Applications are now open for the 2025 World Bank Group GovTech Innovation Challenge.
This opportunity is open to African startups, businesses, and SMEs interested in co-developing innovative digital solutions for the Ghana Revenue Authority. Selected participants will join a 4-day GovTech Bootcamp in Switzerland and benefit from mentorship, funding, workshops, and high-level networking opportunities.
Program Summary
- Host: World Bank
- Category: Competitions | Training
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Reward: Sponsored Trip to Switzerland | Mentorship & Networking Opportunities
- IELTS: Not Required
- Deadline: September 12, 2025
Program Details
The World Bank Group is inviting early-stage startups, scale-ups, and SMEs across Africa to apply for the 2025 GovTech Innovation Challenge. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between innovative private sector companies and the public sector by addressing real-world challenges in digital governance—specifically, tax administration in Ghana.
Through a highly engaging program, selected participants will gain access to an international innovation ecosystem, present their ideas to global stakeholders, and collaborate directly with the Ghana Revenue Authority to develop impactful solutions.
Program Benefits
Selected companies will participate in the following:
- 4-day GovTech Bootcamp in Switzerland
- Field visits to leading institutions such as International Geneva, State of Vaud, EPFL, EPFL Innovation Park, SICPA, SGS, Kudelski, and more
- Mentoring sessions with domain experts and stakeholders in the Swiss financial and public sectors
- Thematic workshops on:
- B2G engagement
- Regulatory compliance
- Scalability strategies
- Proposal refinement
- Participation in the high-level GovTech Conference in Geneva, featuring over 500 attendees from the public and private sectors
- Opportunity to showcase their solutions to a global audience
- Access to sessions including:
- Quantum in Public Administration
- Digital Trust in Public Sector Digitization
- AI in Public Administration
- Resource Mobilization, Tax Administration & Digital Trust
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the challenge, applicants must:
- Be legally registered as a business
- Employ fewer than 75 staff members
- Have annual revenue below $5 million USD
- Possess relevant technical, business, and operational expertise
- Be able to commit to the full challenge process and activities
Application Timeline
- Proposal Submission: July 28 – September 12
Applicants are expected to outline their technical approach, implementation plan, and proposed impact on Ghana’s tax administration. - Information Sessions: August 18 – September 12
Online Q&A sessions with the Ghana Revenue Authority to discuss technical requirements and clarify expectations. - Pitch Sessions: September 15 – 26
Finalists will present their ideas to the Selection Committee, which includes representatives from the World Bank, Swiss Secretariat for Economic Affairs, and Trust Valley partners. - Final Selection: October 3
Top 3 companies will be selected and offered full support to develop a Proof of Concept (PoC). - GovTech Bootcamp & Conference in Switzerland: December 2
Selected teams will refine their proposals alongside the Ghana Revenue Authority and World Bank, and present at the official GovTech Conference. - Prototyping Phase: 2026
Selected proposals will be implemented as pilot solutions for the Ghana Revenue Authority.
How to Apply
To apply for the World Bank Group GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025:
- Visit the official application portal
- Complete and submit the application form with the required proposal and company information
- Ensure submission before the deadline
Applications will be reviewed, and selected teams will be contacted for further engagement.
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