DT4A Innovation Challenge – 2022 – VC4A

WRI Africa and WRI Ross Center in partnership with Agence Française de Développement (AFD) is pleased to announce the Digital Transport for Africa (DT4A) Innovation Challenge.

The DT4A Innovation Challenge is an exciting opportunity for initiatives that aim to transform transit systems in African cities by leveraging open data and innovation.

Four applicants, selected by WRI and a jury of experts, will each receive a phased award of US$30,000 to implement a new initiative over 12 months.

Why the DT4A Innovation Challenge

Lack of data on transit systems presents a massive barrier for African cities, users and public transport operators hoping to navigate and plan for better and more efficient public transport. Lack of data also makes it impossible to measure progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 11.2, which calls for “safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.” Today, only 15 African cities have mapped their public transport and minibus taxi networks and have the data in a standardized and open format. At least 105 million people living in African cities do not have reliable information on their transit systems. Mapping cities’ transit networks can not only improve the experience of users, but foster ecosystems and skills that can enable African cities to better leverage the data revolution.

Objective of the DT4A Innovation Challenge

We know there are many innovators in African cities working to solve these problems from the ground up. The DT4A Innovation Challenge aims to support organizations and initiatives, from private companies to universities and NGOs, that are contributing to the movement for open data across the region and improved planning and implementation of sustainable mobility, particularly of the para-transit or informal transport sector.

Selection criteria

The DT4A Innovation Challenge invites applicants to submit proposals under three main activity areas. Applicants can apply for one of the following activities:

DT4A’s vision is underpinned by four policy goals adapted to the unique transportation landscape of urban Africa. Initiatives should demonstrate their alignment with and progress towards achieving SDG 11.2 and the Sustainable Mobility for All vision:

Eligibility criteria

Organizations/NGOs, academic institutions, and private companies that have projects or initiatives that fit the selection criteria are eligible to apply for the DT4A Innovation Challenge. Applicants must have the support of local authorities (municipalities) and provide letters of support from city representatives is highly recommended.

Applicants must be from Africa or working in Africa. Only one application per organization can be submitted.

Organizations, including non-profits, academic institutions and private companies must:

NOTE: Please note that WRI will conduct a background screening once the finalists are selected. Please consult the full Terms and Conditions before applying.

Evaluation criteria

Applicants will need to meet the following criteria to be selected as a finalist:

You will be able to make changes to your submission until the submission period closes on February 16, 2022, 11:59 pm EAT.


There will be two important meetings planned monthly to update the progress of the activities as well as to get guidance from the Advisory Committee throughout the implementation of the project.

DT4A Innovation Challenge – 2022