Young Africa Innovates 2026 call for experts to support the second cohort.
About
The Young Africa Innovates 2026 programme, supported by UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation, is seeking experienced professionals to support innovators in its second cohort.
Table of contents
Overview of the Young Africa Innovates 2026 programme
Young Africa Innovates is seeking experienced professionals to support innovators in Cohort 2 in developing, testing and scaling their solutions. Experts will be engaged according to their expertise and availability across three categories: facilitator, mentor and industry expert.
This programme aims to build the capacity of young African entrepreneurs by offering them tailored, strategic support to turn their ideas into viable, sustainable projects.
Roles sought and responsibilities in the Young Africa Innovates 2026 programme
Facilitator (2-month commitment)
- Subject-matter expert guiding innovators in human-centred design and community research.
- Facilitating practical workshops on rapid prototyping and MVP testing.
- Translating complex concepts into simple, accessible tools.
- Creating an inclusive space that accommodates local languages and accessibility needs.
- Producing tangible deliverables and providing support towards commercial viability.
Mentor (staggered 8-month commitment)
- Providing tailored, ongoing support to innovators.
- Providing emotional, strategic and practical support to build entrepreneurial resilience.
- Helping translate incubation requirements into weekly actions.
- Monitoring progress, addressing emerging challenges and preparing for the next stages.
- Providing encouragement and accountability to stay focused on the vision and overcome obstacles.
Industry Expert (staggered 8-month commitment)
- Providing specialist guidance to address regulatory, technical and financial gaps.
- Supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses.
- Contributing to job creation and local economic growth.
- Aligning solutions with communities’ real needs.
Criteria sought by the Young Africa Innovates 2026 programme
- Proven experience in supporting entrepreneurial projects.
- Expertise in innovation, research, strategy or industry.
- Ability to work with young entrepreneurs in diverse local contexts.
- Availability according to the chosen role (2 months or 8 months).
Arrangements for the Young Africa Innovates 2026 programme
- Facilitator: a short-term commitment of 2 months.
- Mentor and Industry Expert: a staggered commitment of 8 months.
- Experts will work directly with innovators in various African states.
The call for experts for Young Africa Innovates Cohort 2 is a unique opportunity for professionals wishing to contribute to the development of African innovation. Whether as a facilitator, mentor or industry expert, your expertise can turn ideas into sustainable solutions and strengthen the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Those interested in becoming an expert on the Young Africa Innovates 2026 programme can register their interest via the following link or by clicking on the buttons below:
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