Entries close on 15 December 2025, and participants are encouraged to create as many high quality templates as they wish using Canva’s design platform.
Purpose of the Canva Design Challenge
The challenge seeks to spotlight African creativity while providing practical tools that support everyday business needs. Participants are asked to design templates that reflect the realities and aspirations of African entrepreneurs.
The goal is to produce designs that are functional, polished and culturally relevant, giving local businesses resources that help them stand out in competitive markets.
What Designers Can Create
The competition invites a wide range of template types, including:
- WhatsApp product menus suitable for showcasing offerings clearly and professionally
- Email templates that simplify communication for business owners and clients
- Business cards that deliver strong brand presence
- Brand kits that help small businesses maintain consistent visual identity
- Social video templates designed to boost engagement across digital platforms
- Creator rate cards that present pricing and services with clarity
- Link in bio layouts that help users organise and highlight key digital touchpoints
These categories reflect common creative needs among entrepreneurs and offer designers the chance to contribute solutions that support business growth.
Canva Africa Design Challenge Prizes and Opportunities
Participants stand the chance to win a share of US 10,000 as well as access to mentorship and exclusive recognition. The prize package includes:
- A share of the US 10,000 prize pool
- One to one mentorship sessions with Canva designers to enhance professional development
- Exclusive Canva merchandise provided to selected winners
- Publication of winning templates on Canva, offering exposure to a global audience
These rewards aim to celebrate outstanding creativity while offering long term value to participants through visibility and professional guidance.
Who Should Enter
The challenge is open to designers across Africa at all skill levels. Whether an experienced professional or a rising creative, any individual with a passion for design and understanding of African business needs is encouraged to participate. The competition welcomes multiple submissions, allowing designers to explore various categories and ideas.
How to Participate
Entrants must use Canva to design their templates and submit them through the official challenge portal before the closing date. Participants are encouraged to focus on originality, functionality and cultural relevance, ensuring that the final templates are both visually appealing and useful in real business contexts.
A Celebration of African Creativity
The Canva Africa Design Challenge positions African designers at the forefront of digital innovation by providing a platform to shape the visual tools used by thousands of businesses. It highlights the creative energy of the continent while contributing practical resources that support economic growth and entrepreneurship.
Deadline Reminder
All entries must be submitted by 15 December 2025. Designers across the continent are invited to contribute their talent, elevate African design and seize the opportunity to gain recognition, mentorship and financial rewards through this vibrant creative challenge.
