Call for AFTS Alpha Expo Micro Accelerator & Pitch Competition 2026 is open now!!!
In preparation for #AFTSKIGALI26, Africa Fintech Summit is pleased to announce that it has officially opened registration for the 9th Alpha Expo Micro-Accelerator & Pitch Competition, set to take place in Kigali from November 18–20, 2026.
This year, 25 early-stage startups will be selected to pitch before global investors, ecosystem builders, corporates, policymakers and venture funds with 50% of selected startups to come from host country Rwanda, reinforcing AFTS’ long-standing commitment to local ecosystem participation and founder inclusion. Africa Fintech Summit will closely work with Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT & Innovation & Innovate Rwanda in shortlisting Rwandan startups for the program.
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
For nearly a decade, Alpha Expo Micro Accelerator & Pitch Competition has served as a launchpad for Africa’s next generation of fintech and technology innovators. The program has helped founders secure visibility, partnerships, investment conversations and market access across the continent and beyond. Over 100+ startups have participated in the program since 2017, taking home over $2 million in awards and benefits as well as collectively raising over $400M in growth capital as they scale their growth across the globe.
The Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS) is a global forum where fintech stakeholders gather to form partnerships, mobilize investments, showcase innovations, collectively address and solve industry challenges, identify trends, and shape policies toward the vision of a thriving African fintech ecosystem built on the spirit of collaboration.
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- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
Apply now and get a chance to share your ideas before industry leaders, investors, policymakers and experts at the 16th Africa Fintech Summit 2026.
Applications are now open and will continue till July 15, 2026, and selected startups will be announced by July 31, 2026.
Benefits
- Pitch startup live at the Africa Fintech Summit Kigali 2026.
- Compete for a share of the cash prize pool.
- Receive USD 25,000 in AWS cloud credits if selected.
- Gain investor readiness support through dedicated training and pitch coaching.
- Attend expert-led masterclasses covering key fintech and startup topics.
- Showcase startup with a complimentary exhibition booth at the summit.
- Receive two complimentary summit delegate passes.
- Connect directly with venture capital investors, corporate leaders, regulators, and strategic ecosystem partners.
- Increase startup’s visibility within Africa’s growing fintech ecosystem.
Eligibilities
1. The applicant’s startup should ideally be in Fintech & Fintech-adjacent Industries (Payments, AI, digital banking, Stablecoins, E-Commerce, Reg-tech, Trade-tech/Logistics, Blockchain, Remittance, Cross border trade, Climate-tech, Edtech, Healthtech, Mobile Money, etc)
2. Has an Africa operation/Focus/Nexus with a legally registered business in Africa, operational in Africa, expanding to Africa, founded by or serving the African Diaspora globally, etc)
3. Early-stage startup that has not yet raised more than $1M external funding
4. Can attend AFTSKIGALI26 in Kigali, Rwanda on 18-19 November 2026 in person and pitch!
Application Process
Applicants are required to complete their application process online through the apply link.
Application Deadline: July 15, 2026 (11 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
