Deadline: Unspecified
The Call for African Urban Innovations is an open invitation for innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across Sub-Saharan Africa who are developing practical, scalable solutions to some of the most pressing urban challenges on the continent.
This call seeks to identify and elevate locally led urban innovations that have the potential to significantly improve the lives of underserved populations in rapidly growing African cities.
The Call for African Urban Innovations is part of a broader effort to support solutions that can scale sustainably and deliver measurable impact at city and regional levels.
Background and Rationale
Africa is experiencing one of the fastest rates of urbanisation globally. As cities expand, they face increasing pressure on housing, infrastructure, employment, transportation, public health, and environmental systems. These challenges disproportionately affect low-income and marginalised urban residents.
At the same time, African cities are hubs of creativity, resilience, and innovation. Locally rooted solutions—designed by people who understand their communities—are uniquely positioned to address urban challenges in ways that are inclusive, adaptable, and sustainable.
This call recognises the importance of empowering African innovators who are already building solutions that respond directly to the realities of urban life across the continent.
Who Can Apply
The Call for African Urban Innovations is open to innovators and organisations that meet the following criteria:
- The solution must demonstrate a credible pathway to impact at least 1 million urban residents living on less than US$5.50 per day.
- The innovation must be developed by nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries, or in close partnership with them.
- The solution must align with at least one of the thematic focus areas outlined below.
Both early-stage and more mature innovations are encouraged to apply, provided there is clear potential for scale and long-term impact.
Thematic Focus Areas
Proposed solutions should fall within one or more of the following focus areas:
Circular Production
Innovations that promote sustainable production systems, create green jobs, reduce waste, and repurpose materials within urban environments.
Climate Resilience
Solutions addressing climate-related urban challenges such as extreme heat, flooding, water scarcity, food insecurity, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Youth Employment and Mobility
Approaches that improve access to quality jobs, skills development, and safe, affordable transportation—particularly for youth, women, refugees, and persons with disabilities.
Digital Equity
Innovations that expand fair and inclusive access to digital technologies, services, and infrastructure in urban communities.
Safe and Healthy Spaces
Initiatives that contribute to safer, healthier, and more inclusive urban spaces that support wellbeing, social cohesion, and community resilience.
What Selected Innovators Receive
Innovators selected through the Call for African Urban Innovations will benefit from:
- Inclusion in the Million Lives Collective network, increasing visibility among funders, partners, and urban development stakeholders.
- Access to global innovation networks and Collaboration Labs, designed to foster learning, partnership building, and solution refinement.
- Eligibility to apply for the African Cities Innovation Fund (ACIF), a collaborative grants programme launching in spring 2026.
African Cities Innovation Fund (ACIF)
Verified innovators from this call may advance to compete for the African Cities Innovation Fund (ACIF).
ACIF is a new funding initiative supported by the Judith Neilson Foundation and is designed to support pairs of innovators working collaboratively on urban solutions. Selected collaborations may receive up to US$75,000 in grant funding to further test, refine, and scale their innovations in African cities.
Why You Should Apply
If you are building a solution that improves urban life for low-income communities and has the potential to scale across cities, this call offers a unique opportunity to gain visibility, strengthen your model, and access future funding and partnerships.
The Call for African Urban Innovations is not only about funding—it is about connecting African innovators to a global ecosystem committed to transforming cities and improving lives at scale.
Need Support With Your Application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
Expert support can help strengthen your application, clarify your impact pathway, and improve your chances of success.
