Africa Tourism Partners, in collaboration with strategic partners including UN Tourism, AfCFTA, BDO South Africa, and TEAMS Africa, has successfully launched the 7th edition of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge (AYTIC) for 2025.

The initiative, a significant component of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit, will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 10 to 13, 2025.

The AYTIC is open to young African innovators, entrepreneurs, and post-graduate students up to the age of 35, offering them a unique platform to contribute to the future of Africa’s tourism sector through innovation.

Participants are invited to submit innovative ideas, technological solutions, and social entrepreneurship projects with the potential to attract investors and venture capitalists.

The challenge is designed to empower the youth by providing access to business partnerships, market opportunities, mentorship platforms, and funding solutions from global networks, including UN Tourism and other key stakeholders.

Shortlisted participants will benefit from opportunities to connect with industry leaders and potential partners, enrol in professional short courses offered by UN Tourism, and join the Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators Network.

The challenge also promises global exposure for their projects, enhancing their reach and impact.

The winner of the AYTIC will receive prizes worth $1,000, with the first and second runners-up receiving prizes valued at $500 each.

Additionally, all 2025 finalists will be enrolled in the Africa Tourism Innovation Hub (ATIH), launched in partnership with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Namibia University of Science and Technology.

The first cohort of the ATIH will begin in early 2025, offering further training and resources to drive tourism-related innovations.

Joram Mwinamo, co-host and CEO of SNDBX Kenya, described the challenge as a transformative opportunity for young innovators across Africa to shape the continent’s tourism future.

He encouraged participation, stating, “With the chance to connect with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, this platform empowers the next generation of African change-makers to drive innovation, create jobs, and promote cultural and environmental sustainability.”

The top five finalists will present their projects in a five-minute demonstration to a panel of judges during the summit in Nairobi.

Winners will be announced at the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit, and their success will be celebrated at the annual Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) and Awards, with the venue for the event yet to be confirmed.

Considering the above, all innovators in Africa are invited to enter the challenge. The deadline for submission is 28 February 2025 and for more information, contact: Rejoice Chishamba at rejoice@africatourismpartners.com or +27 81 303 7030