Pitch n Grow is AWIEF’s flagship annual women entrepreneurship pitch competition programme, designed to identify, develop, and amplify the most promising women-led ventures across Africa.
Through mentorship, training, visibility, and access to opportunities, the programme empowers founders to accelerate their growth and expand their impact.
Theme
Introducing the Pitch n Grow 2026 Theme:
Deep Roots. Digital Futures.
Every edition of Pitch n Grow adopts a strategic theme aligned with AWIEF’s continental priorities and vision for Africa’s future.
For 2026, we are shining a spotlight on Deep Technology and the unique advantage Africa already possesses: deep knowledge of local contexts, deep understanding of communities, and deep experience of challenges that the rest of the world is yet to face.
This theme challenges women-led ventures to apply deep technology not as an import, but as a tool grown from African soil – creating solutions that are locally rooted, globally relevant, and built for lasting impact.
The future is digital. The foundation is Africa.
Competition Tracks
Three tracks. Fair stages.
Businesses compete at appropriate stages with stage-specific milestones, mentoring, and support frameworks.
IDEA TRACK
Pre-Venture
A compelling concept with problem understanding.
✓ No minimum revenue required
✓ Prototype / proof-of-concept ready
✓ Under 18 months of operating
✓ Solo founder or small core team (<5)
STARTUP TRACK
Early-Stage
Launched venture with active users/customers.
✓ Revenue generated
✓ Formally registered business entity
✓ Operating history: 6 months to 3 years
✓ Dedicated core founding team (≥2)
SCALE-UP TRACK
Growth-Stage
Proven product-market fit scaling regionally.
✓ Revenue >$500K or institutional funding
✓ Active expansion in ≥2 African states
✓ Operating history: 3+ years
✓ Team size: ≥5 full-time employees
