries.
Beyond technical knowledge, participants will also gain experience in problem-solving, leadership, strategic thinking, and business development—skills that are critical for building resilient enterprises capable of creating employment and addressing local development challenges.
Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on decent work, gender equality, innovation, industry, quality education, and economic growth.
By investing in young entrepreneurs and women-led businesses, the programme contributes to building stronger local economies while encouraging sustainable and inclusive development across Africa.
UNITAR has long played a key role in strengthening institutional and individual capacities through training programmes that support governments, civil society, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Its collaboration with Japan under TICAD reinforces a shared commitment to empowering Africa’s human capital.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to:
Young people and women aged 18–35
Entrepreneurs and startup founders
Innovators and technology developers
Researchers
Professionals from selected Sub-Saharan African countries
Successful applicants will gain access to entrepreneurship and AI training, mentorship, networking opportunities, project development support, and potential international engagement in Japan.
A Timely Investment in Africa’s Future
Africa has one of the world’s youngest populations, with millions of young people entering the labour market every year. Supporting entrepreneurship has become one of the most effective ways to address unemployment while fostering innovation and sustainable economic transformation.
Programmes like this provide more than training—they create opportunities for collaboration, investment, and long-term impact.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and women leaders looking to transform bold ideas into scalable solutions, the UNITAR-Japan initiative represents an opportunity to gain the knowledge, partnerships, and global exposure needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive economy.
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