The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), through the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) Secretariat and in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Research ICT Africa (RIA), has opened a continental call for African innovators developing practical artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled solutions. The selected innovations will be featured through the ECA Innovation Café at the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2026), taking place from 2–5 November 2026 in Accra, Ghana. The initiative is designed to connect African innovators with policymakers, investors, development partners, researchers, private-sector stakeholders and the technical community while demonstrating how locally developed AI solutions can address real development challenges. About the ECA Innovation Café The ECA Innovation Café will showcase African-led AI solutions that are already being developed or implemented to address challenges across the continent. Eligible innovations may cover areas such as health, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, climate action, public-service delivery, trade and small-business development. The initiative will focus on practical applications rather than theoretical discussions about the future potential of AI in Africa. Selected innovators will have opportunities to demonstrate their solutions, share evidence of their impact, discuss challenges encountered during development or deployment, and identify the policy and ecosystem support required for responsible adoption and sustainable scale. The Innovation Café has two main components: Innovation-to-Policy Exchange: Selected innovators will present their solutions and engage directly with policymakers and other stakeholders. Innovation Exhibition: Selected innovations will be showcased during AfIGF 2026. Who Can Apply? The call is open to a broad range of African innovation actors, including: African startups and technology companies Universities and research institutions Innovation hubs and laboratories Private-sector organisations Public institutions and public-sector innovation teams Social enterprises Individual innovators and innovation teams Applicants should have a functioning prototype, pilot or deployed solution. Applications should also demonstrate evidence of development impact or provide credible evidence that the solution has meaningful potential to generate impact. What Types of Innovations Are Eligible? The call is intended for practical AI-enabled solutions responding to development priorities in Africa. Potential areas include: Artificial intelligence and digital technology Healthcare and health systems Agriculture and food systems Education and skills development Financial inclusion Climate action and environmental solutions Public-sector and government service delivery Trade and economic development Small and medium-sized business development Solutions do not necessarily need to operate at continental scale. The emphasis is on African-led innovations that respond to genuine challenges and demonstrate either existing results or credible potential for meaningful development impact. Why This Opportunity Matters Participation in the ECA Innovation Café can provide selected innovators with a platform to demonstrate their work to a diverse group of stakeholders involved in Africa’s digital transformation and development agenda. The programme is particularly relevant for innovators seeking to connect technology development with public policy and implementation. It provides an opportunity to communicate practical lessons from deploying AI solutions, highlight barriers to adoption and engage with stakeholders who may contribute to wider implementation and scaling. The initiative also links innovation with broader development priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Location and Dates The 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum and ECA Innovation Café will take place in: Location: Accra, GhanaDates: 2–5 November 2026 Applicants should review the official information carefully for any additional arrangements concerning participation, exhibition requirements, travel or other event-related logistics. How to Strengthen an Application Applicants should clearly explain the development problem their AI-enabled solution addresses and demonstrate why the proposed technology is relevant to the African context. A strong application can benefit from clearly presenting: The problem being addressed The target users or communities How the AI-enabled solution works The current stage of development Evidence from a prototype, pilot or deployment Measurable or documented development impact Potential for responsible adoption and scaling Key implementation challenges The policy, investment or ecosystem support required Where available, applicants should use concrete evidence to demonstrate results rather than relying only on general descriptions of the technology. How to Apply Interested African innovators should complete the online application form provided by the Africa Internet Governance Forum. Application: CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION Applicants should ensure that the information submitted accurately describes their innovation, development stage, impact and relevance to African development priorities. For further information, applicants can contact sorene@un.org. Deadline and Important Information The source announcement published on 18 September 2026 does not state a specific application deadline. Prospective applicants should therefore check the official call and application form for the current submission status and any deadline or additional requirements. The event itself is scheduled for 2–5 November 2026 in Accra, Ghana. Visit the Official Website to Apply The UNECA Continental Call for African AI Innovations provides an opportunity for African startups, researchers, technology organisations, public institutions, social enterprises and individual innovators to showcase practical AI-enabled solutions addressing development challenges. VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.