Luc Hoffmann Institute 2020 Beyond Tourism in Africa Innovation Challenge

The Luc Hoffmann Institute, the African Leadership University’s School of Wildlife Conservation and the WWF Regional Office for Africa are launching a global innovation challenge.

We aim to discover and incubate new revenue models that do not depend on tourism, but still enable local communities within African countries to derive income from wildlife, manage their natural resources sustainably, and improve their collective wellbeing. Participants have the chance to win a place in the African Leadership University’s incubation programme and access to seed money.

• Table of Content
• About Luc Hoffmann Institute
• Beyond Tourism in Africa Innovation Challenge
• Aim and Benefits of Beyond Tourism in Africa Innovation Challenge
• Requirements for Beyond Tourism in Africa Innovation Challenge Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Luc Hoffmann Institute

For over 60 years, Dr Luc Hoffmann helped catalyse  new ideas and effective approaches to nature conservation, bestowing the institute with a strong lineage based on partnership and the arts of convening, connecting and incubating. Today, the Luc Hoffmann Institute follows the principles of systems thinking, convening and co-creation to incubate and accelerate new ideas and approaches that will deliver significant gains for biodiversity. Successful specialist incubators are also thought leaders. The Luc Hoffmann Institute prides itself on cutting-edge thinking: we understand that the d... continue reading

Beyond Tourism in Africa Innovation Challenge

Aim and Benefits of Beyond Tourism in Africa Innovation Challenge

• A place in the ALU’s incubation programme and access to seed money.
• Up to 15 ideas will be selected. Successful applicants will win a place in the African Leadership University’s 8-month incubation programme, culminating in a public pitch to top investors. The programme commences in February 2021 and will run over eight months. It is a part-time, virtual programme.

Requirements for Beyond Tourism in Africa Innovation Challenge Qualification

Innovators from around the world are welcome to apply, especially people from non-traditional backgrounds and those with strong ties to rural communities in Africa.

• Who: Any individual or team with bold ideas from around the world may apply, but we are especially seeking solutions from within Africa itself, and we will look favourably at applications from within the continent. On the application form, applicants must demonstrate their strong links to the geographic context of their idea.
• Age: There is no age limit for applicants. However, to be considered for the ALU incubation programme, the team lead must be at least 18 years old and teams may have a maximum of 3 members.
• Language: Submissions must be in English, but we strongly encourage both native and non-native English speakers to apply. No judgements will be made on language proficiency. Please note: the ALU incubation programme offered to selectees is conducted in English. 
• Sector: We strongly encourage teams composed of people from different sectors, and particularly from outside the conservation sector. Applicants do not need a history of working on conservation-related projects or ideas.

Selection Criteria: 

We are calling for submissions from anyone from any sector or background with bold and sustainable ideas for concepts, projects, businesses or products. Ideas must meet the following criteria for consideration:

1. Generates value (economic, social and cultural) for local community(ies) in Africa from wildlife or natural resources
2. Does not rely on tourism to generate revenue
3. Empowers communities with decision-making power and ensures their rights, dignity and livelihoods are a priority
4. Demonstrates to be feasible, financially sustainable and potentially scalable
5. Aims to improve the conditions for wildlife and natural resources.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit Luc Hoffmann Institute website.