African Startups can apply for AFD Digital Challenge 2021

African Startups can apply for AFD Digital Challenge 2021

The Agence française de développement (AFD) has announced that African tech startups can apply for the AFD Digital Challenge 2021.

The AFD Digital Challenge was first organized in 2016 and has since rewarded the most innovative African startups, groups, and research centers leveraging digital technology to solve Africa’s development problems. Since 2016, 35 African tech startups have benefitted from the scheme, receiving financial support and coaching to scale up their businesses.

The 2021 edition of the AFD digital Challenge will task participants to create innovative solutions to the problems associated with digital transition and those of climate protection and biodiversity, in line with Goal 13 of the UN SDGs. Specifically, startups will be tasked with creating digital solution to:

  • Preservation of natural resources:
  • prevention of natural disasters, including data and prediction, warning systems, business continuity plans for climate incidents, civil protection systems, etc.
  • and contributing to the preservation of ecosystems and helping the most vulnerable populations to adapt to climate change

Selected startups will receive $24,000 funding, structural support and receive international visibility. Startups must have legal structure as well as a sustainable and autonomous business model to apply.

Application runs till May 26, 2021, interested eligible startups can click here to apply.