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Changemakers Innovation Challenge "25

Innovation in Action: Youth Rising for Change

August 2025

Application has closed.

ABOUT CHANGEMAKERS INNOVATION CHALLENGE

The Changemakers Innovation Challenge was conceived by ACT Foundation as a response to the impressive work of community non-profits and social enterprises in Africa that leverage technology and digital tools to create social change within their communities. 

Whether it be solutions in mobile health, farm automation, telemedicine, ed-tech microfinance, and beyond, technological advancements continue to strengthen the capacity of organisations to solve social problems. Emerging technological innovations like artificial intelligence, data analytics, blockchain,  renewable energy sources, and other transformative solutions also play a pivotal role in driving social change. 

In response to these trends, ACT Foundation seeks to garner partnerships towards the support of such forward-thinking organisations and innovators in creating lasting impact.

The challenge is open to non-profits, social enterprises and businesses across Africa that are utilizing various technological and digital tools to develop innovative social solutions. Grant funding will be awarded to the top four (4) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge, facilitating  the scaling of their innovative solutions across different communities. Furthermore, technical support in form of either software, hardware or capacity-building training will be provided to selected finalists as applicable.

ABOUT CHANGEMAKERS INNOVATION CHALLENGE

The Changemakers Innovation Challenge was conceived by ACT Foundation as a response to the impressive work of community non-profits and social enterprises in Africa that leverage technology and digital tools to create social change within their communities. 

Whether it be solutions in mobile health, farm automation, telemedicine, ed-tech microfinance, and beyond, technological advancements continue to strengthen the capacity of organisations to solve social problems. Emerging technological innovations like artificial intelligence, data analytics, blockchain,  renewable energy sources, and other transformative solutions also play a pivotal role in driving social change. 

In response to these trends, ACT Foundation seeks to garner partnerships towards the support of such forward-thinking organisations and innovators in creating lasting impact.

The challenge is open to non-profits, social enterprises and businesses across Africa that are utilizing various technological and digital tools to develop innovative social solutions. Grant funding will be awarded to the top four (4) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge, facilitating  the scaling of their innovative solutions across different communities. Furthermore, technical support in form of either software, hardware or capacity-building training will be provided to selected finalists as applicable.

Are you a Youth between the ages of 18 and 25 years,
leveraging technology to drive social change?

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Guidelines

The following guidelines will be observed for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge:

Entry for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge opens on 4th August 2025 and closes Friday, 22nd August 2025. Late entries will not be considered.

Only one entry will be accepted per organization. Once an entry has been submitted, no further changes will be accepted.

All entries for this challenge must be submitted in English.

No entry fee, purchase or payment of any kind is required to apply.

Grant funding will be awarded to the top four (4) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge towards the scaling of their innovative solutions across different communities.

Winners will be determined and awarded at a pitching event on 8th October.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation of the applications will be carried out within the following parameters:

Innovation and creativity (30%) – How original and creative is the solution?

Use of technology (20%) – Effective integration of technology to drive change.

Impact (20%) – Evidence of positive social change and number of beneficiaries.

Scalability/Sustainability (15%) – Potential for long-term growth and sustainability.

Clarity of vision and leadership (15%) – Demonstrated leadership and clarity of purpose.

Guidelines

The following guidelines will be observed for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge:

Entry for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge opens on 4th August 2025 and closes Friday, 22nd August 2025. Late entries will not be considered.

Only one entry will be accepted per organization. Once an entry has been submitted, no further changes will be accepted.

All entries for this challenge must be submitted in English.

No entry fee, purchase or payment of any kind is required to apply.

Grant funding will be awarded to the top four (4) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge towards the scaling of their innovative solutions across different communities.

Winners will be determined and awarded at a pitching event on 8th October.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation of the applications will be carried out within the following parameters:

Innovation and creativity (30%) – How original and creative is the solution?

Use of technology (20%) – Effective integration of technology to drive change.

Impact (20%) – Evidence of positive social change and number of beneficiaries.

Scalability/Sustainability (15%) – Potential for long-term growth and sustainability.

Clarity of vision and leadership (15%) – Demonstrated leadership and clarity of purpose.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The following criteria will be used in assessing the eligibility of Applications submitted for consideration:

The Challenge is open to innovators (individuals who implement tech driven social impact interventions in their communities. They may or may not run a non-profit or social enterprise in Africa).

Applicants must be residents and citizens of any African country.

The initiative must be youth-led (founder or team lead within the age range 18-25 years).

Applicants must submit social innovations that address challenges in alignment with any of the Sustainable Development Goals. Evidence of claims must be provided through videos, pictures, and any other online presence.

The solution must be technology-driven or demonstrate a strong integration of technology.

Past CIC awardees are NOT eligible.

The intervention must have shown tangible results.

All innovations must have been tested or implemented on direct beneficiaries. Evidence of claim must be provided through pictures, videos, news releases, etc.

Are you ready to drive change?

Application closes on August 22nd, 2025

Application has closed.