Call for Applications: Africa Business Contest – Impact Challenge 2026

Applications are now open for the Africa Business Contest – Impact Challenge 2026, an initiative led by the City of Kobe to support innovative business ideas and ventures that contribute to inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa.

The program seeks solutions that address social and environmental challenges while fostering collaboration between African and Japanese companies, startups, researchers, and innovators.

In addition to cash prizes, selected participants will receive support to strengthen their pitch materials and gain access to networking and business-matching opportunities with Japanese companies.

Funding

Recipients will receive a range of prizes depending on the category under which they apply.

For the Business Category, funding ranges from JPY 500,000 to JPY 1,000,000. For the Student Category, two Excellence Awards of JPY 200,000 each will be awarded.

In addition to cash prizes, selected participants will benefit from pitch development support, networking opportunities, and business matching with Japanese companies and potential collaborators to help advance and commercialise their ideas.

Scope and approach

The theme for the 2026 edition is “Business Solutions for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa.”

Applicants are invited to propose ideas and ventures that create social impact, generate local value, and contribute to long-term sustainable development outcomes across the continent.

The contest welcomes initiatives that:

• Address social and environmental challenges;

• Promote inclusive economic growth;

• Support equitable access to opportunities;

• Reduce social and economic inequalities;

• Create jobs and strengthen local economies;

• Integrate responsible and sustainable business practices.

  
  

Projects with strong potential for collaboration with Japanese companies and research institutions are particularly encouraged.

Eligibility

Applications are accepted under two categories:

Business Category

Open to:

• Startups and companies of any nationality already operating in Africa;

• Businesses interested in collaborating with Japanese companies;

• Japanese companies and startups planning expansion into African markets.

  
  

Student Category

Open to:

• Students of any nationality enrolled at higher education institutions in Japan;

• Japanese nationals or eligible residents enrolled at higher education institutions in Africa.

  
  

The program welcomes applications from startups, entrepreneurs, companies, and students working on business solutions that contribute to inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa.

There are no country-specific restrictions within Africa, meaning applicants operating in or seeking to expand into any African market are encouraged to apply. The programme particularly seeks ideas and ventures with strong potential for collaboration with Japanese companies and research institutions.

Application information

Deadline: 31 July 2026

Interested applicants may contact Oka, NPO Community Link, at afrika-kobe@communitylink.jp for additional information about the programme and application process.

For more information and to apply, click here.