Are you a young African with a groundbreaking idea that can solve a pressing problem in your community? The African Union’s GO GAL Innovation Initiative is now open for applications, offering mentorship, funding, visibility, and an opportunity to scale your solution.
The GO GAL Innovation Initiative aims to foster innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills among African youth, empowering them to develop solutions that address the continent’s most urgent challenges.
This flagship programme is a collaboration between the African Union Innovation Lab (AU InnoLab), the African Union International Center for Girls and Women’s Education in Africa (AU/CIEFFA), GIZ African Union, UNITAR, UN Women Liaison Office to the AU & UNECA, and the World Bank Group.
What the Initiative Offers
The GO GAL Innovation Initiative is part of the AU’s broader mission to promote youth empowerment, gender equity, and inclusive development. The programme supports young innovators in developing prototypes, business plans, and real-world solutions that can drive economic transformation and community development.
Key Objectives
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Inspire and support youth-driven innovations that tackle Africa’s most pressing problems.
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Equip young entrepreneurs with tools to create scalable and sustainable solutions.
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Provide resources, knowledge, and exposure to help young people succeed in the innovation ecosystem.
Benefits of Participation
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Access to funding opportunities to bring your innovation to life.
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Mentorship and guidance from industry leaders and innovation experts.
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Networking opportunities with other innovators, entrepreneurs, and potential investors.
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Continued support throughout your innovation journey.
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Five finalists will receive additional support, visibility, and recognition from the AU and its partners.
Eligibility Criteria
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Applicants must be aged 15 to 25.
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Must be a citizen of an African Union member state.
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Should have a practical, original, and scalable innovation addressing a community, regional, or continental challenge.
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Innovations should focus on:
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Youth financial and economic inclusion
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Girls’ and women’s education
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Young women’s participation in economic decision-making and empowerment
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Must demonstrate the ability to develop and implement their digital or tech-based solution.
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Fluency in English or French is required.
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Formal education is not mandatory, but applicants should show potential for impact and implementation.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a proposal containing:
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Project Description—A clear and detailed overview of the idea or solution.
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Business Plan—Highlighting potential for impact, sustainability, and scalability.
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Implementation Plan—with a timeline and key milestones.
Why Apply?
This is your chance to:
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Turn your ideas into action
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Get expert support
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Join a continent-wide innovation movement
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Make lasting change in your community
Apply Here
Complete the application form here. Also visit AU’s website for more information
The African Union's GO GAL Innovation Initiative invites young Africans with groundbreaking ideas to apply for a program that offers mentorship, funding, and potential to scale their solutions. The initiative is designed to promote innovation among African youth, particularly in addressing the continent's urgent challenges. It provides resources for developing prototypes and business plans, supporting economic and community development.
The program, a collaboration among several organizations, aims to inspire youth-driven innovations, equip young entrepreneurs with tools for scalable solutions, and provide exposure within the innovation ecosystem. Benefits include funding opportunities, mentorship, networking, and continued support, with additional recognition for five finalists.
Eligible applicants, aged 15 to 25 and citizens of African Union member states, must present scalable innovations focused on economic inclusion and empowerment, particularly for youth and women. Fluency in English or French is required, but formal education is not mandatory. Applications must include a detailed project description, business plan, and implementation plan. This initiative offers a chance to turn ideas into action, receive expert support, and join a broader innovation movement. Interested applicants can apply through the provided forms and get more information on the AU’s website.
