The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has announced the launch of Pitch n Grow 2026, its flagship annual pitch competition designed to identify, nurture, and amplify high-potential women-led ventures across Africa. The initiative seeks to support female entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing challenges through technology and enterprise.
Selected finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses live at the AWIEF 2026 Conference, scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 10 and 11, 2026. The programme is expected to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders from across the continent.
This year’s competition is themed “Deep Roots, Digital Futures,” reflecting AWIEF’s commitment to promoting innovation that is deeply rooted in African realities while leveraging emerging technologies to drive sustainable development. According to the organisers, the theme encourages women entrepreneurs to apply advanced technologies in ways that address local challenges and create globally relevant solutions.
Applications are open to women founders and co-founders from all African countries who are building ventures in priority sectors including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, AgriTech, HealthTech, Clean Energy, Water Technology, Biotech, FinTech, Cybersecurity, EdTech, Smart Cities, Circular Economy, and other frontier technology areas.
The competition features three tracks tailored to businesses at different growth stages. These include the Pre-Venture Track for concept-stage startups with prototypes or proof of concept, the Early-Stage Track for registered startups with active customers and revenue, and the Growth-Stage Track for scaling ventures demonstrating strong traction and regional expansion.
Successful participants will gain access to expert-led bootcamps, mentorship from industry leaders and investors, exposure to ecosystem partners and media, and an opportunity to showcase their ventures before a global audience. Finalists will also receive travel and accommodation support to attend the conference, alongside cash prizes and international visibility.
Applications for Pitch n Grow 2026 opened on June 22, 2026, and will close on July 20, 2026. Orientation webinars for applicants are expected to hold between July 1 and July 7, while finalist announcements are scheduled for September 20, 2026.
What this means for MSMEs
For women-led startups and SMEs across Africa, Pitch n Grow 2026 offers more than a pitching opportunity. The programme provides access to mentorship, investor networks, business development support, and continental visibility—resources that many early-stage ventures often struggle to access. As Africa’s innovation ecosystem continues to expand, initiatives such as Pitch n Grow can play a crucial role in helping women entrepreneurs scale sustainable and investment-ready businesses.