UNITAR Africa–Japan Programme for Youth and Women Leaders 2026–2027
Fully Funded Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Programme
Introduction
The UNITAR Africa–Japan Programme for Youth and Women Leaders 2026–2027 has officially opened applications for young professionals and women from eligible Sub-Saharan African countries.
Supported by the Government of Japan and organized by UNITAR, the programme aims to strengthen leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and Africa–Japan collaboration through a seven-month blended learning experience.
Quick Highlights
Particulars
Details
Programme Name
UNITAR Africa–Japan Programme for Youth and Women Leaders 2026–2027
Organization
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Supported By
Government of Japan
Programme Type
Capacity Development Programme
Programme Duration
17 August 2026 – 28 February 2027
Funding
Fully Funded
Application Mode
Online
Application Deadline
31 July 2026
Category
Fellowships
Opportunity Overview
Particular
Details
Host Organization
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Programme
Empowering Youth and Women amid Economic Instability: Enhancing Public-Private Partnership between Japan and Africa for Sub-Saharan African Countries, Addressing Urgent Challenges, and Promoting TICAD9
Programme Type
Fully Funded Capacity Development Programme
Programme Duration
Seven Months
Learning Mode
Blended (Online & Hybrid)
Supported By
Government of Japan
Eligible Countries
11 Anglophone Sub-Saharan African Countries
About Organization
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) provides training and capacity development programmes that strengthen leadership, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
The programme is supported by the Government of Japan to promote stronger partnerships between Africa and Japan through innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
About Programme
The programme equips young entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, and professionals with practical skills to develop scalable business and development projects.
Participants receive leadership training, mentorship, project development support, and networking opportunities while promoting Africa–Japan innovation partnerships.
Benefits Section
Benefit
Details
Programme Fee
Fully Funded
Leadership Training
Yes
Mentorship
Yes
Networking Opportunities
Yes
Project Development Support
Yes
Entrepreneurship Training
Yes
AI & Digital Transformation Training
Yes
Certificate of Completion
Yes
Japan Immersion Opportunity
Available for selected participants
International Networking
Public institutions, investors, development partners, and private-sector stakeholders
Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Age
18–35 Years
Nationality
Citizens of eligible Sub-Saharan African countries
Eligible Applicants
Youth and Women
Programme Requirement
Developing scalable business or development solutions
Experience
Entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, professionals, SME owners, and social entrepreneurs
Eligible Fields / Disciplines
Qualification
Details
Agriculture
Eligible
Artificial Intelligence
Eligible
FinTech
Eligible
Climate Action
Eligible
Clean Technologies
Eligible
Healthcare
Eligible
Manufacturing
Eligible
Blue Economy
Eligible
Creative Industries
Eligible
Sustainable Cities
Eligible
Skills Development
Eligible
Required Skills
Skill
Details
Leadership
Required
Entrepreneurship
Required
Innovation
Required
Communication
Required
Project Development
Required
Collaboration
Required
Required Documents
Document
Required
Online Application
Yes
Supporting Documents
Not Mentioned
CV/Resume
Not Mentioned
Academic Documents
Not Mentioned
Responsibilities
Responsibility
Details
Programme Participation
Complete all learning phases
Leadership Development
Participate in leadership activities
Project Development
Develop scalable business or development projects
Training Sessions
Attend programme learning sessions
Networking
Engage with mentors and stakeholders
Project Presentation
Present projects during the final round table (selected participants)
Youth and women aged 18–35 years from eligible African countries.
Is the programme fully funded?
Yes.
How long is the programme?
Seven months.
Who supports the programme?
Government of Japan.
When does the programme begin?
17 August 2026.
What is the application deadline?
31 July 2026.
Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes, upon successful completion.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The UNITAR Africa–Japan Programme 2026–2027 provides an outstanding opportunity for young African innovators and women leaders to strengthen leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation skills through an internationally recognized capacity-building programme.
With mentorship, project development support, AI training, networking opportunities, and potential international exposure in Japan, the programme can significantly enhance participants' professional growth and long-term impact in sustainable development.
