Series A founders with product-market fit and revenue.

Pan-African VC focused on early-stage tech. $47M+ invested in African startups. Founded by Eghosa Omoigui, a veteran Nigerian-American tech investor. Invests across seed to Series A with focus on software, fintech, and digital platforms.

High-growth startups with global ambition, strong pitch skills, and a scalable technology-driven solution. Judges evaluate innovation, team, and pitch quality in live pitch format. Regional competitions are the gateway — only regional winners advance to the $1M Grand Finale.

Social innovators and organizations driving large-scale, systemic change on root causes of the world's most pressing problems. Not looking for early-stage or unproven models — they want organizations with significant track records that are ready to scale transformational impact. Broadened from individual social entrepreneurs to include movement builders, system orchestrators, and coalitions.

Private sector enterprises

Climate-positive companies with scale potential

Youth financial inclusion

Experienced local NGOs and INGOs that implement community-owned water projects. charity: water does not implement directly — they fund vetted local partners with deep knowledge of regional water challenges. Partners decide on suitable water project types (wells, piped systems, rainwater harvesting, BioSand Filters) and promote sanitation and hygiene practices.

Tech and innovation startups

Medium-sized companies with cash flow and growth trajectory.

SMEs with strong profitability, experienced management, and regional scalability

Scalable financial services models targeting underbanked populations with strong management

Earned wage access in Africa

Seed and early-stage green businesses in South Africa that cannot access commercial financing but have potential for environmental impact and job creation. Particular interest in circular economy models, sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and water solutions.

Journalists, media organizations, and data-driven storytellers focused on African business and finance. The initiative values organizations and individuals committed to improving public access to economic information, strengthening media accountability, and advancing financial literacy across the continent.

Young Ghanaians whose work and public influence are shaping the country's economy, culture, and global image. Emphasis on demonstrated results, not just potential.

Kenyan professionals under 40 who have made exceptional contributions in their field — whether through corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, creative work, sports, or social impact. Strong emphasis on measurable achievement, community involvement, and peer influence.

Student founders who demonstrate exceptional tenacity, the ability to overcome obstacles, and a drive to create meaningful impact beyond financial gain. GSEA evaluates the entrepreneur as much as the business — judges look for the ability to balance academics with a real, operating company.

Implemented projects that provide concrete solutions to environmental challenges — resource conservation, renewable energy, water/air quality, energy efficiency, or sustainability awareness campaigns. Projects from all scales welcome, from community initiatives to national infrastructure. Strong African representation historically, with national winners in countries like Rwanda (WakaWaka Solar Libraries). Projects must show real-world results, not just concepts.

University student teams using entrepreneurial action to create measurable social, environmental, and economic impact. Judges are senior business leaders who evaluate the quality of projects, depth of impact evidence, and sustainability of the model. Winning African teams in 2024 included Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (Nigeria) with ECORESIN biodegradable polymers and Kabarak University (Kenya) with ThermoSoothe for sickle cell pain management.

Education access, tutoring, mentoring, scholarships, clean water and healthcare initiatives