Deadline: February 16, 2026
Applications are open for the AfricaTech Award 2026. For four years, the AfricaTech Award has recognized and supported African startups striving to transform the business landscape across the continent. This year, they are inviting African startups from all industries to participate in the award. Apply now and join them for the 10th edition of VivaTech, taking place from 17–20 June 2026 in Paris.
The objective is to showcase the abundance of talent and innovators in Africa, while creating new opportunities for emerging startups across the continent. The six finalists will be invited to pitch at VivaTech 2026 in June. The winner will be announced alongside the other award recipients during the VivaTech Global Awards Ceremony, gaining significant visibility and a prominent spotlight throughout the event.
Benefits
- For the Top 30: One VivaTech Startup Pass
- For the six finalists:
- A free booth in the AfricaTech Village
- Enjoy an invitation package, including flight and four VivaTech passes
- Pitch your product onstage in front of a jury of top decision-makers and investors
- One-to-one meetings scheduled with VCs
- Strong visibility across VivaTech
- For the Winner:
- Pitch your solution during the VivaTech Global Awards Ceremony
- Gain extensive visibility across VivaTech
- Enjoy mentoring from jury members (TBD)
Eligibility
- The startup must have its main office located in Africa.
- The startup must offer a solution or product that addresses the African market.
- The startup must have raised more than USD 150K.
Selection Criteria
- Innovation: Relevance and innovation level of the tech solution compared to existing alternatives (size, problem solved, technology used, protection of the innovation, etc.)
- Impact: Innovative product/solution addressing an important global challenge with a high social, economic, environmental, or gender impact.
- Scalability: Market sizing and scalability potential of the startup, track record of scaling (target addressable market, geographic ambition on the continent, clients targeted, etc.)
- Team Profile: Quality and size of the team (expertise, entrepreneurship background, academic background, number of employees, etc.)
- Business Model: Demonstrated ability to monetize the business model and achieve sustainable operations, supported by clear traction and proven product-market fit (startup maturity, commercial traction, number of clients, annual global revenue growth, etc.).
Application
For more information, visit AfricaTech Award.
