HBS Africa Business Club – New Venture Competition 2026

This competition offers early companies a concentrated chance to win seed capital and to present their proposition to a high-value audience. Beyond prize money, participating teams gain feedback from experienced judges and the opportunity to connect with investors interested in African ventures.

Benefits of Participation

1. US$55,000 total prize pool, distributed as US$30,000 for first place, US$15,000 for second place, and US$10,000 for third place.
2. Pitching exposure to a live audience of more than 1,000 conference attendees, including investors, founders, and industry experts.
3. Mentorship and investor access through meetings and feedback sessions with judges and conference delegates.
4. Publicity and networking that can help founders accelerate market entry and fundraising efforts.

Eligibility for Participation

1. Startups must be Africa-based or primarily operate in African markets
2. Team size must be under 50 employees
3. Company age must be under five years
4. Total funding raised to date must be below US$1 million
5. Applicants should demonstrate a viable, scalable business model that addresses a local problem