KPMG is inviting applications for the 2026 Female Founders in Africa Competition, a pan-African pitch contest for women entrepreneurs running technology-enabled businesses. The programme connects founders to mentorship, investors and regional visibility, with finalists pitching at the KPMG Private Enterprise Venture Summit in Nairobi.
Applicants are shortlisted and invited to regional pitch events judged by external investors. Winners from each region advance to the Africa finals.
Businesses compete in three categories:
- Early stage: 1–5 years
- Growth stage: 5–10 years
- Mature stage: 10+ years
Judging focuses on innovation, market potential and financial performance.
Benefits:
- Mentorship from KPMG professionals
- Investor exposure
- Business visibility and branding
- Access to the KPMG founder community
- Recognition as Africa Female Founder of the Year (category winners)
Travel costs are not covered.
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
- Own a registered business in an eligible African country
- Have operated for at least one year
- Run a tech-enabled or tech-driven venture
- Be 18 years or older
- Pitch in English and attend regional and final events if selected
- Not be majority-owned by a corporate entity
Eligible Countries:
East Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda
West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana
Southern Africa: Botswana, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
