National Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Challenge

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is issuing a national call for applications in Sudan under the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Development for Fragility Reduction (EIDFR) Project. Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and executed by IGAD, the initiative will support youth-led innovations that address climate change challenges in agriculture and livestock value chains. The call includes training, incubation, and seed funding of up to USD 10,000 per innovation, but the submission deadline on November 20, 2026. The EIDFR Project aims to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation (E&I) skills and support job creation to reduce fragility and enhance resilience in selected IGAD member countries: South Sudan, Sudan, and Djibouti. Enhancing entrepreneurship and job creation is positioned as a contributor to poverty reduction, productivity, economic growth, social cohesion, and reduced risk of violence in fragile settings. Within this project, IGAD is bringing together learning institutions (university and TVET), the private sector, and governments to: This national call is specifically framed as a National Youth E&I Challenge Call intended to provide training, mentorship, coaching, and seed funds for successful applicants’ innovations. Selected ideas progress through structured capacity-building and support: Applicants also pitch to the Selection Committee, which shortlists 30 best-ranking cases for incubation. Seed funds will be disbursed under award agreements signed between the recipient and IGAD.

Important note on payments: The source states that the call does not require payments at any stage, and the Selection Committee decision will be final and binding.

The call targets youth-led innovations and co-founders who meet all stated criteria.

Applicants must:

Additional preference:

The source does not list explicit disqualifications beyond the eligibility conditions above. Applicants should review the official Concept Note form and call guidance for any further requirements (details are not provided in the supplied text). The call seeks youth-led innovative ideas that match the following requirements. In this context, “innovation” may include: Innovations must address major climate change challenges (locally affecting agriculture and livestock value chains), including: The source gives examples of initiatives that may be relevant, such as:

Innovations should:

This call targets youth entrepreneurship and innovation as a pathway to employment and climate-resilient livelihoods in Sudan’s agriculture and livestock sectors. By combining short-term boot camp training with a six-month incubation period and seed funding for finalists, the opportunity is designed to support applicants from idea refinement through early start-up readiness. For organizations and individuals looking to pursue agribusiness or climate-adaptation-linked entrepreneurship, the call’s emphasis on market viability, inclusion of women and youth, and fragility reduction provides a clear framework for designing concept notes that align with the EIDFR Project’s goals. The source provides the following application steps and submission methods. 1) What is the main purpose of the National Call for Applications in the Sudan? It is a national youth entrepreneurship and innovation challenge under the EIDFR Project, designed to support youth-led start-ups addressing climate change challenges in Sudan’s agriculture and livestock value chains and to stimulate youth and women’s employment.

2) Who offers this opportunity and who funded the EIDFR Project?

The opportunity is issued/implemented by IGAD, and the EIDFR Project is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

3) What is the maximum seed funding available?

Seed fund awards for finalists are up to USD 10,000 per innovation.

4) How many finalists will receive seed funds?

The source states that 20 finalists will be awarded seed funds.

5) What are the eligibility age requirements for applicants?

Applicants must be aged 18–35 years based on their National Identification Card or Passport.

6) Where can I find and submit the Concept Note Form?

The Concept Note Form is available at www.igad.int and/or www.icpald.org, and it can be submitted by email to [contact details removed].

7) Is there a submission deadline listed in the source?

The source text states that selection happens “until the set deadline for submission,” but it does not provide the actual deadline date/time. Applicants should check the official call guidance for the deadline. If you meet the stated eligibility requirements and your concept fits the climate-resilient agriculture and livestock value chain focus, review the official Concept Note Form and follow the submission instructions exactly as stated by IGAD. Where the source does not provide a deadline, confirm the deadline within the official materials before submitting.