Startup Pitch Events at Africa’s Biggest Conferences
Startup Pitch Events at Africa’s Biggest Conferences
Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape is experiencing a dynamic transformation, with startup pitch events emerging as pivotal platforms for innovation, investment, and collaboration. These competitions, held during the continent’s most prominent tech conferences, offer startups unparalleled opportunities to showcase their solutions, attract funding, and forge strategic partnerships.
Africa Tech Festival – Cape Town, South Africa (November 10–14, 2025)
The Africa Tech Festival, encompassing AfricaCom and AfricaTech, stands as the continent’s largest tech event. Scheduled from November 10 to 14, 2025, in Cape Town, this festival focuses on digital transformation, AI, fintech, and connectivity. A highlight of the festival is the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition, in partnership with the Startup World Cup and powered by Pegasus Tech Ventures. This competition provides startups with a platform to present their innovations to a diverse audience, including investors and tech leaders. The winner advances to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, competing for a $1 million investment prize. (africatechfestival.com)
African Startup Expo – Casablanca, Morocco (November 19–21, 2025)
Following closely, the African Startup Expo is set to take place from November 19 to 21, 2025, at the Casablanca International Fair in Morocco. As a leading B2B event, it brings together innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship stakeholders from across Africa. The expo features a Pitch Competition where startups can present their projects to a panel of investors and industry experts, aiming to foster innovation and position Morocco as a continental hub for startups. (africanstartupexpo.com)
Ocean Innovation Africa – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (February 24–28, 2025)
Earlier in the year, from February 24 to 28, 2025, Dar es Salaam hosted Ocean Innovation Africa, a summit dedicated to sustainable ocean solutions. The event included a Start-Up Pitch Competition, inviting African ocean-impact startups to present their science-based solutions addressing challenges like overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. Finalists had the opportunity to connect with investors, corporates, and grant providers, with the winner receiving a $2,000 prize and additional rewards. (ocean-innovation.africa)
Tech Unite Africa Conference – Lagos, Nigeria (March 27, 2025)
In March, Lagos was the venue for the Tech Unite Africa Conference, which featured the Startup World Cup regional competition. This event provided tech startups the chance to pitch their ideas, with the winner advancing to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in Silicon Valley, competing for a $1 million investment. The conference attracted a diverse audience, including investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs. (eventbrite.com)
Cape Town Startup of the Year – Pitch Battle (September 18, 2025)
On September 18, 2025, Cape Town will host the Startup of the Year Pitch Battle, organized by Startup Grind. This competition invites tech-driven startups with scalable business models to pitch in front of investors and industry leaders. The winner earns the title of “Startup of the Year” and qualifies for the Global Startup Grind Pitch Battle in February 2026, offering exposure to Silicon Valley venture capitalists. (meetup.com)
The Big Pitch 2025 – Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa
The Big Pitch 2025, hosted by Startup Club ZA, is set to be one of South Africa’s most significant startup pitch events. With qualifiers in Johannesburg and Cape Town, this competition connects early-stage entrepreneurs with angel investors, venture capitalists, and industry leaders. Finalists receive coaching, exposure to top-tier investors, and the opportunity to showcase their businesses in front of a live audience. (vc4a.com)
SiGMA Africa Startup Pitch – Cape Town, South Africa (August 4–6, 2026)
Looking ahead, SiGMA Africa will host its Startup Pitch from August 4 to 6, 2026, in Cape Town. This event offers startups the chance to pitch their ideas in front of over 30 venture capitalists. Selected startups will showcase their products, with the top six competing in the final pitch for potential equity investment and a comprehensive prize package designed to boost their growth. (sigma.world)
These events underscore the vibrant and rapidly evolving startup ecosystem across Africa. By providing platforms for entrepreneurs to present their innovations, connect with investors, and gain international exposure, these pitch competitions play a crucial role in driving technological advancement and economic growth on the continent.
