The HBS Africa Business Club New Venture Competition 2026 is now accepting applications, presenting African entrepreneurs with a significant chance to secure early-stage capital, worldwide recognition, and direct links to investors. This competition gives emerging businesses the platform to present their ideas at one of Africa’s most prestigious business events.
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Held as part of the Harvard Business School (HBS) Africa Business Conference each year, the event draws thousands of participants, including investors, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policy experts. For startups across Africa looking for international reach and legitimate credibility, this competition represents an exceptional launchpad.
Benefits for Participants
Winners and finalists will receive substantial value through the 2026 program:
- Total Prize Money: $55,000
- Top winner: $30,000
- Runner-up: $15,000
- Third position: $10,000
- Live Pitch Platform: Showcase your business model before more than 1,000 attendees, including potential investors, corporate executives, and key industry players.
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- Professional Mentorship: Competitors gain access to expert judges who provide strategic feedback and specialised coaching sessions.
- Direct Investor Engagement: The event serves as a major talent discovery platform for investment professionals targeting African opportunities.
- Media Visibility: Selected companies receive coverage through Harvard Business School networks and international press, strengthening brand recognition and future fundraising efforts.
Who Can Apply?
Qualifying ventures must satisfy these conditions:
- Headquarters or primary operations in Africa, or focused on African customers.
- Workforce: Fewer than 50 people.
- Operating history: Less than 5 years.
- Total capital raised: Under $1 million.
- Clear evidence of a scalable business addressing real market needs.
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The competition welcomes pre-seed and seed-stage companies creating meaningful impact across all sectors — including financial technology, healthcare, agriculture, environmental solutions, transportation, supply chain, artificial intelligence, and the creative industries.
Application Deadline
- Final submission date: December 3, 2025
Click HEREÂ to apply.
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