UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme 2026: How to Apply

Applications are now open for the UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme 2026, a major capacity-building initiative supported by the Government of Japan that aims to equip young Africans and women with the knowledge, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial expertise needed to develop innovative solutions for sustainable development.

The programme, implemented by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), targets aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, professionals, researchers and social impact leaders from selected African countries. Running from August 2026 through March 2027, the initiative combines virtual learning, mentorship, project development and international networking, with top-performing participants receiving an opportunity to join an advanced engagement programme in Japan.

The application deadline is July 31, 2026.

What Is the UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme 2026?

The UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme is a multi-phase professional development initiative launched under the framework of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

Backed by the Government and People of Japan, the programme seeks to strengthen Africa’s next generation of innovators by helping participants transform promising ideas into investment-ready, partnership-focused and scalable projects capable of creating economic and social impact.

Rather than providing direct funding, the initiative focuses on developing participants’ entrepreneurial, leadership and project implementation skills while exposing them to international innovation ecosystems.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to young professionals and women aged 18 to 35 from selected Anglophone Sub-Saharan African countries, including:

• Botswana
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Eligible applicants include:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs
• Early-stage business founders
• SME owners
• Researchers
• Technology innovators
• Social entrepreneurs
• Professionals developing scalable solutions with economic or social impact

Applicants working across sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare, agriculture, climate solutions, clean technology, smart cities, manufacturing, creative industries, blue economy, education and sustainable development are encouraged to apply.

Programme Structure and Timeline

The programme consists of four progressive phases designed to help participants move from idea development to investment readiness.

Phase One: Foundations and Opportunity Development

Running from August to October 2026, participants will receive training in entrepreneurship, innovation, artificial intelligence, leadership, systems thinking, sustainable development, market research and partnership building.

Phase Two: Applied Innovation and Project Development

Between November and December 2026, selected participants will refine their business models, strengthen financial planning, improve project implementation strategies and receive training in impact measurement, stakeholder engagement and investor pitching.

A Training of Trainers (ToT) component will also help participants share acquired knowledge within their local communities.

Phase Three: Leadership and International Engagement

During January and February 2027, a limited number of outstanding participants will join a hybrid leadership programme that includes a short immersion experience in Japan.

Activities may include expert mentorship, institutional visits, networking sessions, project refinement and discussions with innovation ecosystem stakeholders.

Phase Four: Africa-Japan Innovation and Partnership Round Table

The programme concludes with a high-level engagement platform where participants present their projects to mentors, investors, policymakers, development organisations and private-sector partners while exploring long-term collaboration opportunities.

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Benefits of the Programme

Participants will receive extensive professional development opportunities throughout the programme.

Key benefits include:

• Comprehensive entrepreneurship and leadership training
• Mentorship from industry experts
• Networking with African and international innovators
• Exposure to investment and partnership opportunities
• Project development support
• International engagement opportunities for selected participants
• Certificate of completion upon successful completion of programme phases

Participation is free of charge, as the programme is funded by the Government and People of Japan.

Selection Criteria

UNITAR will evaluate applicants based on several factors, including:

• Innovation and creativity
• Leadership potential
• Commitment to community and economic development
• Scalability of proposed ideas
• Collaboration potential
• Long-term commitment to learning
• Sustainability and measurable impact of proposed projects

Applicants with practical solutions addressing challenges such as food security, healthcare, climate resilience, financial inclusion and digital transformation are expected to be particularly competitive.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must complete the online application before July 31, 2026.

The programme will be delivered primarily in English through virtual sessions. While participation is free, selected participants attending the Japan immersion phase may be responsible for certain personal expenses.

Successful applicants are encouraged to prepare strong project concepts demonstrating innovation, sustainability and measurable social or economic impact.

With its emphasis on entrepreneurship, leadership development and international collaboration, the UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme 2026 offers young Africans a valuable opportunity to strengthen their professional skills while building projects capable of attracting future partnerships and investment.

FAQ

What is the UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme 2026?

The UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme 2026 is a capacity-building initiative supported by the Government of Japan that equips African youth and women with entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation skills through training, mentorship and project development.

Who is eligible for the UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme?

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and come from eligible Anglophone Sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Ethiopia and Tanzania.

Is the UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme free?

Yes. Participation in the programme is fully funded by the Government and People of Japan, and there are no application or participation fees.

Does the programme provide scholarships?

The programme is primarily a professional development and leadership initiative rather than a scholarship. Participants receive training, mentorship, networking opportunities and project development support.

Will participants travel to Japan?

Only a limited number of top-performing participants will be selected for the advanced international engagement phase, which includes a short immersion programme in Japan.

What sectors are eligible?

Eligible sectors include artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare, agriculture, climate solutions, clean technology, smart cities, manufacturing, blue economy, education, creative industries and other innovation-driven fields.

What skills will participants gain?

Participants will develop skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation management, AI applications, business development, financial planning, investor pitching, stakeholder engagement and project implementation.

When is the application deadline?

Applications close on July 31, 2026.

How is the programme delivered?

Most activities are conducted virtually in English, with selected participants invited to join an international engagement phase in Japan.

Will participants receive certificates?

Yes. Participants who successfully complete each phase will receive certificates issued by UNITAR.

What makes the programme competitive?

Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong leadership potential, innovative project ideas, commitment to community development, scalability of solutions and willingness to collaborate across sectors.

Can Nigerians apply?

Yes. Nigeria is among the eligible countries, and qualified Nigerian applicants aged 18–35 are encouraged to apply.

Is IELTS required?

No. The programme does not require IELTS for application.

Who supports the programme?

The programme is implemented by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) with support from the Government and People of Japan under the TICAD9 framework.

Why should African entrepreneurs apply?

The programme provides world-class training, mentorship, international exposure, networking with investors and experts, and practical guidance for transforming innovative ideas into scalable, partnership-ready ventures.