Over 7,000 African Youth and Women Apply for Japan-Funded Empower Africa Programme
Funded by the Government and People of Japan, the programme brings together participants aged 18–35 from 11 Anglophone sub-Saharan African countries: Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The first phase will provide participants with practical foundations in entrepreneurship and innovation, AI and digital transformation, leadership and systems thinking, sustainable development, market analysis, customer discovery, business ecosystems and value chains, and partnership and investment readiness. Participants will be encouraged to apply what they learn to real-world challenges and opportunities, with the aim of strengthening their ability to develop sustainable business and development solutions.
In subsequent phases, selected participants will receive more advanced support to refine their business models and projects, develop financial and operational plans, measure potential impact, prepare investment and partnership pitches, and engage with mentors and relevant stakeholders. They will also undergo a training of trainers so they can further disseminate their knowledge and skills.
A limited number of high-performing participants will have the opportunity to take part in an advanced hybrid engagement phase, including a short immersion trip to Japan. This will provide opportunities for mentorship, ecosystem visits, institutional dialogue and networking with Japanese industry and innovation actors.
In early 2027, the programme will culminate in an Africa–Japan Innovation and Partnership Round Table, where selected participants will present their initiatives and engage with investors, development partners, public institutions, private-sector representatives and other ecosystem actors.
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