In a bid to bolster civic technology across the continent, the African Union Commission, in collaboration with GIZ, has announced a funding opportunity of up to €15,000 for African startups with innovative ideas. The initiative, aimed at driving citizen engagement and advancing the Agenda 2063 vision, underscores a commitment to empowering African communities through technology-driven solutions.

The African Union Civic Technology Fund (AUCTF) has rolled out its second call for grants, inviting startups to vie for financial support to catalyze their projects. Beyond monetary assistance, successful applicants stand to gain capacity-building opportunities and technical support to amplify the impact of their endeavors.

What Makes the Compensation Attractive?

The allure of the €15,000 grant lies not only in the financial backing it provides but also in the comprehensive support system offered to recipients. Here’s why the compensation is attractive:

Financial Injection:

• The grant, amounting to €15,000, serves as a significant financial injection for startups, allowing them to initiate or scale their projects effectively. This funding can cover various expenses, including research and development, technology infrastructure, and operational costs, enabling startups to execute their ideas ambitiously.

Capacity Building:

• Winners of the African Union-GIZ grant will benefit from capacity-building initiatives tailored to enhance their skills and knowledge. This aspect is crucial for startups, especially in navigating the complexities of implementing innovative solutions. Capacity-building programs may include workshops, mentorship sessions, and access to relevant resources, equipping startups with the tools needed for long-term sustainability.

Technical Assistance:

• In addition to financial support and capacity building, recipients will receive technical assistance to optimize the functionality and efficiency of their projects. This guidance can range from software development and troubleshooting to user experience design, ensuring that startups can overcome technical hurdles and deliver impactful solutions to their communities.

Alignment with Agenda 2063:

• The grant program aligns closely with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions an Africa driven by its people, leveraging the potential of Africans, particularly women and youth, and prioritizing the welfare of children. By supporting projects that promote citizen engagement and transparency, the initiative contributes to realizing the aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063, fostering inclusive development and participatory decision-making across the continent.

Who Can Apply?

Startups and organizations dedicated to civic engagement, transparency, and community enhancement through technology are encouraged to apply for the grant. Special consideration will be given to projects led by women, youth, and marginalized groups, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the selection process.

The application deadline is May 12th. Interested parties can find further information and submit their applications through the provided link.

As Africa embraces the digital age, initiatives like the AUCTF play a pivotal role in harnessing the transformative power of technology to address pressing societal challenges and drive sustainable development. Through strategic partnerships and targeted investments, the continent continues to cultivate an innovation ecosystem conducive to nurturing homegrown solutions that benefit African communities at large.