Background

Global Challenges

The African continent, like the rest of the world, faces pressing challenges related to population growth, resource scarcity, climate change impacts, and the need for sustainable development across all sectors. These interconnected issues necessitate innovative, scalable, and practical solutions, particularly in areas concerning food security, environmental conservation, and economic empowerment

Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future.

Recognizing the critical role of young people as drivers of change and innovation, the Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC) champions youth empowerment as a cornerstone for building a resilient and sustainable future. 

We achieve this by integrating youth perspectives and investing in youth-led initiatives across various sectors to address complex challenges. Our goal is to cultivate a generation capable of creating environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable solutions, directly aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 8, 11, 13) to safeguard Africa's prosperity and its people.

Key Initiatives

The International Youth Day 2025 Susthathon Campaign & Pitch Competition inspires young minds across Africa to propose creative solutions to continental challenges. This initiative highlights youth-led innovations contributing to a sustainable and empowered Africa.

Instructions for Participants

Who Can Apply:

• Individuals or teams aged 15-35.
• Residents of Nigeria and across Africa.
• Creators, innovators, developers, artists, culinary experts, and fashion and beauty businesses passionate about sustainable solutions.

Campaign Thematic Areas:

Submit your vision for a sustainable future through digital media. We seek originality, creativity, simplicity, scalability, impact, and a clear connection to the theme:

• Digital Innovation Concept: Tech-based solutions (app, platform, game, data visualisation, etc) addressing sustainability issues like waste management, renewable energy, or climate education.
• Creative Arts Showcase: Ideas expressed through film, animation, digital art, photography, music, poetry, or spoken word etc.
• Food Innovation: "Sustainable Dish" concepts promoting food security, reducing waste, or using local, sustainable ingredients.
• Fashion & Beauty Business: Sustainable solutions across clothing, accessories, cosmetics, leather crafts, beauty products, or fashion services using environmentally responsible materials and ethical practices.
• Open Innovation: Unique concepts from agriculture, health/medicine, education, environment, circular economy, etc. that empower youth and promote sustainability.

Submission Requirements

All participants must submit:

• Primary Content: Digital presentation (video, images, audio, or interactive media).
• Supporting Materials: Written description explaining your concept and sustainability impact.
• Optional: Additional materials relevant to your track.

How to Apply:

1. Create and upload a video presentation showcasing your innovation on social media. Maximum duration: 5 minutes.

2. Complete the application form here: https://shorturl.at/f4eQu     

3. Follow and tag us to the uploaded content on social media:

• Facebook: @ApdcGroup
• Instagram:@Africaprojectsdevelopmentcent
• X: @apdc_group
• LinkedIn: Africa Projects Development Centre

4. Use hashtags: #APDCIYD2025, & #APDCSusthathon.

Timeline

• Application Period: Open until Friday, 8th August 2025
• Submission Deadline: Friday, 8th August 2025, 05:00 pm [WAT] Update: Deadline: Extended to 10th August 2025, 11:59 PM. [WAT].
• Finalist Selection: August 11, 2025 (Top 3 most engaged social media contents)
• Pitch Competition (Grand Finale): August 12, 2025 (Live, physically or virtually)
• Winner Announcement: August 12, 2025.

Why Participate:

• Get innovative ideas seen by experts and wide audiences
• Receive free registration into APDC's Mentorship & Marketplace platforms.
• Contribute to sustainable future solutions for Africa
• Grand Prize: $200 cash prize to support your initiative.

For Inquiries: programmes@apdcgroup.org.  www.adpcgroup.org. communications@apdcgroup.org   

Download the full Brochure here: APDC Susthathon Flyer