African founders building high-growth ventures now have a major opportunity to access seed funding, global visibility, and investor connections through the HBS Africa Business Club New Venture Competition 2026. Applications are officially open, offering early-stage companies the chance to pitch at one of the most influential African business gatherings in the world.
The competition forms part of the annual Harvard Business School (HBS) Africa Business Conference, attracting thousands of investors, innovators, founders, and policymakers. For African startups seeking international exposure and credible validation, this is one of the continent’s strongest springboards.
What You Stand to Gain
The 2026 edition offers a high-value package for emerging African ventures:
$55,000 Prize Pool
$30,000 – First place
$15,000 – Second place
$10,000 – Third place
Pitch to 1,000+ Live Audience Members
Present your solution to a room filled with investors, business leaders, and ecosystem partners.
Mentorship & Expert Feedback
Participants receive guidance from experienced judges and access to targeted advisory sessions.
Investor Access & Deal Flow Opportunities
The competition is a key scouting ground for investors focused on Africa.
High-Level Publicity
Exposure across HBS channels and global media, boosting your credibility and fundraising potential.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, startups must meet the following criteria:
Must be Africa-based or serving African markets
Team size: Under 50 employees
Company age: Under 5 years
Funding raised so far: Less than $1 million
Must demonstrate a viable, scalable, and problem-solving business model
This competition is ideal for pre-seed and seed-stage founders building impactful solutions in any industry — fintech, health, agriculture, climate, mobility, logistics, AI, creative economy, and more.
