Seize the Opportunity: The 2025 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge

Are you a young African brimming with innovative ideas to revolutionize the tourism sector? The 2025 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge (AYTIC) is your chance to shine! This initiative, a core component of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 10 to 13, 2025, offers unparalleled mentorship, funding, and industry connections.

Organized by Africa Tourism Partners, in collaboration with key partners including UNWTO, AfCFTA, and BDO South Africa, and TEAMS Africa, the 7th AYTIC is open to African youth up to 35 years old, as well as postgraduate students. This Pan-African platform invites young innovators, entrepreneurs, and postgraduate students to submit innovative ideas, technological solutions, and social entrepreneurship projects with the potential to attract investors and venture capitalists.

Innovation is key to transforming the travel and tourism industry, enhancing both business operations and customer experience. AYTIC empowers African youth by providing access to business partnerships, market access, networking opportunities, mentorship platforms, and funding solutions from the global marketplace, including the UNWTO, private sector, fintech, social entrepreneurs, and ATP networks.

Selected participants will gain invaluable benefits, including:

Introductions to industry leaders and potential partners.
Professional development opportunities.
Complimentary enrollment in short courses by UNWTO.
Inclusion in the Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators Network.
Global exposure.

The competition offers lucrative prizes: The winner will receive US$1000, while the first and second runners-up will each receive US$500. Furthermore, all 2025 AYTIC finalists will be enrolled in the Africa Tourism Innovation Hub (ATIH), launched in partnership with Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Namibia University of Science and Technology. The first cohort will begin in the first quarter of 2025.

Joram Mwinamo, co-host and CEO of SNDBX Kenya, highlights the transformative potential of the challenge: “With the chance to connect with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, this platform empowers the next generation of African change-makers to drive innovation, create jobs, and promote cultural and environmental sustainability. Don’t miss the chance to make your mark on Africa’s tourism landscape – participate and be part of the change!”

The top five finalists will deliver a five-minute presentation to judges at the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The winner and runners-up will be selected there. Finalists will be announced at the annual Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) and Awards, at a venue to be announced later.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Submit your project by February 28, 2025.