Women entrepreneurs across Africa have a fresh opportunity to secure funding, mentorship and international exposure, as the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum have opened applications for its Pitch n Grow 2026 competition.
- Women entrepreneurs across Africa have a fresh opportunity to secure funding, mentorship and international exposure, as the Africa Women Innovation...
- The annual initiative invites ambitious founders building deep technology ventures to compete for prizes and present their businesses to investors...
- Eligible ventures span sectors including artificial intelligence, machine learning, biotechnology, fintech, cybersecurity, health technology, agricultural technology, clean energy, water technology,...
- The Early Stage Track welcomes registered startups that are already serving customers and generating revenue, while the Growth Stage Track...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on African startups — everything you need to know is covered below.
The annual initiative invites ambitious founders building deep technology ventures to compete for prizes and present their businesses to investors and industry leaders later this year.
Competition Targets Africa’s Tech Innovators
Pitch n Grow 2026 seeks women founders and co-founders developing technology-driven businesses that tackle social and economic challenges across the continent. This year’s theme, Deep Roots, Digital Futures, encourages entrepreneurs to combine emerging technologies with practical solutions that respond to Africa’s needs.
Eligible ventures span sectors including artificial intelligence, machine learning, biotechnology, fintech, cybersecurity, health technology, agricultural technology, clean energy, water technology, education technology, smart cities and the circular economy. Organisers say the competition aims to strengthen innovation while helping women entrepreneurs expand their businesses and reach new markets.
Three Tracks for Different Business Stages
The programme offers three entry categories to reflect varying stages of business growth. The Pre-Venture Track is open to founders with an idea supported by a prototype or proof of concept. The Early Stage Track welcomes registered startups that are already serving customers and generating revenue, while the Growth Stage Track is reserved for businesses demonstrating strong commercial progress and expansion potential.
Successful applicants will participate in expert-led bootcamps and receive guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, investors and business advisers. They will also gain access to networking opportunities, media visibility and ecosystem partners that can help accelerate business growth.
Finalists to Pitch in Cape Town
The competition will conclude at the AWIEF 2026 Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, on 10 and 11 November, where finalists will present their ventures to investors, corporate executives, and innovation stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. Finalists will also receive travel and accommodation support, while top performers will compete for cash prizes and wider international recognition.
Applications opened on 22 June 2026 and will close on 20 July 2026. Orientation webinars for applicants are scheduled between 1 and 7 July, with finalists expected to be announced on 20 September. Women founders from every African country are encouraged to apply before the deadline and take advantage of one of the continent’s leading entrepreneurship competitions.
Interested applicants should click here to apply.