HBS Africa Business Club New Venture Competition 2026

About

The HBS Africa Business Club New Venture Competition 2026 is designed for early-stage startups located in Africa or serving the African market, offering a total prize pool of $55,000, invaluable connections to investors, expert guidance, and significant media exposure, making it an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs focused on innovative solutions in various industries.

Benefits

• Total prize pool of $55,000 (1st place $30,000, 2nd place $15,000, 3rd place $10,000)
• Opportunity to pitch at a live conference with over 1,000 investors, business leaders, and ecosystem partners
• Guidance and targeted consulting from experienced judges
• Connections to potential investors and partnership opportunities
• High exposure through HBS channels and global media, enhancing credibility and fundraising potential

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a startup located in Africa or serving the African market
• Team size of less than 50 people
• Company established for no more than 5 years
• Total funding raised must be less than $1 million
• Must demonstrate a viable, scalable business model that addresses a problem
• Suitable for pre-seed and seed stage startups
• Industry focus is not limited, including but not limited to fintech, health, agriculture, climate, transportation, logistics, AI, creative economy