The Tariq Lawal Innovation Challenge represents a continental movement to empower young African minds, providing them with the resources, funding, and platforms they need to innovate, create, and succeed.
At iCOVE, our mission is simple: to provide young people across Africa with the resources, funding, and platforms they need to innovate, create, and succeed. We believe in turning passion into projects, and ideas into real-world impact.
This challenge offers the opportunity to move beyond raising awareness and be at the forefront of the solution. By participating, you become part of a movement that directly equips youth with opportunities, resources, and recognition.
Join the MovementWe help turn your passion into tangible projects
Transform your ideas into real-world solutions
Join a network of like-minded innovators
Connect with innovators across Africa
Tariq Lawal has consistently spoken about the limitations young people face—especially in Africa—where talent is abundant, but opportunities are scarce.
Through his posts, speeches, and public engagements, Tariq has raised important concerns about how youth are underrepresented and under-supported. This challenge shows his willingness to move beyond raising awareness and be at the forefront of the solution in partnership with iCOVE.
Tariq Lawal, the face of a movement that directly equips youth with opportunities, resources, and recognition. Each edition will spotlight him as a pioneer enabling Africa's next generation of leaders.
An annual youth competition across Africa, targeting innovators aged 13–19, providing funding, mentorship, and exposure for the best youth-led ideas.
Focus on tech, entrepreneurship, and social innovation that can make a real difference in African communities.
Winners receive not just capital, but also the visibility and mentorship needed to scale their projects effectively.
The challenge culminates in The iCOVE Event, a high-profile showcase for finalists with funding opportunities.
Incredible rewards and opportunities await the most innovative young minds across Africa.
Every participant gains invaluable experience, builds lasting connections, and becomes part of a movement transforming Africa through youth innovation.
Enhance your entrepreneurial, presentation, and problem-solving skills through the challenge process.
Connect with like-minded innovators, mentors, and potential collaborators from across Africa.
Open doors to internships, scholarships, and career opportunities in the innovation ecosystem.
Turn your ideas into solutions that can make a real difference in African communities.
Together, we can shift the narrative from "youths are not given opportunities" to "here is the platform where they can thrive."