funding: Cash prizes plus travel support for finalists
location: Africa (citizen, resident, or startup registered in an African nation)
host: African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF)
source-url: https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/06/24/awief-pitch-n-grow-competition-2026/
apply-url: https://awief.untap.us/register?to=/programs/pitchngrow2026%23block-about?custom_apply=true
The AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026 is an annual women entrepreneurship pitch competition programme that aims to empower women founders and co-founders to accelerate their growth and expand their impact. With a focus on deep technology, the programme provides mentorship, training, and access to opportunities. This year, the competition is expected to attract a diverse range of applicants from across Africa.
Overview
The AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026 is designed to help women entrepreneurs gain visibility, access new opportunities, and accelerate their growth journey. The programme is themed around Deep Roots, Digital Futures, and challenges women-led ventures to apply deep technology to create locally rooted and globally relevant solutions.
- Deep technology core
- Built for lasting impact
- Mentorship
- Training
- Visibility
- Access to opportunities
Eligibility
The AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026 is open to women founders or co-founders who are citizens, residents, or registered operators in one of the African nations. The venture must be built around a deep technology core and primarily serve or target African localized markets.
- Identify as a woman founder or co-founder
- Citizen, resident, or registered operator in one of the African nations
- Venture must be built around a deep technology core
- Founder must be 18 years of age or older
- Venture primarily serves or targets African localized markets
- Founder commits to attending the in-person pitching Finals in Cape Town, if selected
Benefits
- Travel support for finalists
- Opportunity to pitch on a global stage
- Media and PR exposure
- Cash prizes for winners
How to Apply
To apply for the AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026, applicants must submit their applications by July 20, 2026.
- Submit application by July 20, 2026
- Provide required documents and information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the theme of the AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026?
The theme of the AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026 is Deep Roots, Digital Futures.
Who is eligible to apply for the AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026?
The AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026 is open to women founders or co-founders who are citizens, residents, or registered operators in one of the African nations.
What are the benefits of participating in the AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026?
The benefits of participating in the AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026 include travel support for finalists, opportunity to pitch on a global stage, media and PR exposure, and cash prizes for winners.
What is the deadline for submitting applications for the AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026?
The deadline for submitting applications for the AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026 is July 20, 2026.
Where will the in-person pitching Finals take place?
The in-person pitching Finals will take place in Cape Town.