Call for Applications: 2026 KPMG Female Founders in Africa Competition

Application Deadline: 28 February 2026

About the Competition

The 2026 KPMG Female Founders in Africa Competition is delighted to invite applications from dynamic female entrepreneurs across the continent. In a world marked by ever-evolving global dynamics, we are seeking resilient and ambitious ventures owned and led by women across a diverse array of sectors, including technology, health, agriculture, and beyond.

We especially encourage female founders who have shown the tenacity to navigate challenges, possess a clear vision for growth, and demonstrate strong market potential to apply. This competition aims to empower women entrepreneurs not only by offering essential support, resources, and networking opportunities but also by equipping them to thrive amidst uncertainty and change.

If you are a female founder with an innovative business model and an unwavering commitment to driving positive transformation within your community, we want to hear from you. Apply now to join this year’s competition and take the next bold step in your entrepreneurial journey, showing resilience in the face of shifting global realities.

Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Registration: Be a registered company in the country/region where the country/region final is being held.
• Ownership: Must be female-owned.
• Operational History: Have been active in operation for at least one year.
• Nature of Business: Be either a tech-enabled, tech-driven, or tech-led business.
• Corporate Structure: Not be majority-owned by a large corporate.
• Language Proficiency: Be able to conduct all pitches in English.
• Availability: Be available to pitch at a country or regional event for the semi-final and final in the timeline outlined by the country of origin (if applicable). If selected as a finalist, be available to pitch at the Finals in 2026.

Application Process

The selection journey follows a structured, multi-stage process:

1. Call for Applications: Initial submission of applications.
2. Submission of Supporting Details: Provision of all required supplementary information and documentation.
3. Shortlist Selection: A panel of experts reviews all submissions and selects a shortlist, inviting teams to the pitching event. (Note: The organizers reserve the right to move competitors to the online “other countries” group and have them compete there.)
4. Regional Pitching: Shortlisted founders pitch their ventures to a jury panel comprised of investors. Regional winners are announced following this stage.
5. Pitching Finals: Regional winners proceed to the final pitching stage, where the “Best female-founder” is announced for each category: early, growth, and mature ventures.

Benefits of the Competition

Selected participants and winners stand to gain valuable support and exposure:

• Mentorship: Access to the KPMG mentorship programme.
• Investor Connections: Access to investors’ deals.
• Visibility: Branding and visibility opportunities for your startup.
• Community: Access to ongoing community engagements and networking events.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a registered company in the country/region where the country/region final is being held
• Must be female-owned
• Have been active in operation for at least one year
• Be either a tech-enabled, tech-driven or tech-led business
• Not be majority-owned by a large corporate
• Be able to conduct all pitches in English
• Be available to pitch at a country or regional event for the semi-final and final in the timeline outlined by the country of origin (if applicable).
• If selected as a finalist, be available to pitch at the Finals in 2026.

Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the KPMG Female Founders in Africa Competition