Applications are open for the AFTS Alpha Expo Micro Accelerator & Pitch Competition Program 2026, a flagship initiative of the Africa Fintech Summit designed to support early-stage fintech and fintech-adjacent startups across Africa.
The programme combines a micro accelerator with a live pitch competition, allowing selected founders to refine their businesses, prepare for investment, and present their solutions before investors, regulators, corporate leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders during the Africa Fintech Summit Kigali 2026 in Rwanda.
Benefits of Participation
Live Pitch Opportunity
Selected startups will pitch their businesses on stage during the Africa Fintech Summit Kigali 2026, gaining exposure to venture capital firms, angel investors, corporate partners, and policymakers from across the continent.
Cash Prize Competition
Participants will compete for a share of the programme’s cash prize pool, with top-performing startups receiving financial awards to support business growth.
AWS Cloud Credits
Each selected startup will receive $25,000 in AWS cloud credits to support product development, infrastructure, and technology deployment.
Investor Readiness Support
The programme includes investment readiness training, pitch coaching, and expert-led masterclasses that help founders strengthen their fundraising strategy and improve investor presentations.
Exhibition and Networking Opportunities
Participants will receive a complimentary exhibition booth to showcase their products during the summit, along with two delegate passes that provide access to networking sessions, keynote presentations, and industry discussions.
Access to Strategic Partners
Founders will have opportunities to connect with venture capital firms, regulators, financial institutions, corporate organisations, and strategic partners that can support expansion across African markets.
Eligibility for Participation
- Eligible sectors include payments, digital banking, artificial intelligence, blockchain, stablecoins, regtech, trade technology, logistics, remittances, climate technology, edtech, healthtech, mobile money, e-commerce, and related industries.
- Applicants must have an operational presence, market focus, or registered business in Africa. The programme also welcomes startups founded by members of the African diaspora building solutions for African markets.
- Eligible startups should be at an early stage and must not have raised more than $1 million in external funding.
- Selected founders must be available to attend the Africa Fintech Summit Kigali 2026 in Rwanda and participate in the accelerator activities and live pitch competition.
- Applicants should be building innovative technology solutions with clear growth potential and be seeking investment, strategic partnerships, or market expansion opportunities.
How to Apply
Applications for the AFTS Alpha Expo Micro Accelerator & Pitch Competition Program 2026 close on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Shortlisted startups will be announced by July 31, 2026, ahead of the Africa Fintech Summit Kigali 2026, scheduled to take place from November 18 to 20, 2026.
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