ECA Calls for African AI Innovations to Address Development Challenges

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Research ICT Africa (RIA), has opened applications for African innovators developing AI-enabled solutions. These innovations are sought to address the continent's development challenges and will be showcased at the ECA Innovation Café during the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2026).

The initiative aims to highlight African-led AI solutions already contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It also seeks to create direct engagement between innovators and key stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, and development partners.

About the Innovation Café

The ECA Innovation Café, taking place from November 2-5, 2026, in Accra, Ghana, is designed to bridge the gap between innovation, policy, and implementation. It focuses on practical AI solutions that respond to local realities across various sectors, such as health, agriculture, education, transport, and financial inclusion.

The program will feature two main components: an Innovation-to-Policy Exchange, where selected innovators will present their solutions and discuss policy enablers, and an Innovation Exhibition, providing visibility to governments and the broader Internet governance community throughout AfIGF 2026.

Event: ECA Innovation Café at the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2026)
Dates: November 2-5, 2026
Location: Accra, Ghana
Purpose: Showcase African-led AI solutions addressing development challenges

Who Can Apply

The call for applications is open to a broad range of African innovators. This includes startups and technology companies, universities and research institutions, innovation hubs, private-sector organizations, public institutions, social enterprises, and individual innovators or teams.

Applicants are required to demonstrate a functioning prototype, pilot, or deployed solution. Evidence of development impact or credible potential to generate meaningful impact is also a key criterion for selection.

Why It Matters

The initiative aims to shift the focus from what AI could potentially do for Africa to what African innovators are already achieving. By showcasing existing solutions, the Innovation Café seeks to highlight the results being generated, the challenges faced by innovators, and the support needed for responsible deployment, wider adoption, and sustainable scaling across the continent.

How to Get Involved

Interested African innovators can submit their applications through the provided online form. For additional information or inquiries, individuals may contact sorene@un.org or lorembo@researchictafrica.net.

The application form is available via this link: ECA Innovation Café Application.