US$1.5 million in annual grants for African entrepreneurs
A pan-African competition offering grants, mentoring, training and international exposure to entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries and sectors.
Use when
Your African business has at least three years of operating history, clear traction and a strong positive-impact story.
Skip when
You are at idea stage, lack three years of proof, or the business is not registered and headquartered in Africa.
Status (20 Aug 2026): 2026 applications closed on 7 May; watch for the next annual cycle. The top 10 share US$1.5m: US$300k winner, US$250k second, US$150k third, and US$100k for each other finalist, plus US$100k for training. Business must be formally registered and headquartered in Africa with at least three years of operations; applications are accepted in English or French.
Alternatives
Equity-free acceleration plus up to $500,000 follow-on in Morocco
Kigali's venture studio and early-stage investor
Mini-MBA and seed prizes for Cameroonian women entrepreneurs
