Deadline: May 30, 2026
Applications are open for the Pierre Castel Prize 2026. The Pierre Castel Fund – Acting with Africa, in collaboration with Castel Afrique, is organising the 9th edition of the Pierre Castel Prize, in seven African countries: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This pan-African program aims to promote innovation on the continent and support high-potential entrepreneurs committed to the sustainable transformation of food systems. The 2026 edition is part of a dynamic of entrepreneurial excellence and distinguishes innovative companies, capable of generating a concrete economic, social and environmental impact, while carrying out a growth ambition on the scale of their market.
Award
National Winners
Each national winner receives the following benefits:
- €25,000: Financial endowment
- One year mentorship program
- One year personalised coaching
Pan-African Laureate
In addition to his or her national endowment, the pan-African winner benefits from:
- €10,000 Additional endowment bringing the total prize to €35,000
- Pan-African Ambassador: A one-year support as an Ambassador of the Pierre Castel Prize
- International events: Support for participation in key international events
- Media spotlight: Pan-African visibility
Finalists: As soon as they are pre-selected, the finalists have access to structuring resources to strengthen their skills and integrate a collective entrepreneurial dynamic.
- Entrepreneurial certification training: Access to e-learning courses offered by the Geneva International Trade Centre (ITC).
- African Builders Network: An integration, from the pre-selection, into a community of entrepreneurs committed to the development of the African continent.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 45 years old;
- Be nationals and residents of one of the countries concerned by this edition: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar or Democratic Republic of Congo;
- Be the founders or co-founders of a legally incorporated company that has been in operation for at least two years;
- Carry out a development project with a measurable economic, social and environmental impact.
Candidates will be required to demonstrate:
- Strong leadership and an ability to embody a role as an “Ambassador of the Prize”;
- An innovative project that responds to a concrete need of food systems;
- A strong territorial anchoring and a contribution to local economic development;
- A proven entrepreneurial capacity, reflected in the structuring and growth of the company;
- A measurable economic, social and environmental impact;
- A potential for development and scaling.
Application
Documents to be provided:
- A CV;
- A copy of an identity document;
- An official document attesting to the legal existence of the company;
- A presentation of the company;
- The company’s financial elements (balance sheet or operating account for the financial years 2024 and 2025)
- A presentation of the development project.
For more information, visit Pierre Castel Prize.
