Pitch n Grow 2026

About

A pitch competition designed to empower women entrepreneurs across Africa, offering expert training, mentorship, and the chance to gain visibility and funding through a structured competition format. Participants will engage in various stages tailored to their business maturity, culminating in a live pitch at a major conference.

Benefits

• 🎓Expert Training Bootcamps
  Selected participants will benefit from expert-led training bootcamps
• 🤝Mentorship
  Mentorship from industry leaders and investors
• 🌐Ecosystem Access
  Access to ecosystem partners and media exposure
• 🎤Pitch Opportunity
  Opportunity to pitch at the AWIEF 2026 Conference
• ✈️ Travel Support
  Travel and accommodation support for finalists
• 💰Cash Prizes
  Cash prizes and global visibility.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to women entrepreneurs across Africa
• Must be working in priority sectors such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, AgriTech, HealthTech, Clean Energy, Water Technology, Biotech, FinTech, Cybersecurity, EdTech, Smart Cities, Circular Economy, and Frontier Technologies
• Competition structured in three categories: Pre-Venture for early ideas with prototypes or proof of concept, Early-Stage for registered startups with active customers and revenue, and Growth-Stage for scaling ventures with demonstrated traction and regional expansion.

Participation Commitments

• Selected finalists will pitch their ventures live at the AWIEF 2026 Conference on 10 and 11 November 2026
• Orientation webinars in early July
• Commitment to participate in training and mentorship sessions.

Target Region

Africa

Target Sector

All sectors