Benin

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Gambia

Ghana

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Ivory Coast

Liberia

Mali

Mauritania

Niger

Nigeria

Senegal

Sierra Leone

Togo

##### **Got a bold business in West Africa? Apply for the WAIIS 2026 Youth Innovation Challenge**

###### We are pleased to share the WAIIS 2026 Youth Innovation Challenge, an exciting opportunity supported by UNICEF, Generation Unlimited and the Government of Sierra Leone, through the upcoming West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS 2026).

###### Young people across West Africa are invited to apply for a chance to be among 20 young entrepreneurs selected to participate in the WAIIS Youth Programme, taking place in Lungi, Sierra Leone, from 16–18 November 2026.

###### This is an opportunity to showcase your business, connect with fellow young innovators, engage with regional stakeholders, build networks and contribute to discussions shaping investment, innovation and entrepreneurship across West Africa.

###### &#xA;⚡ Energy | ⛏️ Minerals | 🌾 Agribusiness & Food | 💻 Digital

###### **Who can apply?**

###### Young entrepreneurs aged 18–35

###### Based in Sierra Leone or anywhere in West Africa

###### Running a prototype or an existing business in one of the four pillars

###### Applying on your own or on behalf of your team

###### **What’s in it for you?**

###### **Online preparation:** Pillar briefings and business skills learning on Yoma, plus a needs assessment for your business.

###### **Youth Day (16 November, Lungi):** Work with sector mentors and fellow entrepreneurs in your pillar on the biggest challenges and opportunities for young people.

###### **A voice at the top:** One young entrepreneur from each pillar will be selected to address Heads of State and business leaders at the Summit.

###### **Summit participation (17–18 November):** Join the Summit and network with leaders and founders from across West Africa.

######

###### **How selection works**&#xA;Places are limited and selection is merit-based. 20 places are available for entrepreneurs from Sierra Leone and across West Africa, spread across the four pillars. Youth speakers and challenge finalists are chosen separately by an independent panel, using published criteria. Competition will be strong, so make your application count.

###### **Not selected? Your journey doesn’t stop here.**&#xA;Every applicant can join the WAIIS youth community online, with access to:

###### Free learning on Yoma to build skills and earn credentials you can showcase

###### Updates on future opportunities, programmes and events

###### **How to apply**

###### Click \[Go to opportunity] to open the application form.

###### Tell us about your business and the impact it’s making.

###### Vote on the key challenges and opportunities in your pillar.

###### 📅 Deadline: 8th November  2026&#xA;📍 Pre-summit programme: 15–16 November 2026, Freetown and Lungi&#xA;📍 Summit: 17–18 November 2026, JMBICC Lungi, Sierra Leone

###### Your business could help shape West Africa’s future. Apply now!

English

French

Portuguese

Agribusiness

Communication

Startups & early-stage founders 💼 Get expert clinics on funding, legal & growth, plus access to investors at WAIIS 2026. Ideas welcome too

🚀 Got a bold business in West Africa? Apply for the WAIIS 2026 Youth Innovation Challenge 🌍