At a Glance

Program Name: GITEX Africa Supernova Challenge.

Funding Type: Competitive equity free cash prizes awarded through a startup pitch competition.

Funding Amount: 10,000 USD per sector winner; 5,000 USD for Women in Tech and Young CEO; 10,000 USD Morocco HighFlyer Award; 50,000 USD overall champion prize (example: Lupiya, Zambia).

Application Deadline: 27 February 2026 for the 2026 edition.

Program Focus: Early stage, tech driven African startups pitching in sectors like fintech, agritech, AI, mobility, cybersecurity, edtech, and sportstech.

Location: GITEX Africa event, Morocco (on site pitching at the Supernova stage).

About the Program

The Supernova Challenge is GITEX Africa’s flagship startup pitch competition where selected exhibiting startups present to global investors, venture capitalists, and tech leaders.

Startups compete in sector categories and for special awards, with finalists pitching live on stage during GITEX Africa and one team crowned overall Supernova Champion.

Program Benefits

Funding Support: Multiple cash awards across sector categories and special prizes, plus a major overall champion prize.

Visibility & Network: Stage time in front of investors and media, exposure across the GITEX Africa ecosystem, and association with a curated panel of African and global startup investors.

Eligibility Criteria

Exhibiting startup status: You must be an exhibiting startup at GITEX Africa and use the Exhibitor Portal (Ezone) to apply.

Stage & focus: Tech driven, innovative startup operating in one of the listed sectors and ready to pitch in person.

Application Timeline

Applications Close (2026 edition): 27 February 2026.

Key Dates (2026): Semi finalists announced – 16 March 2026; Semi final pitches – 7–8 April 2026; Final pitches and awards ceremony – 9 April 2026.

Apply Here

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