The African Leadership University’s Beyond Tourism in Africa Innovation Challenge 2020 (US$10,000 grant)

Application Deadline:15 October 2020 (23:59 CEST).

The Luc Hoffmann Institute, the African Leadership University’s School of Wildlife Conservation and the WWF Regional Office for Africa are launching a global innovation challenge. We aim to discover and incubate new revenue models that do not depend on tourism, but still enable local communities within African countries to derive income from wildlife, manage their natural resources sustainably, and improve their collective wellbeing. Participants have the chance to win a place in the African Leadership University’s incubation programme and access to seed money. 

Objectives of the innovation challenge

• To discover and incubate new revenue models that do not depend on tourism, but still enable local communities in Africa to derive income from wildlife, manage their natural resources sustainably and improve their collective wellbeing.

Ideas must meet the following criteria for consideration:

1. Generates value (economic, social and cultural) for local community(ies) in Africa from wildlife or natural resources
2. Does not rely on tourism to generate revenue
3. Empowers communities with decision-making power and ensures their rights, dignity and livelihoods are a priority
4. Demonstrates to be feasible, financially sustainable and potentially scalable
5. Aims to improve the conditions for wildlife and natural resources.

Requirements

Innovators from around the world are welcome to apply, especially people from non-traditional backgrounds and those with strong ties to rural communities in Africa.

Who: Any individual or team with bold ideas from around the world may apply, but we are especially seeking solutions from within Africa itself, and we will look favourably at applications from within the continent. On the application form, applicants must demonstrate their strong links to the geographic context of their idea.

Age: There is no age limit for applicants. However, to be considered for the ALU incubation programme, the team lead must be at least 18 years old and teams may have a maximum of 3 members.

Language: Submissions must be in English, but we strongly encourage both native and non-native English speakers to apply. No judgements will be made on language proficiency. Please note: the ALU incubation programme offered to selectees is conducted in English. 

Sector: We strongly encourage teams composed of people from different sectors, and particularly from outside the conservation sector. Applicants do not need a history of working on conservation-related projects or ideas.

Benefits:

A place in the ALU’s incubation programme and access to seed money.

• Up to 15 ideas will be selected. Successful applicants will win a place in the African Leadership University’s 8-month incubation programme, culminating in a public pitch to top investors. The programme commences in February 2021 and will run over eight months. It is a part-time, virtual programme. 
• The African Leadership University Incubator Programme supports high-potential entrepreneurs with a drive to transform Africa through impactful and ethical ventures. The programme provides access to life-long learning and a community of peers, mentors and potential investors. At the end of the programme, all participants would be expected to successfully launch a venture with the opportunity for potential investment. For this particular cohort, the programme is focused on impactful ideas in the wildlife conservation sector, with entrepreneurs going through an 8-month experience that uses a unique model that can transform their ideas into a viable business. If you apply as a team and your team is successful, a maximum of three team members will be admitted to the programme. 
• During the incubation programme, participants may receive a grant of up to US$10,000 from the organisers as early seed money.  
• The programme is set to start in February 2021 and will run over eight months. It is a part-time, virtual programme. 

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Beyond Tourism in Africa Innovation Challenge 2020