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Changemakers Innovation Challenge "25

Youth 18–25 using tech for social impact—grants + support across Africa

Organizer: Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation
Deadline: August 22, 2025 (in 4 days)
Category: Competition
Regions: Rwanda, Burundi, Liberia, Tanzania, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Sudan, Central African Republic, Djibouti, South Africa, Madagascar, Tunisia, Gambia, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Botswana, Mozambique, Comoros, Mauritius, Morocco, Ghana, Algeria, Chad, Cabo Verde, Namibia, Somalia, Niger, Seychelles, Congo, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Mali, Eritrea, South Sudan, Egypt, Gabon, Malawi, Angola, Eswatini, Uganda, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Sao Tome & Principe, Libya, Zambia, DR Congo
Back to All Opportunities

The Changemakers Innovation Challenge (CIC), created by ACT Foundation, spotlights youth-led initiatives in Africa that leverage technology to drive social change. It aims to recognize and support innovators who are developing impactful solutions in areas such as mobile health, farm automation, telemedicine, ed-tech, microfinance, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other transformative fields.

About the Program

  • Designed for non-profits, social enterprises, and businesses using technology to solve community challenges.
  • Grant funding will be awarded to the top four winners to help scale their innovations.
  • Additional technical support — in the form of software, hardware, or capacity-building training — will be provided to selected finalists.
  • Winners will be announced at a pitch event on October 8, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be youth-led (founder or team lead aged 18–25).
  • Be citizens and residents of any African country.
  • Implement technology-driven solutions or demonstrate strong integration of technology.
  • Address challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Show tangible results from tested or implemented interventions with direct beneficiaries.
  • Provide evidence of results through videos, photos, news releases, or other media.
  • Be first-time applicants (past CIC awardees are not eligible).

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed on:

  • Innovation & Creativity (30%) – Originality and uniqueness of the solution.
  • Use of Technology (20%) – Effective integration to achieve impact.
  • Impact (20%) – Demonstrated social change and reach.
  • Scalability & Sustainability (15%) – Long-term potential for growth and durability.
  • Clarity of Vision & Leadership (15%) – Defined goals and strong leadership qualities.

Key Guidelines

  • Application Period: Opens 4 August 2025 and closes 22 August 2025.
  • Only one entry per organization is allowed; no edits after submission.
  • Applications must be submitted in English.
  • No entry fee required.

Program Benefits

  • Grant funding to scale innovations across communities.
  • Technical support tailored to the needs of the selected finalists.
  • Visibility and recognition through the CIC pitch event.

The Changemakers Innovation Challenge 2025 offers young African innovators an opportunity to scale impactful, technology-driven solutions that address pressing social challenges. With funding, technical support, and a platform to showcase their work, the program seeks to empower youth to lead sustainable change in their communities. Applications are managed directly through ACT Foundation’s official channels.

Changemakers Innovation Challenge 2025 — ACT Foundation