- More than 7,000 young Africans and women across sub-Saharan Africa applied to a new United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) “Empower Africa Programme” to help them turn entrepreneurial ideas into viable businesses and solutions to economic and social challenges.
- The seven-month programme (2026–2027) is funded by the Government and People of Japan and is open to participants from 11 English‑speaking sub‑Saharan countries.
- At least 2,000 participants will be selected to join the first phase, where they will build skills in entrepreneurship, AI, digital technologies, leadership, sustainability, market analysis and investment readiness.
- The programme aims to strengthen connections between African and Japanese innovation ecosystems and equip a new generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers to create sustainable economic value.
UNITAR
26 August 2026, Geneva – More than 7,000 applications were received from young people and women across sub-Saharan Africa for a new United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) programme supported by the Government and People of Japan.
The seven-month programme Empowering Youth and Women amid Economic Instability: Enhancing Public-Private Partnership between Japan and Africa for Sub-Saharan African Countries, Addressing Urgent Challenges, and Promoting TICAD9 (the “Empower Africa Programme”) aims to help participants turn ideas and emerging opportunities into viable businesses, projects and solutions to economic and social challenges.
The strong response to the call for applications demonstrates substantial interest among young Africans and African women in developing the skills and opportunities to participate in an evolving economy.
At least 2,000 participants will be chosen to embark on the programme’s first phase, where they will build practical skills in entrepreneurship, digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), leadership, sustainable development and investment readiness.
From learning to application
UNITAR
Funded by the Government and People of Japan, the programme brings together participants aged 18–35 from 11 Anglophone sub-Saharan African countries: Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The first phase will provide participants with practical foundations in entrepreneurship and innovation, AI and digital transformation, leadership and systems thinking, sustainable development, market analysis, customer discovery, business ecosystems and value chains, and partnership and investment readiness. Participants will be encouraged to apply what they learn to real-world challenges and opportunities, with the aim of strengthening their ability to develop sustainable business and development solutions.
In subsequent phases, selected participants will receive more advanced support to refine their business models and projects, develop financial and operational plans, measure potential impact, prepare investment and partnership pitches, and engage with mentors and relevant stakeholders. They will also undergo a training of trainers so they can further disseminate their knowledge and skills.
A limited number of high-performing participants will have the opportunity to take part in an advanced hybrid engagement phase, including a short immersion trip to Japan. This will provide opportunities for mentorship, ecosystem visits, institutional dialogue and networking with Japanese industry and innovation actors.
In early 2027, the programme will culminate in an Africa–Japan Innovation and Partnership Round Table, where selected participants will present their initiatives and engage with investors, development partners, public institutions, private-sector representatives and other ecosystem actors.
Connecting African and Japanese Innovators to Respond to Rapid Change
UNITAR
The initiative contributes to the objectives and spirit of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) by creating practical opportunities for engagement between African and Japanese institutions, businesses and innovation ecosystems.
The programme responds to a rapidly changing economic environment across Africa, where demographic growth, digital transformation, climate pressures, food security concerns and the need for quality employment are creating both challenges and opportunities for a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
About the Empower Africa Programme
Funded by the Government and People of Japan, the UNITAR programme Empowering Youth and Women amid Economic Instability: Enhancing Public-Private Partnership between Japan and Africa for Sub-Saharan African Countries, Addressing Urgent Challenges, and Promoting TICAD9 (the “Empower Africa Programme”) supports young people and women across sub-Saharan Africa to turn emerging challenges into opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
The programme will bring together participants from 11 African countries. It combines business development, digital and AI literacy, leadership, sustainable development and investment readiness to help participants build viable ventures, strengthen partnerships and develop solutions to pressing challenges – from food security and climate resilience to employment, trade and digital transformation.
Aligned with the spirit of TICAD9, the programme aims to strengthen connections between African and Japanese innovation ecosystems and equip a new generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers to create sustainable economic value.
Learn more about the programme: Empowering Youth and Women amid Economic Instability