By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The African
Telecommunications Union (ATU) has opened applications for the fifth edition of
the ATU Africa Innovation Challenge, offering a total prize pool of US$60,000
to winning innovators.
The new edition was launched
by Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation,
Djibril Ouattara, during the fourth and final African Preparatory Meeting for
the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The challenge is inviting
innovators from across Africa to submit solutions emerging from strong academic
and innovation ecosystems, with a particular focus on AI-based software
solutions.
The initiative provides a
platform for African innovators to present technology-driven solutions and
contribute to the continent’s growing innovation and digital technology
ecosystem.
The fifth edition continues
the ATU’s effort to identify and promote innovative solutions developed within
Africa and encourage stronger links between academic institutions, innovation
ecosystems and emerging technology ventures.
The ATU has invited African
innovators to participate in the challenge and submit their solutions for
consideration under the current edition.
Applications are now open,
with details on the application process and eligibility available through the
official ATU Africa Innovation Challenge application channel.