Wharton Africa Business Forum New Venture Competition

Hosted annually as part of theWharton Africa Business Forum, the New Venture Competition provides founders with an opportunity to compete fornon-dilutive funding, gain exposure to leading investors and entrepreneurs, and pitch live at one of the world’s longest-running Africa-focused business conferences.

This year’s conference theme,“Built by Billions: Africa’s Future on Africa’s Terms,”celebrates the collective ambition, innovation, and agency of Africans across the continent and its diaspora. The New Venture Competition sits at the heart of this vision by spotlighting entrepreneurs building the businesses that will shape Africa’s future.

Last year atWABF32, more than USD 30K in non-dilutive funding was awarded to the competition’s top three startups. This year, theTop 5 Finalists will once again take the stage during the Wharton Africa Business Forum (in Philadelphia, PA) onNovember 6, 2026, pitching live before an audience of investors, operators, business leaders, and a distinguished panel of judges.

What selected ventures receive

Finalists will receive:

• Opportunity to compete fornon-dilutive funding

• Live pitch opportunity at the 33rd Wharton Africa Business Forum

• Exposure to leading African investors, founders, operators, and ecosystem leaders

• Visibility among hundreds of conference attendees from across Africa and the global diaspora

• Access to one of the largest Africa-focused business networks at the Wharton School

What we’re looking for

Applications will be evaluated across five dimensions:

• Founding Team – Demonstrated execution ability, complementary skills, and a strong track record.

• Market & Traction – Evidence of product-market fit, customer validation, and a meaningful market opportunity.

• Product & Business Model – A compelling solution with a scalable and commercially sustainable business model.

• Impact – Clear contribution toward solving meaningful challenges across Africa, including alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals where applicable.

• Clarity & Communication – A persuasive vision, strong storytelling, and a well-structured pitch deck.

Eligibility

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Fewer than50 full-time employees

• Less thanUSD 250K raised to date

• Business has a direct connection to Africa (headquartered on the continent or abroad)

Timeline

• Applications Open: June 1, 2026

• Applications Close: August 1, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)

• Finalists Announced: Late August, 2026

• Live Final: November 6, 2026, at the Wharton Africa Business Forum in Philadelphia

How to Apply

Applications are now open and will close onAugust 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Late applications will not be accepted.

Apply here:bit.ly/WABF33NVC