Application now open for the #MyLittleBigThing Challenge in Africa

Applications are now open for the #MyLittleBigThing Challenge in Africa to find and support young innovators who are creating an African narrative for sustainability.

#MyLittleBigThing is an initiative launched by MK-Africa, a woman-owned small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) located in Nairobi, Kenya, which provides consultancy services in sustainability training, strategy development, and reporting for companies aiming to generate measurable social, economic, and environmental impacts.

 

Through its collaborations with Safaricom, the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership, PKF, South African Airways, and Crew 2030, MK-Africa trains, mentors, and supports young individuals in innovating and establishing social enterprises aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustainable business practices. #MyLittleBigThing draws inspiration from the late Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai’s concept of the ‘Little Thing’ of tree planting. We implement programs aimed at university students throughout Africa.

Motivated by the late Wangari Maathai’s ‘Little Thing’ of planting trees, we hold the belief that every young individual has the potential to transform a simple idea into a significant solution that will benefit their community. Furthermore, we are convinced that these ideas will assist us in discovering the most effective home-grown solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges. Our objective is to stimulate employment among young people to achieve sustainable livelihoods and encourage entrepreneurial endeavors.

TERMS

1. Introduction and Agreement

By submitting an application to the #MyLittleBigThing 2025 Challenge (“the Challenge”), you (“the Applicant”) agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. The Challenge is designed to find and support young innovators who are creating an African narrative for sustainability. This is an initiative by MK-Africa (Organiser).

 

Competition Timeline

• Application Period: August 1, 2025 – October 15, 2025.
• Application Review: October 16 – October 31, 2025.
• Finalist Notification: On or before November 14, 2025.
• Innovation Bootcamp and Mentorship Launch: November 2025.
• Solution Development & Mentorship: November 2025 – February 2026
• Midpoint review and Feedback: March 2026
• Finalisation and Pitch Preparation: April 2026
• Grand Finale & Award Ceremony: May 2026
• Post challenge support: Ongoing
• Dates are subject to change at the discretion of the Organiser.

 

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35.
• Applicants must be citizens of an African country, and the proposed project must be designed for implementation in Africa.
• The Challenge is intended for “Gen Zs” and “young, purpose-driven minds “ across Africa.
• Submissions must align with one of the four specified thematic tracks.
• Projects must be in the early stage (idea, concept, or early implementation).

Judging Process and Criteria

• An expert panel selected by MK-Africa will evaluate all eligible applications based on the following criteria:
• Innovation: The novelty, creativity, and uniqueness of the solution.
• Impact: The project’s potential to create significant, positive social or environmental change and transform ideas into tangible impact.
• Feasibility: The technical and operational viability of the project.
• Scalability: The potential for the project to grow and be replicated, transforming entire sectors.
• Alignment: How well the project aligns with the Challenge’s mission of creating an African narrative for sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Intellectual Property (IP)
• Applicants retain full ownership of their intellectual property.
• By submitting an application, you grant MK-Africa and its partners a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute the content of your application summary (excluding personal contact details and detailed financial information) for the purposes of judging, promotion, and publicity related to the Challenge.

Prizes

• Finalists will participate in an exclusive mentorship and training program focused on key areas like design thinking.
• Winners will receive a combination of seed funding (the exact amount to be disclosed to finalists), ongoing mentorship, and networking opportunities to scale their innovations.
• The prize is non-transferable and must be used for the development of the winning project.

7. Publicity and Use of Information

 

By entering the Challenge, you consent to the use of your name, likeness, project title, and project summary by MK-Africa and its partners for promotional and marketing purposes without additional compensation. This may include featuring finalists and winners in future videos and marketing materials, similar to the testimonials from past participants.

 

8. Confidentiality

 

The Organiser and judges will treat detailed application materials as confidential. However, project titles and short summaries may be made public during the Challenge for promotional purposes.

 

9. General Conditions

 

• MK-Africa reserves the right to disqualify any application that does not comply with these Terms and Conditions or is deemed to be inappropriate.
• The decisions of the judges are final and binding.
• MK-Africa and its partners are not liable for any costs incurred by Applicants during the application process or for any loss or damage to application materials.

10. Governing Law

This Challenge and these Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Kenya.

For any questions regarding the Challenge or these Terms and Conditions, please contact [email protected]. FOR DETAILS AND TO APPLY VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE