KPMG Opens Applications for 2026 Female Founders in Africa Competition
KPMG has launched the 2026 edition of its Female Founders in Africa Competition, inviting women entrepreneurs from across the continent to submit applications for a programme designed to support women-led businesses.
The initiative focuses on identifying and backing resilient, high-potential ventures owned and led by women. It targets companies operating in varied sectors, including technology, healthcare, agriculture, and others, where female founders demonstrate innovative approaches, a clear path to growth, and the ability to create meaningful community impact despite economic and operational challenges.
This year’s competition emphasises tech-enabled, tech-driven, or tech-led businesses, reflecting the growing role of technology in scaling African enterprises. Participants must operate registered companies that have been active for at least one year, and ventures cannot be majority-owned by large corporates. Pitches will be conducted in English, with selected entrants required to participate in regional events and, if advancing, the Africa finals.
Applications remain open until February 28, 2026, at 23:59. Interested founders can apply through the official form linked on the KPMG site. The process involves initial submission of details, followed by expert shortlisting, regional pitching before investor panels between March and May 2026, and finals at the KPMG Private Enterprise Venture Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
Successful participants gain entry into KPMG’s mentorship programme, connections to investor opportunities, enhanced branding and visibility, and involvement in community networks. The competition recognises winners across categories for early-stage, growth, and mature ventures, though specific monetary prizes are not detailed in the announcement.
The programme forms part of KPMG’s broader Private Enterprise efforts to foster entrepreneurship in Africa, where women-led startups often face disproportionate barriers to funding and scaling. In markets like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and others, female founders continue to drive innovation in fintech, agritech, healthtech, and e-commerce, contributing to job creation and economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
For more information and how to apply, visit the official page here.
