Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award 2023 – an opportunity for young African entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative solutions contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn about the benefits, application process, qualification requirements, and more in this comprehensive guide
Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award 2023: The Spotlight on Young African Entrepreneurs
Africa is a thriving hub of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, all of which can contribute significantly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award 2023 is an incredible opportunity for young entrepreneurs from Africa to get global recognition for their groundbreaking innovations.
The Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award 2023
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in partnership with the African Youth SDG Summit and AfriLabs, organizes this prestigious award to highlight and applaud the innovative potential of young African entrepreneurs.
It seeks to recognize and reward outstanding entrepreneurial endeavors that have created innovative solutions to specific developmental challenges.
These solutions, ideally, should be beneficial for firms, governments, households, and communities, and align with the achievement of the UN’s SDGs.
Benefits of the AfriLabs Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award
Winning the Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award provides opportunities that can boost your business and career to new heights.
Recognition and Exposure
The six award winners will get to show their creative work at a big meeting, the African Youth SDG Summit, in Zambia in August 2023.
This exposure offers an unparalleled platform to gain attention and traction from industry stakeholders and potential investors.
Education and Capacity Building
Winners will be invited to a 2023-2024 innovation training by ECA SRO-SA, aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises.
This in-person training offers unique insights and knowledge beneficial to the growth and expansion of the winners’ businesses.
Sponsored Participation
ECA SRO-SA will bear the costs of travel and participation for the winners at the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 14-16, 2023.
Qualification Requirements
Individuals of African nationality, aged 18-35 as of December 31, 2022, are eligible for this prestigious award.Applicants must have designed an innovative product or process to resolve a specific societal development problem, with a demonstrated impact on the achievement of the SDGs.
Application Process and Interview
By June 11, 2023, applicants must submit a 15-slide PPT pitch deck and a 1500-word Word narrative detailing their innovative solution.
The Selection Process
A jury composed of public and private sector stakeholders will assess the applicants in the first round. The top 20 applicants will then be invited for a short interview.
In the second round, the jury will select six winners. The selection process will also consider gender balance and geographical diversity.
How to Apply
Applications should include a pitch deck and an accompanying narrative outlining the innovative solution. These documents should cover:
Overview of the Development Problem
Provide a brief explanation of the development problem your innovation addresses.
Description of the Innovative Solution
Give a detailed description of the innovative solution you have developed.
Impact of the Innovative Solution
Discuss how your innovative solution positively impacts society and contributes to the achievement of the SDGs.
The Innovation Journey
Explain how your innovation was conceived, designed, applied, and commercialized (if applicable).
The Business Model and Potential for Scalability
Provide a summary of the business model that can be used to commercialize the innovation and the potential for scalability.
Market Evolution and Future Plans
Outline how you see the market for your innovation evolving and your future plans.
Remember, the Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award 2023 is an exceptional platform to catapult your innovative ideas to a global audience and make a significant impact on Africa’s SDG achievement.
Therefore, take this opportunity to showcase your creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit, and you might just be the next big African innovator the world celebrates!