Applications call for Beyond Tourism in Africa Innovation Challenge 2020

The challenge aims 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.

The Beyond Tourism in Africa Innovation Challenge is looking for innovative concepts, ideas, revenue, or financial models that can generate sustained benefits for rural communities from wildlife conservation, beyond tourism. We are not calling for investment-ready proposals, but for ideas with high potential that might be developed during our incubation program.

Guiding Principles

All ideas must create value for both communities and nature. There are five equally important criteria that should be addressed in answering the questions in the application form. Diversity, gender inclusivity, and social equity should be guiding principles for all successful ideas.

Eligibility

• 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.
• 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.
• There is no age limit for applicants. However, to be considered for the ALU incubation programme, the team leader must be at least 18 years old and teams may have a maximum of 3 members.
• 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.
• The Beyond Tourism in Africa Innovation Challenge strongly encourages 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.

Selection Criteria 

Submissions from anyone from any sector or background with bold and sustainable ideas for concepts, projects, businesses or products. Ideas must meet the following criteria for consideration:

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

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