#MyLittleBigThing 2025 Challenge
"Empowering the Next Generation of Sustainability Leaders"

Introduction

Welcome, innovator! Inspired by Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai's belief that a "little thing" can create monumental change, the #MyLittleBigThing challenge is looking for you. We are calling on the brightest and most purpose-driven young minds from across the region —the Gen Zs who are ready to build a better future.

This is more than a competition; it's a chance to receive training in design thinking, connect your idea to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and get the tools you need to turn your vision into tangible impact. We are seeking innovators who are passionate about creating a new, positive African narrative for sustainability!

If you have an idea—your "little big thing"—that can solve a real-world problem, we want to hear from you.

Section 1: Eligibility Check

Please confirm you meet the following criteria to proceed

Are you or your team members aged between 18 and 35?

Yes

Are you a citizen of an African country, and is your project based in Africa?

Yes

Is your idea/project in its early stage (concept to early-stage implementation)?

Yes

Section 2: Applicant & Team Information

Primary Contact Name: *

Primary Contact Email: *

Primary Contact Phone Number: *

Country of Residence: *

Project Name (if applicable):

Names & Roles of Other Key Team Members (up to 4): *

Section 3: Your "Little Big Thing" - Project Details

Project Title: (15 words max)

Thematic Track: Please select the primary track your project addresses. Your idea can be cross-cutting, but please choose the one that fits best.

Digital Inclusion for Economic Empowerment

Tech Solutions for Resource Management & Environmental Conservation

Empowering Women Through Technology

Fostering Transparency and Access to Information

Elevator Pitch: Briefly describe your project and its purpose. (100 words max)

The Problem: Describe the specific sustainability challenge you are addressing. Why is this problem important? (250 words max)

Your Solution: Describe your idea orproject. How does it solve the problem you've identified? What are its keyfeatures? (400 words max)

Innovation: What makes your solution unique? Is it a new technology, a newbusiness model, a new community approach, or a new perspective? (200 words max)

Section 4: Impact & Vision

Community Impact: Who are the primary beneficiaries of your project? How will your solution positively impact them? (200 words max)

Creating an African Narrative: A core goal of #MyLittleBigThing is "creating an African narrative for sustainability. How does your project contribute to this goal by providing a unique, African-led solution to a local or continental challenge? (250 words max)

Scalability: What is your vision for this project's growth over the next 3-5 years? How could it be scaled to other communities, cities, or countries? (200 words max)

Section 5: Supporting Materials (Optional but Highly Recommended)

To help us better understand your vision, please provide a link to a short video pitch.

Video Pitch (60-90 seconds): Please upload a short video to YouTube or Vimeo (and set it to "unlisted") and share the link below. In the video, tell us:

Who you are.
What problem you are solving.
What your "little big thing" is and why you are passionate about it.

Link to Video

Additional Materials: You may also share a link to a pitch deck, a simple website, or a document with more details (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

Link to Supporting Document

Section 6: Declaration

Check Both *

I confirm that all the information provided in this application is accurate and truthful.

I have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of the #MyLittleBigThing 2025 Challenge.

Official Terms and Conditions