The African Union Innovation Festival (AU InnoFest’26) is calling for session proposals from innovators, youth organizations, technology experts, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academia, development partners, and ecosystem builders to contribute to one of Africa’s premier innovation and digital transformation events, with a deadline of September 30, 2026. This opportunity is a chance to help shape Africa’s digital future and strengthen youth-led innovation ecosystems. By submitting a session proposal, individuals can inspire meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, or promote innovative solutions that will impact the continent’s digital transformation.
About the Opportunity
The African Union Commission (AUC) has officially opened the Call for Session Proposals for the African Union Innovation Festival 2026 (AU InnoFest’26), which is scheduled to take place from 29–30 September 2026 at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The festival aims to strengthen youth-led innovation ecosystems while advancing Africa’s ambitions in Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, technological innovation, and digital sovereignty. The theme of the festival, “Vibrant Youth Ecosystems for AI and Digital Sovereignty,” highlights the importance of empowering young Africans to drive innovation and digital transformation in the continent.
The African Union Innovation Festival (AU InnoFest) is the African Union’s flagship platform dedicated to youth innovation, entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, and digital transformation across Africa. The event serves as a meeting point for young innovators, technology entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, development organizations, government institutions, civil society, private sector leaders, innovation hubs, academia, and international organizations. By bringing together these stakeholders, the festival provides a unique opportunity for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking that can help drive Africa’s digital future.
The African Union Innovation Festival (AU InnoFest’26) is a critical event for Africans because it provides a platform for young innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, connect with potential investors and partners, and access resources and support that can help them scale their businesses. The festival also provides an opportunity for policymakers and stakeholders to discuss and address the challenges and opportunities facing Africa’s digital transformation, and to identify strategies for promoting vibrant youth ecosystems that can drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the continent.
Who Can Apply
The Call for Session Proposals for the African Union Innovation Festival (AU InnoFest’26) is open to a wide range of individuals and organizations, including innovators, youth organizations, technology experts, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academia, development partners, and ecosystem builders.
- Innovators and entrepreneurs with innovative ideas or solutions that can drive Africa’s digital transformation and promote vibrant youth ecosystems.
- Youth organizations and groups that are working to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation among young Africans.
- Technology experts and professionals who can share their knowledge and experience in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and technological innovation.
- Policymakers and stakeholders who are interested in promoting Africa’s digital transformation and vibrant youth ecosystems.
- Academia and research institutions that are working on projects related to innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in Africa.
- Development partners and organizations that are supporting innovation and digital transformation in Africa.
- Ecosystem builders and innovation hubs that are providing resources and support to young innovators and entrepreneurs in Africa.
What You Will Gain
By submitting a session proposal for the African Union Innovation Festival (AU InnoFest’26), individuals and organizations can gain a range of benefits, including:
- The opportunity to inspire meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, or promote innovative solutions that can drive Africa’s digital transformation.
- The chance to connect with other stakeholders, including young innovators, technology entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, and development organizations.
- Access to resources and support that can help scale businesses and promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
- The opportunity to showcase ideas and projects to a wide range of stakeholders, including potential investors and partners.
- The chance to contribute to the development of Africa’s digital transformation strategy and promote vibrant youth ecosystems.
- The opportunity to learn from other stakeholders and gain new insights and knowledge on innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in Africa.
Application Deadline
Do not miss this opportunity to help shape Africa’s digital future. The deadline for submitting session proposals for the African Union Innovation Festival (AU InnoFest’26) is September 30, 2026. Start your application early to ensure that you do not miss the deadline.
How to Apply for Call for Session Proposals for the African Union Innovation Festival (AU InnoFest’26): Help Shape Africa’s Digital Future
To apply for the Call for Session Proposals for the African Union Innovation Festival (AU InnoFest’26), follow these steps: first, review the eligibility criteria and ensure that you meet the requirements. Next, prepare your session proposal, including a clear and concise description of your idea or project, as well as any relevant supporting materials. Finally, submit your proposal through the official application portal before the deadline of September 30, 2026.
Apply directly here: Click here to apply
Final Thoughts
The Call for Session Proposals for the African Union Innovation Festival (AU InnoFest’26) is a unique opportunity for Africans to help shape the continent’s digital future and promote vibrant youth ecosystems. By submitting a session proposal, individuals and organizations can inspire meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, and promote innovative solutions that can drive Africa’s digital transformation. Do not miss this opportunity – apply now and be part of shaping Africa’s digital future!
