Within the framework of the 1 Million by 2021, the African Union Commission (AUC) through the Human Recourses Science and Technology (HRST) is partnering with African Development Bank on the Jobs for Youth in Africa team  to organize the Africa vs Virus Challenge to create tech and non-tech solutions to some of the most pressing challenges posed by the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID_19).

As the number of COVID-19 infections continue to rise around the world, we are in need of more innovations from African youth that will create solutions to the most pressing challenges brought by the COVID_19 pandemic. The challenge seeks to promote innovations from African youth whilst generating solutions for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, problem solvers, creative minds, health experts, programmers, graphic and web designers are urged to come together for a duration of 72-hours to collaborate in this digital process. The #AfricavsVirus Challenge will take place virtually from the 17th to 19th April 2020.

"Whether or not you are infected with COVID-19, we are realizing that our lives, lifestyles and livelihoods are greatly impacted by the pandemic. We are realizing, very quickly, that creativity and innovation are some of the key things that will harness the energy and dynamism of the youth. We need to channel youth energy towards problem solving. What ideas and solutions do they have around education and staying connected in a time of physical and social distancing? An element of our youth sector response at the AU focuses on innovation and the Africa vs Virus Challenge gives young people an opportunity to identify a problem caused by the virus and give innovative ideas on how to solve them,” said Ms Prudence Ngwenya, Head of Youth Division in the AU Human Resources, Science and Technology Department. 

The #AfricavsVirus challenge will begin with a kick-off session on April 16 at 18:30 GMT+1 and end on April 19 at 18:30 GMT+1. The following link (https://bit.ly/AfricaVsVirus ) can be used to participate in the challenge. Participants will be given 72 hours to collaborate in teams and build solutions to specific challenges. 

Following the #AfricavsVirus Challenge, the best solutions will be selected and will be fully implemented with partners and donors in Africa and worldwide. 20 ideas will be selected to participate in the Seedstar investment Readiness Program that will further support the ideas in getting to an MVP. In addition, the top three (3) ideas will be eligible for over $50,000 USD in kind prizes and other prizes to help further support their idea.

Note to Editor

The “1 Million By 2021 Initiative” aims to concretely reach millions of African youth from across the continent with opportunities and interventions in the key areas of Employment, Entrepreneurship, Education and Engagement (4E’s), which will accelerate socioeconomic development on the continent. www.1millonby2021.au.int 


Africa CDC is an African Union specialized agency that works to strengthen the capability of Africa’s public health institutions as well as partnerships to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks, based on data-driven interventions and programmes.
Learn more  https://africacdc.org/

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infectious person coughs or sneezes. 
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