AFRISE CHALLENGE

A start-up competition for African youth

Potential of youth innovation in Africa

1.3+ billion
Population

18
Median age

500 million
Mobile phones

200 million
Internet users

How does the program work?

Applications are now open for the 2024 AFRISE Challenge!

First launched in 2023, the AFRISE Challenge supports high potential African youth between 18–35 years of age on their entrepreneurial journey. The program enables them to contribute to local and regional economic development by becoming job creators.

We will select thirty applicants* (teams or individuals) to participate in a 4-week mentorship and leadership development accelerator.
Our jury will select the Top 15 entrepreneurs to present their ideas to a group of early-stage venture investors and Entrepreneurship Support Organizations.
The Top 5 entrepreneurs will be invited for a 1-week International Exposure conference.

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Nigeria

Uganda

Morocco

Kenya

Senegal

We want to hear from individuals or teams who have innovative solutions for the following sectors:

Financial services

Healthcare

Agriculture

Energy/utilities

Education

Environment

Telecommunications

Arts & creativity

Our first year

In early 2023, Concordia ran a 4-week startup boot camp for African youth to support young innovators and entrepreneurs – and develop a solution that will have a significant impact on their communities.

After receiving almost 400 applications, 30 were chosen to take part in the boot camp with the top five invited to participate to a field trip in Montreal to learn about the startup ecosystem there and pitch their businesses.

2023 WINNERS

About Concordia Africa Initiative

Concordia Africa Initiative has the goal of building transformative relationships with African communities and institutions by directing the university’s strengths toward key areas affecting socio-economic development.

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