GENEVA, SWITZERLAND — The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has opened applications for its 2026–2027 Africa–Japan Youth and Women Program, a fully funded initiative designed to strengthen the leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation capacity of young people and women across Sub-Saharan Africa. Applications close on 31 July 2026.
Supported by the Government of Japan under the framework of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), the seven-month program will run from 17 August 2026 to 28 February 2027. It aims to help participants transform promising ideas into scalable projects capable of attracting public and private sector partnerships.
The program targets young innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and professionals from eligible Sub-Saharan African countries who are working on solutions to social and economic challenges. Through a combination of online learning, mentorship and project development, participants will strengthen their ability to design sustainable initiatives while expanding collaboration between Africa and Japan.
"The program seeks to enhance public-private partnerships between Japan and Africa while empowering youth and women to address urgent development challenges and promote sustainable economic growth."
Successful applicants will receive fully funded participation, including advanced training delivered by UNITAR experts, personalized mentorship, international networking opportunities and support in developing investment-ready projects. Participants who successfully complete the program will also receive certificates for each phase of the training.
One of the program's highlights is the opportunity for top-performing participants to take part in a Japan immersion program, where they will engage with Japanese innovation ecosystems, businesses and development partners. While the training itself is fully funded, participants selected for the Japan visit may be responsible for limited personal expenses.
The initiative comes at a time when African countries are placing increasing emphasis on youth entrepreneurship, innovation and stronger international partnerships to create jobs and drive sustainable development. UNITAR says the program will help participants develop practical solutions in areas such as agribusiness, manufacturing, clean technologies, digital transformation and community development.
"The program is designed to support participants in transforming early-stage ideas into structured, implementable projects that can attract public and private sector collaboration across Africa and Japan."
Beyond technical training, participants will have the opportunity to build regional and international networks with fellow innovators, policymakers, investors and development practitioners. Organizers believe these connections will strengthen long-term collaboration and improve access to future funding and partnership opportunities.
The program reflects growing cooperation between Japan and African countries through TICAD, which focuses on promoting economic growth, industrialization, innovation and human capital development across the continent. By investing in young entrepreneurs and women leaders, the initiative aims to accelerate locally driven solutions to Africa's evolving development challenges.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the 31 July 2026 deadline through UNITAR's official application platform. With fully funded training, mentorship and the possibility of international exposure, the program offers an opportunity for emerging African leaders to strengthen their skills while contributing to sustainable development in their communities.