African startups are invited to apply for the prestigious New Venture Competition, organized by Harvard Business School’s Africa Business Club. This competition offers a substantial prize pool of up to US$55,000, providing a significant boost for entrepreneurs aiming to address pressing challenges across the continent with innovative solutions.
The New Venture Competition is a key component of the annual Africa Business Conference, which is scheduled to take place in February in Boston. The event is hosted by the Africa Business Club, a student-run organization at Harvard Business School. It serves as a premier platform for showcasing the achievements of African entrepreneurs and fostering meaningful dialogue about the continent’s business landscape.
Each year, the conference attracts global investors, industry experts, and innovators who are eager to explore Africa’s burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem. This year, ten promising startups will be selected as finalists to attend the event. These finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of seasoned judges, including investors, successful entrepreneurs, and industry veterans.
The selected finalists not only stand a chance to win up to US$55,000 in cash prizes but also gain invaluable feedback from a global panel with diverse expertise. The competition provides these startups with an opportunity to refine their strategies and gain exposure to a global audience.
In recent years, Africa has witnessed a dramatic rise in startup activity, particularly within the fintech, e-commerce, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors. This growth aligns with a surge in venture capital interest, as investors increasingly view African markets as ripe for innovation and high-impact solutions.
The New Venture Competition aims to support this growth by showcasing Africa’s entrepreneurial talent and encouraging investment in transformative solutions across the continent. Applications for the competition are open until November 12.
African startups with innovative solutions and ambitious goals are encouraged to apply, capitalizing on this unique opportunity to connect with a global network, gain expert insights, and compete for prizes that could significantly impact their growth and scalability.
Interested startups can apply here.
