New venture
competition

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The ABC New Venture Competition backs founders building for Africa and the diaspora. Alumni have gone on to raise capital, land pilots, and hire across markets. This year adds expanded mentorship and resources to sharpen both the story and the numbers.
About

Compete to win $55,000

Requirements
The New Venture Competition exists to spotlight ambitious founders across Africa and give them a platform to share bold ideas that can shape the continent’s future. Each year, it draws applications from entrepreneurs working to solve meaningful challenges and create lasting impact.

From this pool, a select group of semi-finalists is invited to pitch their ventures before a large audience and a panel of seasoned judges. The experience is designed to offer more than visibility  participants receive valuable feedback, mentorship, and exposure to investors and industry leaders who understand the realities of building in Africa.

Finalists are recognised for their innovation and potential, with awards that help accelerate their growth. Beyond the main competition, selected ventures also gain opportunities to showcase their companies at conference events, connect with hiring and investment partners, and join networking sessions featuring distinguished speakers and Africa-focused VCs.

Sponsored by

Early-bird perk!

First 30 applications receive Harvard MBA consulting support*.
Apply now
Application closes
DEC 05 2025

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some Previous winners

2024 finalist
Onye Blocks
This year’s speakers are influential leaders from across Africa, known for driving meaningful change.
Apply now
2024 finalist
Onye Blocks
This year’s speakers are influential leaders from across Africa, known for driving meaningful change.
Apply now
2024 finalist
Onye Blocks
This year’s speakers are influential leaders from across Africa, known for driving meaningful change.
Apply now
Finalist

Our previous  startup
Selection

This year’s speakers are influential leaders from across Africa, known for driving meaningful change. They’ll share insights that inspire growth, shape the future, and leave a lasting impact. Join us in celebrating these remarkable voices.
Finalist announced
DEC 15 2025

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Details

Key Dates, Requirements, and Details

TimelineEligibilitySelection CriteriaAwards & SupportStart Applicaiton
Application closes
DEC 05 2025

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DAYS

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Timeline

1
NOV 15 2025
Applications open for submission
Applications will be collected until November 15, 2025 11:59 pm EST. Afterwards, submissions will be reviewed and selected.
2
DEC 05 2025
Application Deadline
The application deadline is December 5th, 2025. All submissions must be received by 11:59 pm EST, after which entries will be reviewed and shortlisted for the next stage.
2
TBA
Coaching & Office Hours
Coaching and office hours will be scheduled to help teams refine their ideas, strengthen their pitches, and receive targeted guidance from experienced mentors.
2
DEC 15 2025
10 Finalists announced
On December 15th, 2025 the semi-finalists will be notified. Semi finalists will be paired with HBS resources in preparation for the big day
3
Mar 27 -28 2026
3 winners will be selected
10 semi-finalists will pitch live in front of over 1100 attendees at Harvard Business School on Friday, February 14th, 2025 and 3 winners will be selected.

Eligibility

Entrepreneurs who offer unique and homegrown solutions to local problems and who meet the following eligibility criteria are highly encouraged to apply:
Criteria
  • Prior awards: not a recipient of previous funding from ABC NVC or our sponsors
  • All African and Africa-focused entrepreneurs with businesses focused on shaping Africa's future.
  • Early stage startups : At least a prototype or MVP (no minimum revenue required)
  • Africa-focused with a majority or all of its operations in Africa
  • Less than 5 years in operation
  • Raised less $1,000,000 in funding to date

Selection criteria

The Competition is about assessing the commercial merit and potential viability of each proposed new venture. The judges will evaluate its potential for economic success and the likelihood of achieving that success based upon the team's plan, experience, and the validation of key assumptions and a clear and convincing presentation of the following:
Criteria
  • The Team (relevance to problem/breadth/depth of skills; ability to execute)
  • The Problem (what is it, how painful is it, who is facing it?)
  • The Solution (product or service?  technology or more analog? has it been done before?)
  • The Context & Opportunity (timing, market size/need, ability to penetrate, strong value proposition and business model, regulatory/tax/political and industry context)
  • Go-to-Market Strategy - (who is your target customer, how will you acquire and scale?)
  • Competitive Landscape - (competitors, Barriers to Entry, Differentiation)
  • Risks & Unknowns - (how will you mitigate risks and test assumptions?)
  • Financials (How will you generate revenue in the short to longer term? what is your model?)
  • Traction & Execution (What have you done so far and still need to do in terms of testing, validation, and growth hypothesis as well as defined milestones)”

Awards & support

1
Prizes
Up to $55K in prize money awarded at the 2026 HBS Africa Business
Conference.
2
Early-bird perk
First 30 applications receive Harvard MBA consulting support*.

*Subject to availability and program guidelines.
3
Post-competition
Exclusive perks such as curated networking, an alumni feature on ABC socials etc.
1
Judges & Mentors:
Gain access to cross-functional operators, investors, and domain experts offering pragmatic feedback and honest questions designed to help teams ship.
5
Resources
Get templates for a one-pager and 10-slide deck, plus access to pitch-clinic videos covering problem framing, traction storytelling, and how to make the ask.
Apply

Join the Competition

Will your startup be this year’s winner?
Submit NVC Application
Application closes
DEC 05 2025

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FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about how to get involved, join a team, or attend an event? Find quick answers to help you plug into community life.
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