UNITAR Youth and Women Programme 2026 in Japan Opens Applications for African Innovators

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The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has opened applications for its Empowering Youth and Women amid Economic Instability Programme 2026. The programme is supported by the Government and People of Japan under the framework of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development 9 (TICAD9). It is designed for young professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, innovators, and women from eligible Sub-Saharan African countries who want to strengthen their leadership, entrepreneurship, and project development skills.

The programme will run from 17 August 2026 to 28 February 2027 through a blended learning format that combines online training, mentorship, project development, and a limited in-person programme in Hiroshima, Japan, for selected participants. Applications are open until 31 July 2026. Participation is free as the programme is funded by the Government and the People of Japan.

Japan continues to be an important destination for international education and professional development. Through partnerships with international organizations such as UNITAR, the country offers training opportunities that support innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and international cooperation. This programme also aims to strengthen long-term collaboration between Africa and Japan by helping participants develop practical and investment-ready solutions for challenges facing their communities.

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Quick Overview of UNITAR Youth and Women Programme 2026

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About the UNITAR Youth and Women Programme 2026

The programme focuses on building the capacity of youth and women to develop innovative projects that can attract partnerships, investment, and long-term support. Participants will receive training in entrepreneurship, leadership, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainable development, business planning, and stakeholder engagement.

The initiative is designed to help participants transform ideas into practical projects that address challenges such as food security, climate resilience, healthcare, employment, manufacturing, financial inclusion, and digital innovation. Throughout the programme, participants will work with mentors, experts, and innovation ecosystem partners from Africa and Japan.

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Programme Structure

The seven-month programme is divided into four phases:

• Phase I (August to October 2026): Foundations in entrepreneurship, innovation, AI, leadership, sustainable development, business ecosystems, market analysis, and partnership development.
• Phase II (November to December 2026): Project development, business model refinement, financial planning, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and Training of Trainers (ToT).
• Phase III (January to February 2027): A limited number of high-performing participants will join an advanced hybrid programme that includes an immersion visit to Hiroshima, Japan, featuring mentorship, networking, institutional visits, and project refinement.
• Phase IV (February 2027): Participants will present their projects during the Africa-Japan Innovation and Partnership Round Table, where they will engage with investors, development partners, public institutions, and private-sector representatives.

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Benefits of the UNITAR Programme

Selected participants will receive several benefits throughout the programme, including:

• Free participation funded by the Government and People of Japan.
• Online learning delivered by UNITAR experts.
• Mentorship from industry professionals and innovation experts.
• Project development and investment readiness training.
• Networking opportunities with African and Japanese innovation ecosystems.
• Certificates of completion for each programme phase.
• Opportunity to be selected for an immersion programme in Hiroshima, Japan.
• Exposure to potential investors, development partners, and public-private partnerships.

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Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to youth and women aged 18 to 35 years from the following Anglophone Sub-Saharan African countries:

• Botswana
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Eligible applicants include:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs
• SME founders
• Researchers
• Technology innovators
• Professionals
• Social entrepreneurs
• Individuals developing scalable projects with economic or social impact.

Priority Sectors

UNITAR encourages applications from individuals working in or interested in:

• Agri-food innovation and bioeconomy
• Artificial intelligence and robotics
• Digital technologies
• Financial technology (FinTech)
• Climate and environmental solutions
• Healthcare and MedTech
• Sustainable cities and mobility
• Blue economy
• Creative industries
• Manufacturing
• Skills development
• Social innovation and essential services.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Innovation and problem-solving skills.
• Leadership potential.
• Commitment to community and economic development.
• Quality and feasibility of their project or business idea.
• Interest in collaboration and partnerships.
• Potential for scalability and long-term impact.

Progression to the later phases, including the Japan immersion programme, is competitive and depends on participants’ performance, engagement, and project quality during the programme.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the UNITAR Empowering Youth and Women Programme 2026 is 31 July 2026. The programme will begin on 17 August 2026 and continue until 28 February 2027. Interested applicants should complete their applications before the closing date.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the online application through the official UNITAR event page. Before submitting an application, candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements, programme structure, and selection process.