new venture
competition

This years NVC

1st place | $15,000

Reme-D

Finalist | Forum30

1st place | $15,000
Reme-D is a deep-tech startup that is revolutionizing healthcare in Africa by developing affordable diseases testing technologies that are traditionally not available in the region or are prohibitively expensive.
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2nd place |  $10,000

ECOACT TANZANIA

Finalist | Forum30

2nd place |  $10,000
A social enterprise that transforms ocean plastic waste in to plastic timbers used for building, construction and furniture making
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3rd place | $2,500

Dinesurf

Finalist | Forum30

3rd place | $2,500
A platform that allows users to search, discover and make restaurant reservations in various African Cities. A data-driven restaurant management dashboard that helps restaurateurs turn guests to regulars, run smoother shifts and fill tables.
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Wharton Harambeans Prize | $2,500

Guideli, Inc

Finalist | Forum30

Wharton Harambeans Prize | $2,500
Provides personalized resources to navigate relocation and settlement in new countries
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Top 10 Finalists

Gigbanc

Finalist | Forum30

Top 10 Finalists
A neobank for freelancers and creators
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Top 10 Finalists

Edanra

Finalist | Forum30

Top 10 Finalists
Empowering Africa with credit through rent payments
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Top 10 Finalists

Catlog

Finalist | Forum30

Top 10 Finalists
A commerce platform for SMEs on social media
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Top 10 Finalists

Jahazii

Finalist | Forum30

Top 10 Finalists
Jahazii's mission is to bridge the 330Bn USD SME funding gap on the African continent by building lending infrastructure to help lenders issue loans and deploy their capital to small businesses faster.
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Top 10 Finalists

Lipaworld

Finalist | Forum30

Top 10 Finalists
Lipaworld revolutionizes the way you remit back to Africa. With digital vouchers, you can effortlessly support your loved ones. Digital vouchers are sent via SMS text or via WhatsApp and redeemed by the receiver at the point of sale or online.
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Top 10 Finalists

SwiftXR

Finalist | Forum30

Top 10 Finalists
Allows e-commerce businesses grow their sales, reduce returns and increase customer engagement by adding 3D/AR/VR content to their platforms
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About the New
Venture Competition

The New Venture Competition (NVC), a conference highlight, is a pitch competition for early-stage ventures, designed to showcase a new generation of innovators.

Participants will get a chance to win up to $30,000 in non-equity financing and network with top founders and investors from across Africa.

Top finalists will pitch their startups to a panel of esteemed judges at the conference.
View judging criteria
Win up to

$30,000
non-equity financing

Pitch your concept to influential VCs and investors
Present your innovative idea to decision-makers who can transform it into reality at the NVC competition. Seize your chance for growth and impact.
Network with top founders and investors
Connect and collaborate with industry pioneers and investors as an NVC participant. Build invaluable relationships for your venture's success.
Gain Global exposure
Elevate your idea above the bustling forum chatter, gaining the leverage and momentum needed for a successful launch right from the start.

The process

Stage 1
Forms are collected
Enter the NVC with your early-stage venture. Showcase your groundbreaking idea and grab a chance to secure up to $30,000 in non-equity financing.
Stage 2
10 Finalists are selected
Finalists get to pitch their startup to esteemed judges, vying for recognition and support to turn their innovation into a reality.
Stage 3
Winners are announced
In an exciting third stage of the WABF NVC, we select the future game-changers. These winners epitomize African innovation and entrepreneurship, poised to reshape industries and impact lives.

What we are
looking for

From the multitude of applications we receive, we will choose 10 finalists. Here are a few factors to consider that can enhance the strength of your idea.
application closed
Founding Team Experience
Does the current team have the required skills for execution? Is there a track record of building meaningful things and/or an exceptional career trajectory? How has the management team performed since the inception of the company/product?
Market and Traction
Is there a demonstrated need or gap in the market that the startup’s solutions solve? Is the total addressable market substantial enough to make this a lucrative investment opportunity? How is the market for the product/service growing and/or changing?
Product Design and Business Model
Semi-finalists will connect with top founders and investors from across Africa and benefit from exclusive masterclasses to strengthen thier business acumen and build a robust foundation.
Impact
How well does the solution tackle at least one of the UN's SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)?