Harvard Business School launches Africa startup competition

Professionals at a business conference engage before a presentation in a modern office. Photo: Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

The Harvard Business School Africa Business Club announced that applications are open for its 2027 New Venture Competition, targeting early-stage African and Africa-focused startups that want to pitch to investors and win non-dilutive funding.

The competition is part of the HBS Africa Business Conference, an event that gathers entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and other stakeholders interested in the continent’s economic development. Selected teams will present their ventures before a judging panel and an audience of investors and industry professionals.

A total prize pool of $55,000 is available, and participants also receive mentorship, pitch-preparation coaching and networking opportunities. The first 30 applicants may obtain pro bono consulting support from Harvard MBA students, subject to availability.

Non-dilutive prize funding: Winners keep full equity while competing for a share of the cash prize.
Harvard MBA consulting: Early applicants can receive free consulting from MBA students.
Mentorship: Guidance comes from seasoned entrepreneurs, investors and industry specialists.
Pitch preparation: Coaching helps refine presentations and business strategy.
Investor exposure: Ventures are showcased to Africa-focused investors, venture capital firms and business leaders.
Business networking: Participants meet potential partners and fellow founders during the conference.
Post-competition opportunities: Selected startups may gain curated networking, alumni features and continued support through the club’s network.

Eligibility requires founders to be African or to run an Africa-focused business, with most activities based on the continent. Companies must have a working prototype or minimum viable product, be less than five years old, and have raised under $1 million in external capital. No minimum revenue is needed, allowing pre-revenue startups to apply.

Entrepreneurs who have previously received funding from the contest or its sponsors are barred from re-applying. Applicants should be ready to articulate the problem they address, their target customers, the market opportunity and their growth plan.

For founders, the event offers a rare chance to test their ideas before a concentrated audience of investors without surrendering ownership. The mentorship and consulting components can accelerate product development and market entry, turning early concepts into viable businesses.

Applications close on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Interested teams should review the requirements and submit their entry before the deadline.