Applications are now open for the inaugural ECA Innovation Café, a flagship opportunity for African innovators to showcase practical AI-enabled solutions at the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2026) in Accra, Ghana, from 2–5 November 2026.
Organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) through the Africa IGF Secretariat, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Research ICT Africa (RIA), the café aims to bridge policy, innovation, and implementation. It highlights what African innovators are already achieving with AI rather than focusing solely on future potential.
Across the continent, startups, universities, research institutions, tech hubs, public bodies, private organisations, social enterprises, and individual innovators are building AI tools tailored to local realities. These span health, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, climate action, public-service delivery, trade, and small-business development.
The ECA Innovation Café will spotlight African-led solutions that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Selected innovators will engage directly with policymakers, development partners, investors, researchers, private-sector actors, and the technical community. This creates pathways for responsible deployment, wider adoption, and sustainable scale while addressing real barriers innovators face.
The event features two key components:
- Innovation-to-Policy Exchange: Selected participants present their solutions and interact with high-level stakeholders.
- Innovation Exhibition: Innovations are showcased throughout AfIGF 2026 for visibility and networking.
Travel support is available for selected innovators, lowering barriers for participation from across Africa.
Who Can Apply
The call is open to a broad range of African actors:
- 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 must demonstrate a functioning prototype, pilot, or deployed solution, backed by evidence of development impact or credible potential for meaningful results. The focus is on practical, AI-enabled tools already addressing local and continental challenges.
Key Details
- Event dates: 2–5 November 2026
- Location: Accra, Ghana (as part of AfIGF 2026)
- Application deadline: 2 October 2026
How to Apply
Africans with impressive AI and Robotics Minimum Viable Products can apply for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Inaugural AI Innovation Showcasing Cafe through the Link provided 👉 Here
For more information
Contact for more information: sorene@un.org
Applications are open now. Interested innovators should visit the official page for full guidelines and submission details. Early applications are encouraged given the competitive nature of continental showcases.
Context Within AfIGF 2026
AfIGF 2026, hosted in Ghana, brings together policymakers, innovators, industry leaders, and development partners under the theme of advancing Africa’s digital future through innovation, inclusion, and trust. The ECA Innovation Café sits at the heart of this agenda, ensuring African AI solutions inform policy discussions and implementation strategies on the ground.
This is a timely platform for innovators who have moved beyond concepts to working solutions. By connecting creators with decision-makers and funders, the café helps turn proven ideas into scaled impact that benefits communities across the continent.
African AI innovators working on practical solutions are encouraged to apply before the 2 October 2026 deadline. Showcase what you are already building, engage with continental stakeholders, and help shape a more inclusive digital future for Africa.
