#MyLittleBigThing Africa Innovation Challenge 2026/2027: Apply with Your Sustainability Idea

The #MyLittleBigThing Africa Student Innovation Challenge is accepting applications for its 2026/2027 edition, inviting young African innovators to turn sustainability ideas into practical ventures.

Organised by MK-Africa, the challenge supports innovators working on solutions connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants can develop their ideas, access learning resources and mentorship, and work towards building ventures with real-world impact.

Despite its student-focused name, the official call is open to African innovators aged 18–35; applicants should consult the rules to determine how their particular venture fits the challenge.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be between 18 and 35 years old.

Be based in Africa.

Have an innovation or venture addressing a relevant sustainability or development challenge.

Be prepared to explain their idea, its target beneficiaries and its potential impact.

Applicants do not need to have a formally registered business to apply.

Application fee: Free.

Challenge Tracks

Applicants must select the track that best matches the main problem their innovation addresses.

1. Digital and Economic Inclusion

For innovations involving financial technology, digital literacy, market access, connectivity and tools that help underserved groups participate in the economy.

2. AgriTech and Circular Economy

For solutions involving agriculture, food systems, waste-to-value initiatives, climate-resilient production and more sustainable use of resources.

3. Empowering Women through Innovation

For women-led ventures and innovations addressing issues such as maternal and reproductive healthcare, women's safety, care work and financial inclusion.

4. Transparency and Governance Technology

For innovations involving civic technology, public accountability, anti-corruption tools, data privacy and citizen participation in governance.

Benefits

Participants can access opportunities to:

Develop their ideas into practical ventures.

Take part in self-paced learning on the SDGs, venture ethics and circular business models.

Connect with a community of innovators.

Receive mentorship and venture-development support through the programme's stages.

Work towards building and testing a prototype.

Showcase selected innovations at the programme's Innovation Demo Day at Strathmore University in April 2027.

Participation does not guarantee that every applicant will reach the final demo day or receive investment.

The programme also offers an optional verified certificate for its self-paced course at a reported cost of US$20. This is separate from the free challenge application and is not compulsory for applying.

Application Requirements

The official application requests information about the founder, venture, team, development stage and selected thematic track.

Applicants should also prepare:

A short essay of approximately 200 words.

A short video pitch explaining the innovation.

Details about the problem, proposed solution and intended impact.

Consult the online application for the precise submission requirements.

How to Apply

Visit the official #MyLittleBigThing website.

Review the four challenge tracks.

Choose the track that best fits your innovation.

Prepare your founder and venture information, short essay and video pitch.

Complete and submit the online application.

Application link: https://www.mylittlebigthing.com/

Details of the 2026/2027 challenge: https://www.mylittlebigthing.com/2026-2027

Application Deadline

30 November 2026.

Official website: https://www.mylittlebigthing.com/