The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Continental Call for African AI Innovations 2026

Application Deadline: Unspecified

Applications at the moment are open for the 2026 UNECA Continental Call for African AI Innovations. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), via the Africa IGF Secretariat and in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Research ICT Africa (RIA), invites functions from African innovators creating sensible, AI-enabled options that handle the continent’s growth challenges.

Across Africa, startups, universities, analysis establishments, know-how hubs, public establishments, private-sector organisations, and particular person innovators are creating applied sciences that reply to native realities and growth priorities. These improvements are being utilized in areas reminiscent of well being, agriculture, training, monetary inclusion, local weather motion, public-service supply, commerce, and small-business growth.

The ECA Innovation Café will showcase African-led AI options which are already addressing growth challenges and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It is designed to bridge innovation, coverage, and implementation by creating direct engagement between innovators and policymakers, growth companions, buyers, researchers, private-sector actors, and the technical neighborhood.

Requirements

The name is open to:

• African startups and know-how firms;
• Universities and analysis establishments;
• Innovation hubs and laboratories;
• Private-sector organisations;
• Public establishments and public-sector innovation groups;
• Social enterprises; and
• Individual innovators and innovation groups.

Applicants ought to display a functioning prototype, pilot, or deployed answer, supported by proof of growth impression or credible potential to generate significant impression.

Eligible Projects

Potential areas embrace:

• Artificial intelligence and digital know-how
• Healthcare and well being techniques
• Agriculture and meals techniques
• Education and expertise growth
• Financial inclusion
• Climate motion and environmental options
• Public-sector and authorities service supply
• Trade and financial growth
• Small and medium-sized enterprise growth

AIGF 2026

The fifteenth Africa Internet Governance Forum and ECA Innovation Café wailing happen in:

Location: Accra, Ghana
Dates: 2–5 November 2026

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the UNECA Continental Call for African AI Innovations