Early-stage Fintech and adjacent startups across Africa are invited to apply for the AFTS ALPHA EXPO Micro Accelerator & Pitch Competition Program 2026. This initiative offers a platform for emerging companies to present their innovations to a pre-selected panel of judges and a venture capital community during the 16th Africa Fintech Summit. The summit is scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, on November 18-19, 2026, providing a significant opportunity for visibility and networking.
Program Overview
• Participants: 25 early-stage startups will be selected to pitch before global investors, ecosystem builders, corporates, policymakers, and venture funds.
• Local Ecosystem Focus: 50% of the selected startups will be from the host country, Rwanda, in collaboration with Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT & Innovation & Innovate Rwanda.
• Program Legacy: Since 2017, the Alpha Expo Micro Accelerator & Pitch Competition has served as a launchpad for over 100 startups, which have collectively raised over $400 million in growth capital and received over $2 million in awards and benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
• Industry Focus: Startups should operate in Fintech or Fintech-adjacent industries, including Payments, AI, digital banking, Stablecoins, E-Commerce, Reg-tech, Trade-tech/Logistics, Blockchain, Remittance, Cross-border trade, Climate-tech, Edtech, Healthtech, and Mobile Money.
• Geographic Nexus: Applicants must have an Africa-focused operation, be legally registered or operational in Africa, be expanding to the continent, or be founded by or serving the African Diaspora globally.
• Funding Stage: The program is open to early-stage startups that have not raised more than $1 million in external funding.
• Attendance Requirement: Founders must be able to attend the AFTSKIGALI26 summit in person to pitch in Kigali, Rwanda on November 18-19, 2026.
Application Timeline
• Application Period: Registration is open from May 15, 2026, to July 15, 2026.
• Deadline: The final day to submit applications is July 15, 2026.
• Notification: Shortlisted startups will be contacted by July 31, 2026.
Interested founders and startups that meet the specified criteria are encouraged to submit their applications within the designated timeframe. For comprehensive details about the program and to access the application portal, please visit the official AFTS ALPHA EXPO Micro Accelerator & Pitch Competition website.