Apply for a Fully Funded Japan-Africa Capacity Development Programme for Sub-Saharan African Innovators
Introduction
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in partnership with the Government and People of Japan, has launched the Empowering Youth and Women amid Economic Instability Programme 2026.
This fully funded programme is designed to equip young professionals and women from Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa with entrepreneurial skills, leadership competencies, innovation tools, and partnership opportunities to build scalable and investment-ready solutions.
Quick Highlights
Particulars
Details
Opportunity Name
UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme 2026
Organization
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Funding Partner
Government and People of Japan
Programme Type
Fully Funded Fellowship / Capacity Development Programme
Duration
7 Months
Programme Period
August 2026 to February 2027
Application Deadline
31 July 2026
Eligible Region
Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa
Opportunity Overview
Particular
Details
Organizer
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Framework
Tokyo International Conference on African Development 9 (TICAD9)
Programme Area
Public Finance and Trade
Mode of Delivery
Blended (Virtual + In-Person)
Language
English
Main Location
Online
In-Person Component
Hiroshima, Japan (Selected Participants Only)
Programme Cost
Fully Funded
About Organization
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations that provides learning, capacity development, and knowledge-sharing opportunities worldwide.
UNITAR works closely with governments, international organizations, and development partners to strengthen individual and institutional capacities for sustainable development.
About Programme
The UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme 2026 aims to strengthen Africa-Japan collaboration by supporting youth and women innovators in developing scalable, sustainable, and partnership-ready solutions.
The programme combines virtual learning, mentorship, project development, networking, and a potential immersive experience in Japan for outstanding participants.
Benefits Section
Benefit
Details
Participation Cost
Fully Funded
Virtual Training
Available
Expert Mentorship
Available
International Networking
Available
Japan Immersion Opportunity
Available for Selected Participants
Certificate of Completion
Available
Access to Investors and Partners
Available
Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Nationality
Citizens of Anglophone Sub-Saharan African Countries
Age Limit
18 to 35 Years
Gender
Youth and Women Encouraged to Apply
Language Requirement
English Proficiency Required
Professional Background
Entrepreneurs, Researchers, Professionals, and Social Innovators
Commitment
Full Participation in All Programme Phases Required
Eligible Sectors
Sector
Details
Agri-food Innovation and Bioeconomy
Eligible
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Eligible
FinTech and Financial Inclusion
Eligible
Climate and Environmental Solutions
Eligible
Healthcare and MedTech
Eligible
Clean Technologies
Eligible
Creative Industries
Eligible
Social Impact and Essential Services
Eligible
Learning Objectives
Objective
Details
Develop Innovative Solutions
Required Outcome
Strengthen Leadership Skills
Required Outcome
Build Partnership-Ready Projects
Required Outcome
Integrate SDGs into Projects
Required Outcome
Enhance Investment Readiness
Required Outcome
Improve Communication and Pitching Skills
Required Outcome
Programme Structure
Phase
Details
Phase I
Foundations and Opportunity Development (August–October 2026)
Phase II
Applied Innovation and Project Development (November–December 2026)
Phase III
Leadership and International Engagement Including Japan Immersion (January–February 2027)
Phase IV
Africa-Japan Innovation and Partnership Round Table (February 2027)
Required Skills
Skill
Details
Leadership Skills
Required
Innovation and Problem Solving
Required
Communication Skills
Required
Collaboration Skills
Required
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Required
Project Development Skills
Preferred
Selection Criteria
Criteria
Details
Innovation Capacity
Required
Leadership Potential
Required
Community Impact Potential
Required
Scalability of Idea
Required
Commitment to Learning
Required
Partnership Readiness
Required
Teaching Methodology
Component
Details
Competency-Based Learning
Available
Project-Based Learning
Available
Experiential Learning
Available
Peer Learning
Available
Expert Mentorship
Available
Continuous Evaluation
Available
Selection Process
Stage
Details
Stage 1
Online Application Submission
Stage 2
Application Review
Stage 3
Shortlisting
Stage 4
Participation in Programme Phases
Stage 5
Selection for Japan Immersion (Competitive)
Important Dates
Event
Date
Application Opening
Currently Open
Last Date to Apply
31 July 2026
Programme Start Date
August 2026
Programme End Date
February 2027
How to Apply
Step
Action
Step 1
Visit the official UNITAR programme website
Step 2
Review all eligibility requirements carefully
Step 3
Complete the online application form
Step 4
Prepare all required information and supporting materials
Step 5
Submit the completed application before the deadline
Step 6
Monitor email communications for further instructions
Yes, participation is fully funded by the Government and People of Japan.
Who can apply?
Youth and women aged 18–35 from Anglophone Sub-Saharan African countries can apply.
Is there an in-person component?
Yes, selected participants may attend an immersion programme in Japan.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 31 July 2026.
What is the programme duration?
The programme runs from August 2026 to February 2027.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for young African innovators seeking global exposure, mentorship, and partnership opportunities.
Applicants with innovative ideas, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to creating social and economic impact will have a significant advantage during the selection process.
