$500 000 Challenge Fund aims to disrupt Benin’s tourism industry

Sèmè City, an emerging tech district in Benin, has launched a call for applications to the Challenge Fund, an initiative that aims to build a sustainable tourism industry in Benin. Selected innovators can access up to $500 000 in funding, as well as access to incubation and training.

The authority launched the call last month, together with the World Bank and Benin’s National Agency for Promotion of Heritage and Tourism Development.

The challenge is open to all Africans working on innovations that include virtual reality, socio micro-networks, soft mobility, renewable energy and accessibility among others.

Applications close on 31 January, while winners will be unveiled during the Innovate, Undertake, Mobilize forum to be held between 29 and 30 March in the neighbouring city of Cotonou.

The Challenge Fund winners will get up to $500 000 in funding towards developing innovations that could disrupt the tourism sector in Benin

In a press release, Sèmè City Development Agency director Claude Borna called for the support of African entrepreneurs, particularly around skills development and access to funding.

“With the Challenge Fund, we want to overcome these barriers and allow innovators to test their projects in situ, on one of the seven tourism sites being developed in Benin,” said Borna.

Learn more and apply here. To read more on Seme City see this Ventureburn article.