Apply Now For Africa Impact Challenge 2026 - (Cohort 6).For Founders and innovators across Africa.

The Africa Impact Challenge (AIC) is a venture support and funding program run by the African Impact Initiative in partnership with organisations like the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Toronto. It’s designed to empower bold African entrepreneurs and innovators who are building technology-enabled solutions to tackle pressing problems on the continent with global potential. 

Purpose

AIC helps early-stage ventures grow into market-shaping, globally competitive businesses by providing:

Funding (grants or investments)

Mentorship and tailored support

Access to global networks, markets & partners

Capacity building and strategic programming

Funded international exposure (travel & accommodation) 

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for Cohort 6 (2026):

You must be a young African founder (under 39) resident in Africa.

You and your team should be fully committed to building your venture.

Your solution must address a pressing challenge and leverage technology in creation and/or use.

Preference is given to scalable, innovative business models that increase adoption, accessibility, and affordability.

 Program Streams

For 2026, AIC is operating two main streams:

Pan-African Health Entrepreneurship (HENT) Stream

Open to any health-tech or health-related venture across Africa.

Focuses on ventures improving health outcomes with technology. 

Country Innovation (CI) Stream – Nigeria Focus

Supports ventures based in Nigeria across any industry.

Encourages solutions with significant local and global impacts.

Venture Tracks & Support

Cohort 6 supports ventures at different stages with targeted resources:

Explorer Track

You have a solid idea that’s being validated.

Builder Track

MVP in development with early validation.

Momentum Track

Active customers and early traction.

Scale Track

Established venture with strong adoption and growth potential.

Each track determines the type and level of funding and support you receive. from bootcamp support and mentorship to funding (e.g., up to CAD $25,000 for high-growth ventures) and market expansion opportunities. 

Application & Timeline

Applications are open now and close 31 January 2026. 

After selection, founders receive structured programming, funding pathways, and immersion into international networks and markets.

Why It Matters

Joining AIC Cohort 6 gives founders financial support, international exposure, tailored mentorship, and wider market access.  All key ingredients to scale innovative African ventures and create systemic impact across sectors such as health, tech, and national economic development. 

APPLY HERE