Accelerating Trade and Investment under the AfCFTA (ATIA) is a project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC). Running from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026, the project aims to foster a more conducive trade and investment climate in Africa.

A key component of ATIA is to strengthen trade and investment linkages between African tech start-ups and Japanese companies. The project builds the capacity of African start-ups to scale internationally, collaborate across borders, and attract foreign investment. The countries covered under this initiative are Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.

►What’s in it for start-ups?
We are selecting 5 tech start-ups from Ghana and 5 from Côte d’Ivoire to benefit from exclusive support under the ATIA project. Selected start-ups will receive:
➔ Tailored business coaching (including investor readiness and internationalisation support)
➔ Participation in a sponsored business mission to Japan, to meet potential clients, investors, and partners (coverage includes accommodation and flights to Japan)
➔ Opportunities to attend regional tech and B2B events on a cost-sharing basis

►Who can apply?
To be eligible, your start-up must:
➔ Leverage digital technology as a core enabler
➔ Be a for-profit business (social impact is a plus – highlight it in your application)
➔ Be operational and generating sales
➔ Be legally established in Ghana or Côte d’Ivoire

Bonus considerations:
➔ Women-led businesses are strongly encouraged to apply
➔ Prior engagement with Japanese partners or markets is a plus

Please note: This call for applications must be completed in English, including for start-ups based in Côte d’Ivoire. A working knowledge of English is essential, as it is the primary language used for engagement with Japanese investors and partners.

►What is the selection process?
➔ Applications will be assessed by independent international experts contracted by ITC. All information shared, including financials, will be treated with strict confidentiality.
➔ Shortlisted applicants will undergo a 360° Diagnostics interview to assess business maturity and growth potential.
➔ Partner organizations will help promote this call, but final selection is made by ITC.

Knock-out criteria: Start-ups that do not have a technology-driven business model or that provide inaccurate information will be excluded.

►Application deadline:
7 July 2025 at midnight GMT
(Late submissions will not be reviewed.)
Please make sure to reach the final confirmation screen to ensure your application has been submitted successfully.

►Contact
For questions or technical issues with the application form, please contact:
Mrs. Cathy Sall – csall@intracen.org

This initiative is implemented under ITC’s One Trade Africa (OTA) flagship programme, which aims to empower African MSMEs to benefit from the AfCFTA and connect with regional and global markets.