12 million
young people enter Africa's job market every year
The Challenge
The challenge
Turning talent into jobs
Only one young person in four finds a formal job. Digital technology helps projects emerge that create value and jobs where talent lives. The competition acts on three levers: visibility, support, connections.
3 million
formal jobs only are created each year
Source: African Development Bank
Principle
Start from a real problem, build a solution
1
An idea
A problem experienced or observed every day.
2
A project
Application and selection by an independent jury.
3
A solution
Coaching, training and final pitch before the jury.
4
An impact
Customers, jobs, funding, tracked for 12 months.
Eligibility
Who can take part
- Aged 18 to 40, living in Africa; Young Talent category for under-18s
- Solo or in teams of up to 4
- Application in French or English
- AI allowed provided it is declared and explained
Calendar
The 2027 calendar
- January-February Launch and expressions of interest
- Mid-March to end of April Applications
- April-July Selection, pitch, winner and other prizes
- September-October Coaching, visas, logistics
- October or November Awards at BIGTECH Africa Forum
- 2028 12-month winner follow-up
Prizes
What the winners get
Grand Prix
A trophy, prizes from APNA and prizes from the partners.
20 hours of coaching
12 months of follow-up
One check-in per quarter and a mentor from the network.
Connections
Companies, investors, accelerators.
Visibility
Video, press, APNA networks.
BIGTECH Africa Forum
Travel and presentation in Tunis, depending on support.
Assessment
Evaluation
- An independent jury, with a scoring grid published in the rules
- A 10-minute pitch for the finalists
- A public vote, which gives a bonus
- AI allowed if it is declared