#MyLittleBigThing 2025 Challenge -Apply Now

Admin,

Application Deadline: October 15, 2025

The #MyLittleBigThing 2025 Challenge is here, offering young African innovators a powerful platform to showcase ideas that drive sustainability across the continent. Organized by MK-Africa, this prestigious competition empowers purpose-driven minds to develop solutions that contribute to Africa’s sustainable future while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since its inception in 2017, the Challenge has become one of Africa’s most recognized sustainability innovation platforms, supported by global and regional partners. The 2025 edition continues this tradition by nurturing young leaders who are building an authentic African narrative for sustainability.

Competition Timeline

Participants will go through a structured program designed to refine ideas and transform them into actionable solutions:

  • Application Period: August 1 – October 15, 2025
  • Application Review: October 16 – October 31, 2025
  • Finalist Notification: On or before November 14, 2025
  • Innovation Bootcamp & Mentorship Launch: November 2025
  • Solution Development & Mentorship: November 2025 – February 2026
  • Midpoint Review & Feedback: March 2026
  • Finalisation & Pitch Preparation: April 2026
  • Grand Finale & Award Ceremony: May 2026
  • Post-Challenge Support: Ongoing

Please note that all dates are subject to change at the discretion of MK-Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

The Challenge is open to innovative, young Africans with a passion for sustainability. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
  • Be a citizen of an African country.
  • Ensure the project is designed for implementation in Africa.
  • Projects must fall under one of the four thematic tracks provided.
  • Solutions should be at the idea, concept, or early implementation stage.
  • The program is tailored for Gen Zs and young purpose-driven changemakers across the continent.

Judging Process and Evaluation

All eligible applications will be assessed by an expert panel selected by MK-Africa. Submissions will be evaluated on:

  • Innovation: Originality and creativity of the solution.
  • Impact: The potential to generate meaningful, positive social or environmental change.
  • Feasibility: Practicality and technical viability of the idea.
  • Scalability: Potential to expand, replicate, and transform entire sectors.
  • Alignment: How well the project reflects the Challenge’s vision of building a sustainable African future in line wit

Prizes and Opportunities

The Challenge is more than just a competition; it is a life-changing opportunity for young innovators.

  • Finalists will join an exclusive mentorship and training program covering essential skills like design thinking.
  • Winners will receive seed funding (exact amounts to be announced to finalists), continued mentorship, and access to a robust network of partners and experts to scale their projects.
  • All prizes must be applied directly toward advancing the winning innovations.

Publicity and Promotion

By entering, participants consent to the use of their name, likeness, project title, and summary by MK-Africa and its partners for promotional purposes. This includes features in marketing campaigns, videos, and future publicity highlighting the Challenge’s success stories.

Confidentiality

All application materials will be treated with confidentiality by the Organiser and judges. However, project titles and brief summaries may be made public for promotional use during the competition.

General Conditions

  • MK-Africa reserves the right to disqualify applications that do not adhere to these terms.
  • Judges’ decisions are final and binding.
  • MK-Africa and its partners will not be responsible for any costs incurred during the application process or loss/damage of application materials.

About #MyLittleBigThing

Launched in 2017 by MK-Africa, in collaboration with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) South Africa, the #MyLittleBigThing Challenge has empowered countless young innovators across Africa. It remains one of the continent’s largest sustainability innovation challenges, fostering bold ideas that address climate change, social inequality, and the urgent call for sustainable development.

At MK-Africa, we believe innovation is the heartbeat of Africa’s progress. Through initiatives like #MyLittleBigThing, we continue to nurture creativity and leadership to accelerate the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE 

Competition