AfCFTA Launches 2025 Digital Innovation Challenge to Boost Intra-African Trade
AfCFTA’s 2025 Digital Innovation Challenge seeks young African entrepreneurs to develop scalable digital solutions addressing MSME cross-border trade barriers in Africa.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat is excited to launch the 2025 Digital Innovation Challenge in Trade, an initiative aimed to empower young African innovators to develop digital solutions that address cross-border trade barriers for MSMEs. We are looking for bold, scalable, and innovative digital solutions that can enhance intra-African trade and unlock opportunities under the AfCFTA.
This challenge is open to:
- African innovators and entrepreneurs aged 18 – 35.
- Individuals, teams, startups, and enterprises with a digital solution that addresses cross-border trade challenges for MSMEs.
- Early-stage (for example Ideation and Prototype Phase) or growth-stage (Operational and Scaling Phase) solutions.
Applicants should propose digital solutions that support MSMEs in one or more of the following areas:
- Market Intelligence & E-Commerce Platforms – B2B/B2C platforms, trade data solutions, and market information providers.
- E-Commerce & Logistics – Warehousing, last-mile delivery, and digital aggregation of goods/services.
- Cross-Border Professional Services – Leveraging digital tools for the delivery of services across African borders.
- Digital Financial Services – Fintech innovations in payments, investments, insurance, and trade finance.
- Trade & Investment Facilitation – Digital tools to streamline trade procedures, formalities, and compliance.
- Entrepreneurial Skills Development – Digital training, capacity-building, and mentorship platforms for MSMEs.
