UNITAR is running a multi-phase capacity development program under the Tokyo International Conference on African Development 9 (TICAD9), backed by the Government of Japan. It's meant to help African youth and women turn early-stage ideas into scalable, investment-ready ventures, with real mentorship, hands-on learning, and for the top performers, an actual trip to Japan. The whole thing is free, funded by the Government and people of Japan, which is a rare combination: fully funded, international, and with a genuine path to global exposure.
Key Details
Applications close 31 July 2026. The program itself runs 17 August 2026 through 28 February 2027, seven months, mostly online with a small in-person component in Hiroshima reserved for top performers. It's free to join, though anyone selected for the Japan trip might cover a few personal expenses on their own.
Eligibility
This is for youth and women professionals aged 18 to 35 in eleven Anglophone Sub-Saharan African countries: Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Sierra Leone isn't on that list, so this one's for sharing with connections in those specific countries rather than assuming it's continent-wide.
Within those countries, UNITAR wants a mix of people: aspiring or early-stage entrepreneurs, SME founders, professionals, researchers, tech innovators, and social entrepreneurs or ecosystem builders. Sectors they're especially interested in include agri-food innovation, AI and digital solutions, fintech, clean tech, climate solutions, healthcare, sustainable cities, the blue economy, creative industries, light manufacturing, and social impact work. Basically, most of the innovation economy qualifies, not just one niche.
What It Covers
The program runs across four phases from August 2026 to February 2027. Phase I covers foundational training, entrepreneurship, AI and digital transformation, leadership, sustainable development, market analysis, helping participants sharpen ideas that actually solve something. Phase II gets more applied: refining business models, financial planning, project structuring, pitch prep, plus a Training-of-Trainers piece so people can pass what they learn on locally.
Phase III is where it gets interesting for a smaller group of top performers. It's an advanced hybrid phase that includes a short immersion trip to Japan, with mentorship from industry experts, exposure to Japan's innovation ecosystem, and real networking. Then Phase IV wraps things up with an Africa-Japan Innovation and Partnership Round Table, where selected participants pitch their projects to ecosystem actors, investors, and public and private sector reps from both continents.
Everyone who completes a phase gets a certificate, but the actual goal is walking away with a project that's ready for partnership and investment, not just a piece of paper.
Application Process
Check that you're 18 to 35 and based in one of the eleven eligible countries. Register through UNITAR's platform at unitar.org, this is application-based, not open enrollment. Come prepared to show your project or business idea has real implementation potential, since that carries a lot of weight in selection. Submit before 31 July 2026.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Major Considerations
Be realistic about the Japan trip specifically. UNITAR is upfront that getting into Phase III's in-person segment depends on a separate, competitive evaluation based on implementation potential and partnership readiness, and spots are limited, so completing Phases I and II doesn't guarantee you'll go. UNITAR also says all selection decisions are final, so there's no appeal process if you're not chosen for the international leg.
This is a real commitment, seven months across virtual learning, applied project work, and possibly Training-of-Trainers responsibilities. Think honestly about whether you can sustain that, since moving through each phase depends on how you perform and engage, not just getting selected at the start.
Should You Apply?
This fits youth and women entrepreneurs, innovators, or professionals aged 18 to 35 in Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe who already have a real project or idea and are ready for a genuinely intensive, multi-month process. It's not for anyone outside those countries, or anyone looking for a short workshop rather than sustained, applied work.
Disclaimer: Youth Gateway Africa shares these scholarships, fellowships, and grants for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with, nor do we represent or owe any obligations on behalf of these external organizations. While we strive for accuracy, opportunities can change. Please exercise caution, verify details independently, and take full responsibility for your applications.
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