Fully Funded Programme for Youth & Women on Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Public-Private Partnerships
Introduction
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), with support from the Government and People of Japan, has opened applications for a fully funded seven-month blended learning programme for youth and women from eligible Sub-Saharan African countries.
The programme promotes entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, digital transformation, and Africa–Japan public-private partnerships through online learning, mentorship, project development, and international engagement.
Quick Highlights
Particulars
Details
Programme Name
UNITAR Africa–Japan Programme 2026–2027
Organization
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Funding
Government and People of Japan
Programme Type
Fully Funded Blended Learning Programme
Duration
7 Months
Programme Period
17 August 2026 – 28 February 2027
Delivery Mode
Online + Limited In-Person Immersion
Immersion Location
Hiroshima, Japan
Application Mode
Online
Application Deadline
31 July 2026
Category
Fellowships
Opportunity Overview
Particular
Details
Host Organization
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Supporting Partner
Government and People of Japan
Framework
Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9)
Programme Duration
7 Months
Programme Format
Blended Learning
Main Delivery Mode
Online
International Component
Hiroshima, Japan (Selected Participants Only)
About Organization
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) provides training and capacity-building programmes that strengthen knowledge, leadership, and sustainable development worldwide.
This programme is supported by the Government and People of Japan to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and public-private partnerships between Africa and Japan.
About Programme
The programme helps young professionals and women transform innovative ideas into scalable, investment-ready projects addressing development challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Participants receive practical training in innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, leadership, project development, and partnership building while expanding professional networks across Africa and Japan.
Programme Benefits
Benefit
Details
Participation Fee
Free
Leadership Training
Yes
Entrepreneurship Training
Yes
Artificial Intelligence Training
Yes
Mentorship
Yes
Project Development Support
Yes
International Networking
Yes
Japan Immersion
Limited Participants
Certificate of Completion
Yes
International Exposure
Yes
Priority Sectors
Agri-food Innovation
Artificial Intelligence
Robotics
Fintech
Financial Inclusion
Climate Solutions
Environmental Solutions
Clean Technologies
Healthcare
MedTech
Sustainable Cities
Blue Economy
Creative Industries
Manufacturing
Skills Development
Social Impact
Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Age
18–35 Years
Eligible Applicants
Youth and Women
Eligible Countries
Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Applicant Types
Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Early-Stage Founders, SME Innovators, Researchers, Technology Innovators, Social Entrepreneurs and Professionals
Youth and women aged 18–35 from eligible Sub-Saharan African countries.
How long is the programme?
Seven months.
Is there an in-person component?
Yes, a limited immersion programme in Hiroshima, Japan for selected participants.
What is the application deadline?
31 July 2026.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The UNITAR Africa–Japan Programme 2026–2027 offers an excellent opportunity for young innovators, entrepreneurs, and women leaders seeking practical training, mentorship, and international collaboration.
With fully funded participation, international networking, and a potential learning experience in Japan, eligible applicants should submit their applications before 31 July 2026.
