Deadline: 2 July 2026
Young creatives across Africa are invited to apply for the UNDP Creatives4Peace Youth Online Innovation Challenge 2026, an initiative designed to harness the power of creativity, culture, and innovation to promote peace, dialogue, inclusion, and social cohesion across the continent.
The challenge seeks innovative ideas and creative projects that demonstrate how artistic expression can help bridge divides, foster tolerance, and inspire positive social change within communities. Through this initiative, young people are encouraged to use their creative talents to contribute to peacebuilding efforts while amplifying their voices on issues affecting their societies.
Eligible Creative Fields
Applications are welcome from young creatives working in a range of cultural and creative sectors, including:
- Performing Arts: music, dance, theatre, spoken word, poetry, storytelling, and short films;
- Gaming: mobile games, video games, simulations, puzzles, and interactive learning tools;
- Digital Arts: graphic design, animation, photography, videography, illustration, and multimedia storytelling;
- Fashion: clothing design, textiles, accessories, costume design, sustainable fashion, and upcycling initiatives;
- Crafts and Artisan Works: jewellery, ceramics, weaving, painting, woodworking, and other traditional or contemporary crafts.
Benefits
Selected participants will have the opportunity to:
- Showcase their projects at the Culture and Creative Industries Forum in Cameroon;
- Pitch their ideas and creative projects to private sector partners for possible collaboration or investment;
- Gain visibility for their work across regional and international platforms;
- Network with fellow creatives from Africa and the diaspora;
- Receive UNDP-sponsored travel support, including flights and daily subsistence allowance (DSA), for selected finalists attending programme events.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be young Africans working within the cultural and creative industries;
- Have a creative project that promotes peace, inclusion, social cohesion, or dialogue;
- Be able to present or showcase their work through digital or online platforms. ([Nigeria Startup News][1])
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete and submit the online application form before the deadline of 2 July 2026. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the application requirements and submit their entries early. Click Here to Apply
