AWIEF Pitch n Grow 2026

Applications are open for AWIEF Pitch n Grow 2026, an annual pan-African competition supporting women-led ventures with growth opportunities, visibility, and founder development. This year's edition, themed 'Deep Roots. Digital Futures.', focuses on ventures applying deep technology to address local challenges and unlock scalable solutions. Organized by the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum, the program aims to identify and strengthen women-led businesses at different stages of growth, connecting founders to mentorship, exposure, and opportunities for long-term expansion. Participants compete within stage-appropriate tracks: the Idea Track for pre-venture businesses with validated concepts and early-stage prototypes; the Startup Track for early-stage, revenue-generating ventures operating for six months to three years; and the Scale-Up Track for established ventures with over USD 500,000 in revenue or institutional funding, expanding across at least two African markets. Eligibility requires applicants to identify as a woman founder or co-founder, be citizens, residents, or registered operators in an African country, build ventures with a deep technology component serving African markets, be at least 18 years old, and commit to attending the AWIEF 2026 Conference finals if selected. Selected participants will receive training, mentorship, pitch preparation, travel support for finalists, media visibility, cash prizes, and the opportunity to pitch at the AWIEF 2026 Conference.

Applicants must complete an online form, providing their full name, email, phone number, a bio, and uploading their CV/Resume. The application deadline is July 20, 2026.