About this opportunity
My Little Big Thing is marking its 10th Anniversary Edition with a sustainability challenge that asks a simple question: what idea, prototype or early venture could make life better on this continent? Anyone aged 18 to 35 living anywhere in Africa can enter, and no company registration or prior funding is needed.
The 2026/2027 edition runs four tracks across the 17 SDGs, including Digital and Economic Inclusion and AgriTech and Circular Economy, through five stages over three months that build to a Demo Day finale. Entry is free and comes with a free self-paced certification course, while an optional verified certificate costs $20.
The support at the top end is real. Fifteen finalists receive one to one mentorship for 12 months, the three finalists each year are sponsored onto a Cambridge ISL sustainability course, and the programme closes with a Demo Day at Strathmore University in front of investors in April 2027.
Women-led ventures, youth and innovators of all abilities are actively prioritised and eligible for special leadership awards in every track.
What you receive
- Free entry with a free self-paced certification course
- Four tracks across the 17 SDGs, including Digital and Economic Inclusion and AgriTech and Circular Economy
- Five stages over three months building to a Demo Day finale
- One to one mentorship for 12 months for the Top 15 finalists
- Sponsorship onto a Cambridge ISL sustainability course for the Top 3 finalists each year
- A Demo Day at Strathmore University in front of investors
- Special leadership awards in every track for women-led ventures, youth and innovators of all abilities
Who can apply
- Anyone aged 18 to 35 living anywhere in Africa
- An idea, prototype or early venture that answers a sustainability challenge
- No company registration or prior funding needed
How to apply
- Open the challenge page at https://mylittlebigthing.com/2026-2027
- Choose the SDG track that fits your idea
- Select Start your application and describe your idea, prototype or venture
- Submit before applications close on 30 November 2026
Selection process
- Applications close on 30 November 2026
- Five stages run over three months
- Demo Day at Strathmore University in April 2027
Sources and verification
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Questions applicants ask
Do I need a registered company?
No. An idea, prototype or early venture is enough, and no prior funding is required.
Does entry cost anything?
Entry and the self-paced certification course are free. An optional verified certificate costs $20.
Important disclaimer
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