Call for Project Ideas: ITU Regional Initiative Accelerator – Innovation
Location: Malawi (open to stakeholders in Africa, the Arab States and Europe)
Employer: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Closing date: 15 November 2026
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) invites stakeholders to submit project ideas to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under its Regional Initiative Accelerator (RIA). This call focuses on innovation.
The call is open to stakeholders in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, innovators, start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other relevant organisations.
The RIA is designed to accelerate the implementation of ITU-approved Regional Initiatives for 2026–2029 through practical, sustainable and investment-ready projects. It brings stakeholders together to identify emerging challenges, develop innovative solutions and mobilise partnerships and resources for implementation.
Areas of focus
Project proposals should align with the relevant ITU Regional Initiatives on innovation, particularly:
- Development of digital applications, MSMEs and digital innovation ecosystems.
- Sustainable funding mechanisms for Africa’s digital transformation.
- Support for innovative digital ecosystems and the adoption and use of emerging technologies.
- Enabling innovation, investment and sustainability in the ICT sector.
Submission requirements
Project ideas should:
- Clearly identify a problem linked to the expected outcomes of an applicable ITU Regional Initiative.
- Demonstrate the relevance, originality, viability and potential impact of the proposed solution.
- Outline the resources and stakeholder partnerships required for implementation.
- Demonstrate initial commitment and capacity to advance the proposed project.
- Explain how the project will be sustained beyond its implementation period.
How to submit
Complete the prescribed ITU Project Idea Submission Form and submit the proposal in English by email to [email protected] no later than 15 November 2026. Only one submission per organisation is permitted.
Project ideas will be evaluated on originality, relevance, sustainability, viability, impact and stakeholder engagement. Selected project teams will be invited to co-design workshops to develop their proposals into implementation-ready projects.
Co-design workshop
Selected project teams from Africa, the Arab States and Europe will be invited to a co-design workshop in Lilongwe, Malawi, from 2 to 4 December 2026. It will be hosted by MACRA and Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), with support from the ITU and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China.
Further information
Contact the ITU focal point, Mr Mohamed Ba, at [email protected], copying [email protected].
Full details of the Regional Initiative Accelerator and the application process: ITU Regional Initiative Accelerator
Dated 6 November 2026. Signed: Mayamiko Nkoloma, PhD, MACRA Director General.