The ACT Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge 2026. This initiative was developed as a direct response to the remarkable work carried out by community-based nonprofits and social enterprises across Africa. Over the years, many organizations have consistently demonstrated the ability to leverage technology and digital tools in creating scalable social change within their respective communities.
The Changemakers Innovation Challenge is designed to support such organizations by providing both funding and technical assistance. Through this initiative, ACT Foundation seeks to strengthen innovations that address social challenges, foster community development, and contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year’s challenge continues the tradition of empowering nonprofits and social enterprises across Africa. It will provide selected participants with the opportunity to access grant funding and capacity-building support that will enable them to expand their innovations to impact more communities.
Grant and Support
Successful applicants will receive grant funding. Specifically, the top four winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge will be awarded financial support to scale their innovative solutions. In addition to financial grants, ACT Foundation will provide technical assistance, which may take the form of software, hardware, or specialized capacity-building training programs, depending on the needs of each finalist.
This combination of grant support and technical aid is aimed at ensuring that participants do not only access resources but are also equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to maximize the impact of their interventions.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The challenge is open to innovators who are implementing technology-driven social impact interventions in their communities. These innovators may or may not be operating registered nonprofits or social enterprises in Africa.
- Applicants must be both residents and citizens of an African country.
- The initiative must be youth-led, with the founder or team leader between the ages of 18 and 25 years.
- Innovations submitted must address community challenges in line with one or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Applicants must provide evidence of their claims through online materials such as videos, photographs, or digital documentation.
- The submitted solutions must be technology-driven or demonstrate a strong integration of technology.
- Applicants who were past awardees of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge are not eligible to reapply.
- All interventions submitted must have shown tangible results in their areas of operation.
- Every innovation must have been tested or implemented directly with beneficiaries. Evidence such as pictures, videos, or news releases must be submitted to substantiate impact.
These criteria are designed to ensure that the challenge identifies credible, scalable, and impactful solutions led by young African innovators.
Scope of Opportunities
The Changemakers Innovation Challenge 2026 will support a variety of nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and small businesses across Africa that use digital or technological methods to tackle community challenges. This includes, but is not limited to, initiatives in health, education, agriculture, environmental sustainability, financial inclusion, and civic engagement.
The central focus remains on leveraging technology to accelerate impact. Whether through mobile applications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, renewable energy solutions, or hardware innovation, the challenge will recognize and support ideas that can be scaled and replicated across multiple communities.
Detailed Description of the Challenge
The Changemakers Innovation Challenge 2026 is structured into several stages to ensure that the most impactful innovations are selected and supported.
- Call for Applications
Innovators are invited to submit their applications online, providing detailed information about their solutions, including how technology is being applied, the social problem being addressed, and the results achieved so far. Evidence of impact through photos, videos, or media coverage is required at this stage. - Eligibility Screening
Submitted applications will be reviewed against the stated eligibility criteria. Only those that meet all requirements will proceed to the next stage. - Evaluation and Shortlisting
Eligible applications will be assessed by a panel of judges with expertise in development, social entrepreneurship, and technology. The evaluation will consider the level of innovation, scalability, impact, sustainability, and alignment with the SDGs. - Finalist Selection
From the pool of applications, a group of finalists will be selected. These individuals or organizations will move forward to the final round, where additional reviews and interviews may be conducted. - Grant Award and Support
The top four winners will be awarded grants to expand their initiatives. Alongside the financial support, technical assistance will be provided to address specific challenges faced by the innovators. This may include provision of software, hardware tools, or tailored capacity-building programs to enhance their operational effectiveness.
Importance of the Challenge
Africa is a continent with immense potential but also faces significant socio-economic challenges. From unemployment to climate change, inadequate health systems, and limited access to quality education, many communities continue to experience difficulties that require urgent and innovative solutions.
The Changemakers Innovation Challenge 2026 recognizes that African youth are uniquely positioned to provide such solutions. Young innovators often have firsthand experience with the challenges in their communities and possess the creativity and resilience to design impactful interventions. By focusing on youth-led initiatives, the challenge empowers the next generation of leaders to actively contribute to sustainable development on the continent.
Moreover, the integration of technology ensures that solutions are not only innovative but also scalable and sustainable. With digital tools, innovations can reach more beneficiaries, track impact effectively, and adapt to changing needs more efficiently.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be judged based on the following key indicators:
- Innovation: The degree to which the solution demonstrates originality and creativity in addressing a community challenge.
- Impact: Evidence of tangible results achieved so far, and the potential of the solution to improve lives significantly.
- Scalability: The ability of the innovation to be expanded or replicated in other communities or contexts.
- Sustainability: The long-term viability of the solution, including potential revenue models, partnerships, or community ownership.
- Technology Integration: The extent to which digital or technological tools are embedded in the solution.
Deadline for Application
The deadline for submission of applications is August 22, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals well in advance to allow time for proper review and to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Application Process
Interested individuals, nonprofits, and social enterprises should prepare their applications with detailed information about their projects, results achieved, and technological aspects of their solutions. Documentation in the form of pictures, videos, or online links is required as supporting evidence.
All applications should be submitted through the official application channel. No physical submissions will be accepted.
Contact Information
For further inquiries regarding the Changemakers Innovation Challenge 2026, applicants may contact the organizing team at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +2349098044444
Conclusion
The Changemakers Innovation Challenge 2026 represents a unique opportunity for young African innovators to access resources, technical support, and visibility for their work. By combining financial grants with capacity-building assistance, the challenge seeks to ensure that impactful solutions are not only created but also sustained and expanded across the continent.
African nonprofits, social enterprises, and youth-led businesses that are committed to driving change through technology are encouraged to seize this opportunity. With the right support, innovations that start at the community level can grow to create long-term transformation for millions of people across Africa.
