African Startups Compete for $1M Prize in Abuja This May

African innovators just got a golden ticket to the world stage.

The Startup World Cup is bringing its prestigious regional competition to Abuja, Nigeria in 2026, offering one winning startup a chance to compete for $1 million in investment at the global finals. Applications opened this month for entrepreneurs across the continent ready to pitch their big ideas.

Organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures and hosted during the RegTech Africa Conference & Exhibition, the competition welcomes startups from every sector imaginable. Whether you're building solutions in fintech, healthtech, agritech, climate tech, or artificial intelligence, there's room at the table.

The format is straightforward but powerful. Shortlisted finalists will pitch live before venture capitalists, industry leaders, and ecosystem experts who know what it takes to scale. The winning startup moves on to compete against regional champions from over 70 countries at the grand finale.

What makes this opportunity special isn't just the prize money. Finalists get direct access to senior policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, and development partners who can actually open doors. That's the advantage of hosting the competition alongside RegTech Africa Conference, where the people who influence adoption and funding are already in the room.

"This is more than a pitch competition—it is a gateway for African startups to access global capital, partnerships, and visibility," says Cyril Okoroigwe, CEO of RegTech Africa. His organization has made it their mission to position Africa as a global innovation powerhouse, and this partnership delivers on that promise.

The competition accepts startups at any stage, whether you're fresh out of the garage or already gaining traction. Judges will evaluate based on innovation, team strength, market need, scalability, and how well you pitch. International startups are welcome too, as long as they have a strong focus on African markets.

The Ripple Effect

When African startups win on global stages, the impact reaches far beyond one company's success. It shifts perceptions about where innovation happens and proves that world-class solutions are being built across the continent. Every regional winner who advances creates pathways for the entrepreneurs coming up behind them, showing investors and partners that African markets deserve attention and capital.

Applications are open now at the RegTech Africa Conference website, and early submission is encouraged.

One African startup will leave Abuja with a ticket to compete for $1 million and the chance to show the world what they've built.