Overview
The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge is an exclusive platform designed to empower innovative African youth in the travel and tourism sector. It provides opportunities for funding, mentorship, partnerships, and global exposure, enabling participants to present their groundbreaking projects to an international audience and secure the necessary support to bring their ideas to life.
Eligibility
The initiative is inclusive and welcomes participants regardless of gender, race, or physical ability.
The challenge is open to individuals (youth aged 18-35 years and postgraduate students of all ages globally), partnerships, or corporations innovating within the tourism sector.
Entry Guidelines
To participate, entrants must adhere to the following criteria to avoid disqualification:
Project Vision and Uniqueness: Clearly outline your project’s vision, its originality, and authenticity. Explain the rationale behind your innovation.
Evidence of Innovation: Demonstrate how your project addresses a challenge in travel and tourism or a related sector in Africa. Examples include technological advancements, social entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, job creation, environmental sustainability, and community development.
Sustainability and Impact: Highlight how your project delivers long-term benefits to the tourism industry, local communities, or related sectors.
Timeline: Provide a clear timeline for project implementation.
Support Needed: Specify the type of support required, such as funding, mentorship, investment, or partnerships.
Additional Information: Submit relevant supporting details in under 500 words.
Demo/Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Prepare a 5-minute presentation to showcase your MVP during the competition.
NB: Only one entry per category is allowed per participant.
Selection Criteria
Projects will be evaluated based on the following aspects:
Originality: The idea must be unique and not replicate existing solutions. It can reinterpret an existing concept with a novel application.
Sustainability: Clearly define the long-term environmental, social, and economic impact of the project.
Significance: Address critical issues in the tourism industry while aligning with the Challenge’s objective of improving tourism services, systems, and engagement.
Applicability and Transferability: Demonstrate how the project can inspire and be adapted by others in the tourism industry.
Practicality: Present actionable steps, well-defined objectives, and a clear execution plan.
Impact: Illustrate the potential for transformational change in the tourism sector, organizational culture, or community development.
Competition Timelines
Challenge Opens: 10th December 2024
Closing Date: 28th February 2025
Top 20 Shortlist Announced: 14th March 2025
Bootcamp: 31st March – 4th April 2025
Resubmission Deadline: 11th April 2025
Final Judging: 18th April 2025
Pitch battle: 11th June 2025
Top 5 Announced: 13th June 2025
Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit: 10th – 13th June 2025, Nairobi, Kenya
Winners Revealed: Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards 2025 (dates to be announced)
Prizes and Benefits
Awards:
Winner: USD1000 worth of prizes
Inclusive of the benefits below:
Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
Opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators.
1st runner up: USD500 worth of prizes
Inclusive of the benefits below:
Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
Opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators.
2nd runner up: USD500 worth of prizes
Inclusive of the benefits below:
Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
Opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators.
Professional Development: Complimentary enrolment in short courses by UN Tourism.
Career Advancement: Access to mentorship, funding, and partnership opportunities and inclusion in the Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators Network.
Global Exposure: Present your innovation at high-profile events and connect with industry leaders.
The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge is your opportunity to transform Africa's travel and tourism sector. Showcase your creativity, demonstrate your impact, and bring your vision to life!
