The Africa Fintech Summit has announced that it is now accepting applications for the 7th AlphaExpo Mini Accelerator & Pitch Competition.
This event will be part of the 12th Africa Fintech Summit at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 4-6, 2024. The Pitch Competition is scheduled for the afternoon of September 6, following a full-day summit on September 5.
Early-stage startups with a focus on digital payments are invited to apply. Eligible startups must operate in Africa or be founded by the African diaspora with a strong focus on the African market.
They should have a legally established business and not have raised more than $1 million in external funding. Startups from sectors like climate solutions, e-commerce, Tradetech, Regtech, Climatetech, Carbon credit solutions, Payments, Blockchain, DeFi, Agritech, Healthtech, and Logistics are welcome.
A panel of judges will select 15 early-stage startups. Half of the slots are reserved for Kenyan startups. Applications are open until July 15, 2024. Selected startups will be notified by July 31, 2024.
Also Read: Nairobi To Host 12th Edition Africa Fintech Summit This September at GTC JW Marriott Hotel
Startup Support and Awards
Chosen startups will receive coaching on storytelling, investor readiness, and pitch presentation skills. They will connect with investors and partners for potential long-term collaborations. The top three startups will receive awards during the summit.
Since the first AlphaExpo pitch competition in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2018, over 70 startups from 18 countries have participated. Past participants have collectively raised over $200 million from investors like Google, Coinbase, Block, Mastercard, and IBM. This year’s event in Nairobi aims to continue providing growth opportunities for startups.
Tickets for the Africa Fintech Summit in Nairobi are available at Africa Fintech Summit.
The Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS) is a leading global initiative that supports the African fintech ecosystem. It is held annually in Washington, D.C., each April during the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings and in an African city each September or November.
AFTS aims to support financial technology that drives economic growth and financial inclusion. The summit engages regulators, attracts new investors, and supports early-stage entrepreneurs.
Since its inception, AFTS has facilitated over $300 million in venture investment to Africa and supported various bilateral agreements and company expansions.
In 2024, AFTS will continue to expand, aiming to strengthen US-Africa tech and investment partnerships during the Nairobi summit.