African innovators and startups building impactful digital solutions now have an opportunity to gain continental visibility and support through the Connected Africa Summit 2026 Innovation Awards.
Organised as part of the renowned Connected Africa Summit, this initiative seeks to spotlight high-impact startups advancing interoperability, digital inclusion, cross-border trade, and shared digital infrastructure across Africa.
Aligned with the 2026 theme “Uniting Africa’s Innovation for an Inclusive Digital Market,” the Innovation Component will identify promising solutions, support selected startups through a pre-summit boot camp, and provide a platform to showcase innovations during the main summit. The programme is implemented in partnership with the Association of Countrywide Innovation Hubs.
Selected startups will benefit from:
- Participation in a pre-summit boot camp to refine business and scaling strategies
- Exposure to investors, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders
- Opportunity to showcase solutions at a major continental summit
- Networking opportunities to unlock regional market access and partnerships
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Connected Africa Summit Innovation Awards, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Legally Registered Entity: Applicants must operate through a registered company, startup, or organisation in an African country.
- Operational Product or Service: The innovation must be fully developed and actively used for at least six months prior to application.
- African End-Users: Solutions must serve African communities, businesses, institutions, or markets and demonstrate relevance to local challenges or opportunities.
- Digital or Technology-Enabled Innovation: Innovations should leverage digital technologies such as software platforms, artificial intelligence, connectivity solutions, data systems, or digital infrastructure.
Submission Categories
Startups can apply under one of the following innovation tracks:
- Universities Collaboration Category: This special track recognises the role of academic institutions in supporting research-driven and early-stage innovation, particularly in AgriTech and food systems that contribute to Africa’s digital integration agenda.
- Digital Public Infrastructure & GovTech: Solutions that strengthen interoperable public services such as: Digital identity systems, E-government platforms, Data exchange systems, Cross-border public service delivery.
- FinTech & Digital Trade: Innovations enabling: Cross-border payments, Digital financial inclusion, E-commerce platforms, Trade facilitation tools for SMEs.
- HealthTech & E-Health: Technology solutions supporting: Telemedicine and remote care, Health data management, AI-enabled diagnostics, Interoperable health systems.
- Greentech & Smart Infrastructure: Innovations focused on: Renewable energy and sustainable digital infrastructure, Smart cities solutions, Climate data platforms, Technologies reducing the carbon footprint of digital growth