AfricaIgnite, the Home of African Founders
Empowering the start-up ecosystem to drive positive change
About AfricaIgnite
Building on the resounding success of its launch last year, AfricaIgnite returns as the flagship event for founders, investors, and key players in the tech ecosystem.
AfricaIgnite serves as the catalyst for driving positive change by supporting market access and investment opportunities for its burgeoning community of tech trailblazers.
With over 1,000 start-ups and 150+ investors in attendance last year, AfricaIgnite 2024 is solidifying itself as the leading hub for the community to convene, network and learn from leaders shaping the future of the industry.
Features you can look forward to!
AfricaIgnite Main Stage
Hear from visionary speakers as they share their expertise and insights to empower Africa’s vibrant entrepreneurial scene.
Workshop & Masterclasses
Deep dive sessions with more hands-on learning activities and specific takeaways for professional growth and development.
Dedicated Start-up Marketplace
Explore the stories and brands behind innovative founders at our market place of start-up pods from across geo, sector and industry.
Start-up Pitch Competition
Early stage start-ups pitching and showcasing their business as part of Africa's largest tech festival!
Founders and Investors Day
An action-packed programme for founders and investors only, to maximize networking and learning opportunities.
Investor Lounge
An exclusive space for entrepreneurs and investors to convene, build relationships and engage in powerful discussions.
Investor Concierge and Matchmaking
Connect with start-ups, investors and corporates who match your objectives. Whether you just want to chat, find an investment, recruit talented people, or sell a service – you’ve come to the right place.
AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition
Africa Tech Festival hosted a thrilling live pitch competition where the continent's most promising start-ups and scale-ups battled on stage in front of hundreds of start-ups, investors and tech leaders on 16 November.
Organised in partnership with Startup World Cup, powered by Pegasus, the winner, Deltascan, was crowned on stage and selected to join the Startup World Cup Final held in San Francisco in December 2023, and competed for the USD$1,000,000 investment.
Benefits included:
- A live pitch-off in front of influential industry leaders and investors.
- A free exhibition pod at Africa Tech Festival
- A 1-2-1 personalised feedback and mentoring from our expert judges.
- Access to Africa Tech Festival's premium content and legendary party, the AFEST
- Fantastic PR and Marketing opportunities
Meet our 2023 Finalists
AsaanaPay
AsaanaPay provides friction-less payments and encourages the cash-less shift irrespective of device type or channel.
Tausiapp
Get convenient hair and beauty appointments despite your busy schedule, making sure your life in the city is as smooth as it can get!
Bus54
Bus54 is a mobility technology company providing a platform to aggregate intercity bus transportation in Africa, allowing passengers to search, compare, book, and manage their journeys online.
Delta Scan
Delta Scan is a specialist engineering inspection, digitisation and BIM company founded by a team of professionals in the civil engineering, structural engineering and GIS industries.
Oneway Connect
Oneway Connect is a cutting-edge job matching and recruitment software prioritizing cultural alignment. Beyond traditional CVs, our platform evaluates capabilities and traits, fostering purposeful performers for businesses.
Ukwenza VR
Ukwenza VR is a social enterprise based in Kenya that focuses on creating educational Virtual Reality (VR) content to complement classroom learning and offer additional learning on social and environmental issues e.g. conservation and plastic pollution.
Bena Care
We are a social enterprise that delivers affordable clinical and supportive care to patients with life limiting illnesses at the comfort of their own homes.
Gradlinc
Gradlinc enables credible, and credential verified graduates by bringing employers and graduates together.
Hippocampus Education
Hippocampus is an adaptive tutoring Facebook Messenger bot that provides differentiated instruction and instant feedback that is customized to meet each individual’s learning needs.
Kyanda Africa
With our cutting-edge neobank platform, we offer a wide range of financial services that are accessible, secure, and convenient. Our built-in infrastructure allows users to easily manage their money transfer, make payments, and pay for Bills, all in one place.
Meet our 2023 judges
Keshni Morar, Managing Director, Investable
Zachariah George, Managing Partner, Launch Africa Ventures
Sawyer Tadano, Southeast Asia Regional Manager, Pegasus Tech Ventures (StartUp World Cup)
About Startup World Cup, our pitch competition Partner
Startup World Cup is a global conference and competition that brings together the top startups, VCs, entrepreneurs and world-class tech CEOs. Startup World Cup South Africa is a regional competition that is part of the global Startup World Cup series, taking place in 50 countries and regions.
The Grand Finale brings all the regional champions to San Francisco where the winning team is awarded with a USD$1,000,000 investment prize. The goal of this event is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship worldwide.
AfricaIgnite's 2023 Partner Events
Founder Day - in partnership with Startup Club ZA
Founder Day - Powered by Startup Club ZA in partnership with Africa Tech Festival, this mentoring programme for founders-only has been designed to help start-ups gain more perspectives, identify pain points, and learn from experienced entrepreneurs to increase their probability of success.
Founder Day is an official side event for Africa Tech Festival 2023, which took place at Innovation City Cape Town on Monday 13 November.
Investor Day - in partnership with Founders Factory Africa
Investor Day - Powered by Founders Factory Africa in partnership with Africa Tech Festival, was the perfect setting to meet fellow investors, discuss hot topics, and warm up for the conference days ahead. Investor Day was designed to be the perfect balance between casual mingling and an insightful stage program. Short and sweet!
Investor Day is an official side event for Africa Tech Festival 2023, which took place at Innovation City Cape Town on Monday 13 November.
Matchmaking Programme - in partnership with Briter Bridges
Africa Tech Festival partnered with Briter Bridges to bring you an exclusive matchmaking programme which took place at the AfricaIgnite Investor Lounge on 14, 15 and 16 November 2023.
If you’re a start-up, it was great opportunity to seize the chance to be matched with powerful investors and potential partners to:
- Discuss your funding needs
- Profile your business to potential partners
- Collect valuable feedback and connect with influential change makers to boost your business.