World Bank GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025 – Digital Transformation for Africa
The World Bank Group GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025 is a global initiative inviting technology startups, scale‑ups, and SMEs to co-design digital solutions to critical governance challenges. This year’s pilot focuses on tax administration reform in Ghana, in partnership with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Challenge Focus
- Aim: Strengthen public-sector efficiency and tax service delivery via digital platforms
- Collaborators: Ghana Revenue Authority, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Switzerland), and Trust Valley
- Scope: Build scalable, citizen-centric solutions for Ghana’s tax system with the potential for global adaptation
Who Can Apply?
- Early-stage startups, scale-up ventures, and SMEs
- Legally registered entities with fewer than 75 employees and under USD 5 million in annual revenue
- Experience in digital services for public sector, citizen platforms, data, AI, or tax compliance
Key Benefits
Participants selected will receive:
- Invitation to a hands-on GovTech Bootcamp in Switzerland alongside Trust Valley
- Mentorship from leading experts in digital governance
- Opportunity to pitch solutions to the Ghana Revenue Authority
- Attendance at the GovTech Global Forum, focused on public sector transformation
Important Dates
- Application Window: Open from July 29, 2025
- Submission Deadline: September 12, 2025 (23:59 CET)
- Bootcamp & Showcase: Dates to be confirmed post-selection
How to Apply
Submit a proposal through the official portal, including:
- Executive summary
- Technical outlook and solution design
- Implementation plan
- Differentiation and innovation strategy
- Team overview, impact metrics, and risk mitigation
Proposal size: ≤10 MB in PDF format
Why Join This Challenge?
- Aligns technology and innovation with public-sector transformation goals
- Offers a launchpad for scaling digital governance solutions globally
- Provides collaboration opportunities with public-sector institutions and development agencies
- Supports growth of startups seeking real-world impact and global recognition