Applications are now open for the 2026 New Venture Competition, organised by Harvard Business School’s Africa Business Club, offering early-stage African entrepreneurs the chance to win up to US$55,000 (approximately R1-million) in non-dilutive funding and unparalleled exposure. The competition will culminate at the prestigious Africa Business Conference, scheduled for 27-28 March 2026 in Boston, where finalists pitch before a global audience of investors, corporate leaders and policymakers.
Open exclusively to ventures less than five years old that have raised under US$1 million, the contest seeks innovative, scalable solutions tackling Africa’s most pressing challenges in sectors such as fintech, agritech, health, education and clean energy. The top prize remains US$55,000, with additional awards for runners-up and track-specific winners, bringing the total prize pool to six figures in recent editions.
Beyond cash, the first 30 applicants receive pro-bono consulting support from Harvard MBA students, helping refine business models, financial projections and pitch decks. Finalists gain coveted slots at the conference—one of the largest Africa-focused business gatherings outside the continent—alongside networking opportunities with funds like TLcom Capital, Novastar Ventures and alumni of Y Combinator Africa.
As reported by Disrupt Africa, past winners include Nigerian insurtech Curacel (2023), Kenyan renewable energy platform SunCulture (2022) and South African edtech FoondaMate (2024), many of whom secured follow-on investment shortly after. The competition has awarded over US$500,000 since inception, catalysing businesses now collectively valued at hundreds of millions.
According to Ventureburn, the 2025 edition attracted over 400 applications from 28 African countries, underscoring growing recognition of the platform as a launchpad for the continent’s most promising founders. With Africa’s startup funding rebounding 18 per cent year-to-date in 2025, Harvard’s contest arrives at a pivotal moment, spotlighting innovation amid economic headwinds.
Early submission is encouraged, as the first 30 applicants secure the MBA consulting package. Applications close on 16 January 2026 via the official portal, with semi-finalists announced in February. For founders seeking capital, credibility and connections, few stages carry the global prestige of Harvard’s Africa Business Club.