Deadline: July 20, 2026
Applications are open for the AWIEF Pitch n Grow Competition 2026. The Pitch n Grow is AWIEF’s flagship annual women entrepreneurship pitch competition programme designed to identify, develop, and amplify the most promising women-led ventures across Africa. Through mentorship, training, visibility, and access to opportunities, the programme empowers founders to accelerate their growth and expand their impact.
The Pitch n Grow 2026 Theme is Deep Roots. Digital Futures.
Every edition of Pitch n Grow adopts a strategic theme aligned with AWIEF’s continental priorities and vision for Africa’s future. For 2026, they are shining a spotlight on Deep Technology and the unique advantage Africa already possesses: deep knowledge of local contexts, deep understanding of communities, and deep experience of challenges that the rest of the world is yet to face. This theme challenges women-led ventures to apply deep technology not as an import, but as a tool grown from African soil – creating solutions that are locally rooted, globally relevant, and built for lasting impact.
Prizes
Pitch n Grow 2026 is designed to help women entrepreneurs gain visibility, access new opportunities, and accelerate their growth journey.
- Travel support for finalists
- Opportunity to pitch on a global stage
- Media and PR exposure
- Cash prizes for winners
Eligibility
- Applicant must 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 (2026 Theme).
- 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.
Application
For more information, visit AWIEF Pitch n Grow.
