Female-led startups across Africa have been invited to apply for the latest edition of the AWIEF Pitch n Grow competition, an annual initiative designed to support women entrepreneurs with funding opportunities, business development training, and increased visibility among investors and industry leaders.
Organised by the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), the competition has become one of the continent’s leading platforms for women-led businesses seeking to scale their ventures. Since its launch, Pitch n Grow has empowered dozens of female founders by connecting them with mentors, strategic partners, and potential investors while helping them strengthen their business models.
The competition is open to women founders and co-founders of innovative startups operating across various sectors, including technology, agribusiness, healthcare, financial services, education, climate innovation, manufacturing, and the creative economy. Eligible businesses should demonstrate strong growth potential, market traction, and the ability to create meaningful social or economic impact within their communities.
Applicants selected for the programme will participate in an intensive business acceleration journey that includes mentorship, investment readiness coaching, pitch training, and networking opportunities with successful entrepreneurs and ecosystem stakeholders. The programme culminates in a live pitch event where finalists present their businesses before a panel of judges and investors, competing for cash prizes and additional business support.
Beyond financial rewards, AWIEF says the competition aims to bridge the funding gap that continues to affect women entrepreneurs across Africa. Despite growing entrepreneurial activity among women, female-led startups still attract only a small share of venture capital investment compared to businesses founded by men. Through Pitch n Grow, AWIEF seeks to improve access to capital while equipping founders with the knowledge and confidence needed to secure long-term investment.
The initiative also serves as a platform for showcasing innovative businesses tackling some of Africa’s biggest challenges. Previous participants have developed solutions spanning digital finance, clean energy, agriculture, health technology, education, logistics, and sustainability, reflecting the increasing role women entrepreneurs are playing in driving economic transformation across the continent.
AWIEF has encouraged eligible founders to submit their applications before the deadline, noting that the competition is open to startups at various stages of growth, provided they demonstrate innovation, scalability, and a commitment to creating positive impact. Successful applicants will gain access not only to funding opportunities but also to an influential network of investors, mentors, corporate partners, and fellow entrepreneurs.
As Africa’s startup ecosystem continues to mature, initiatives such as AWIEF Pitch n Grow are becoming increasingly important in addressing gender disparities in entrepreneurship. By investing in women-led businesses and providing them with the resources needed to succeed, the programme contributes to building a more inclusive innovation ecosystem while creating jobs, fostering economic resilience, and inspiring the next generation of female entrepreneurs across the continent.
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