Igniting Growth for Start Ups
Africa Tech Festival is the launchpad for Africa’s most promising start-ups. Engage in the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition to present your innovations to leading investors and industry experts. Connect with influential figures in the tech ecosystem, gain valuable insights, and position your start-up for significant growth. AfricaIgnite is crafted to accelerate your start-up's journey, offering the perfect environment to secure funding, build strategic partnerships, and elevate your business in Africa's booming tech landscape. Join us and take your start-up to the next level.
What's in it for you?
Access to Investors
Engage in curated matchmaking and networking with top-tier VCs and angel investors.
Funding & Growth Opportunities
Join the Founders Academy for industry deep dives and upskilling workshops.
Community & Collaboration
Meet like-minded entrepreneurs and potential business partners.
Sample itinerary for startups
Monday 10 November – AfricaIgnite: Founder Bootcamp & Investor Day
expand_lessFounder Bootcamp at Innovation City
Hands-on workshops for early-stage founders on pitch refinement, go-to-market, legal structuring, and navigating the African investment landscape.Investor–Founder Matchmaking
Apply in advance for curated 1:1 meetings with active African and global investors.
Tuesday 11 November – AfricaIgnite Expo Opens
expand_morePitch Showcases: Fintech & HealthTech (Main Stage)
Live pitches with investor Q&A and audience voting—opportunity to watch peers or participate (if shortlisted).Founders in Fintech Breakfast (Invite-only)
Network with fellow founders and investors operating in fintech.Founders Academy Workshops (Conference Room)
How to build a fundable business in Africa
Term sheets & investor negotiation tactics
The art of storytelling to attract investors
Early-stage fundraising: Do's and Don’ts
Expo Booth Opportunities
Access to Market Square to showcase your startup to enterprise and government buyers.Matchmaking
Pre-scheduled 1:1s with investors via the matchmaking add-on.
Wednesday 12 November
expand_morePitch Showcases: AI & GreenTech (Main Stage)
Focus on deeptech, AI solutions, and climate/sustainability startups.VC & LP Breakfast (Observation/networking depending on access level)
While primarily investor-focused, startups nearby may gain access to post-event networking.Founders Academy Workshops
Scaling operations across borders
Hiring and culture in pan-African startups
Building a startup that attracts exit interest
Startup World Cup Pitch Final
Finalists pitch for a global prize and recognition.Investor–Founder Matchmaking
Other Ongoing Opportunities
expand_moreMarket Square & Tech Demos
Great for founders to scout partnerships, distribution opportunities, and competitor landscape.Startup Registration Perks
Includes access to AfricaIgnite content, investor intros, and visibility in the app.Networking Lounges
Meet ecosystem players from accelerators, incubators, corporates, and development partners.
Startup Pass Criteria
Our Start-up Pass is reserved for tech start-up founders and senior decision makers (Director+) and gives access to Africa Tech Festival’s anchor events, AfricaTech, AfricaCom, AfricaIgnite and The AI Summit Cape Town (core event dates are 11-13 November) and their features.
If you apply for this pass and do not meet the criteria, the team will be in contact to amend your pass type.