Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge 2025: A Platform for African Youth to Showcase Their Creative Solutions for the Tourism Sector
The Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge 2025 is a pan-African competition that aims to identify, support, and celebrate the most innovative and impactful solutions for the tourism sector, developed by young entrepreneurs and startups across the continent. The challenge is organized by Africa Tourism Partners, in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and BDO.
The challenge invites young people aged 35 and below to submit their projects that address one or more of the following themes:
- Enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the tourism sector
- Leveraging digital technologies and platforms to improve tourism services and experiences
- Promoting inclusive and equitable tourism development and empowerment
- Fostering creativity and cultural diversity in tourism offerings
- Enhancing the quality and competitiveness of the tourism workforce and skills
The challenge is open to entries from 10th December 2024 to 28th February 2025. The entries will be evaluated by a panel of experts from the tourism industry, academia, and civil society, based on the following criteria:
Entry guidelines
To participate, entrants must adhere to the following criteria to avoid disqualification:
- Project Vision and Uniqueness: Clearly outline your project’s vision, its originality,
and authenticity. Explain the rationale behind your innovation. - Evidence of Innovation: Demonstrate how your project addresses a challenge in travel and tourism or a related sector in Africa. Examples include technological
advancements, social entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, job creation, environmental sustainability, and community development. - Sustainability and Impact: Highlight how your project delivers long-term benefits
to the tourism industry, local communities, or related sectors. - Timeline: Provide a clear timeline for project implementation.
- Support Needed: Specify the type of support required, such as funding,
mentorship, investment, or partnerships. - Additional Information: Submit relevant supporting details in under 500 words.
- Demo/Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Prepare a 5-minute presentation to showcase your MVP during the competition.
NB: Only one entry is allowed per participant.
Competition Timeline
- Challenge Opens: 10th December 2024
- Closing Date: 28th February 2025
- Top 20 Shortlist Announced: 14th March 2025
- Bootcamp: 31st March – 4th April 2025
- Resubmission Deadline: 11th April 2025
- Final Judging: 18th April 2025
- Pitch Battle: 8th May 2025
- Top 5 Announced: 8th May 2025
Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit: 10 – 13 June 2025, Nairobi, Kenya
Winners Revealed: Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards 2025 (dates to
be announced)
The winner of the challenge will receive a grant seed of USD 1,000 in cash and in-kind, as well as mentorship, partnership, and funding opportunities. The first and second runners-up will receive USD 500 each in cash and in-kind, as well as similar benefits. All the finalists will also receive complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UNWTO, as well as access to the Africa Tourism Innovation Hub, a platform that connects and supports tourism innovators in Africa.
The Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge 2025 is a unique and exciting opportunity for African youth to showcase their creative solutions for the tourism sector and to contribute to its recovery and growth. For more information and to enter the challenge, visit the official website
