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MarkHack 5.0 will be held in Lagos on 5 June 2026. The conference, themed “The Culture Algorithm: AI and the Human Experience,” will bring together marketers, content creators, startup founders and policymakers to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping culture, media and everyday life. The programme includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, a hackathon and demonstrations of emerging AI-driven solutions.
The 2026 National Cleantech Innovation Challenge seeks local solutions to South Africa’s energy, climate-related and economic-development objectives. The competition comprises nine province-level challenges, spanning regenerative agriculture, sustainable transport and renewable energy. It is open to innovators, small and medium-sized enterprises and research teams. Apply via the NCIC website by 21 April 2026.
Kenyan entrepreneurs developing emission-reduction solutions can now apply to the Climate Finance Accelerator to make their projects investment-ready. Funded by the UK government, the program provides technical support, strengthens funding proposals, and connects projects with investors, with a particular focus on those seeking more than $3 million. Applications close on March 11, 2026.
OnAfrica Angel Syndicate is inviting high-potential tech startup founders based in Africa, or building solutions for the African market, to apply. The investor group primarily backs companies at the seed stage, providing capital as well as access to its network, community and strategic guidance. Applications must be submitted online through a dedicated form.
Paradigm Initiative has opened registration for the 2026 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF), scheduled for April 14-16 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Abidjan. The 2026 edition will be the first to take place in a French-speaking country. Held under the theme “Building Inclusive and Resilient Digital Futures,” the forum will convene policymakers, civil society actors, and industry leaders to discuss issues including artificial intelligence, data protection and digital inclusion.
Applications are now open for the tenth edition of the App Africa Challenge, themed “Tech for a Cleaner World.” The competition is open to Francophone African entrepreneurs with high-potential digital projects. Candidates have until Saturday, February 28, 2026, to apply on the official App Africa Challenge website.
African startups led by young women are invited to apply for the AI Ventures Accelerator, a free 12-week program aimed at supporting early-stage ventures. Selected teams will receive technical and business training and may qualify for up to $10,000 in equity-free seed funding. Applications close on Sunday, February 22.
The Government of Burundi is hosting the 2025 Central Africa Internet Governance Forum in Bujumbura. The event, which began on Monday, February 16, and concludes on Saturday, February 21, centers on the theme of “Digital Technology: A Catalyst for Innovation, Inclusion and Resilience in Central Africa.” Key topics on the agenda include expanding digital access, strengthening digital sovereignty, and closing the digital divide.
On Wednesday, March 11, Nairobi will host the 26th Connected Banking Summit, bringing together banks, fintech startups, regulators and technology companies to advance the transformation of East Africa’s financial services sector. The summit will focus on payment interoperability, fraud prevention, AI, digital identity and cross-border payments. The event will also feature an awards ceremony recognizing industry initiatives.
Senegal’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy is now accepting applications for Goin’ Digital, a program dedicated to startups innovating in AI, deep tech, and geospatial solutions. Selected participants will receive technical and business mentorship, access to high-tech infrastructure, seed grants, and exclusive networking opportunities with partners and investors.
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On May 27-28, 2026, the Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa will bring together hospital executives, policymakers, digital specialists, healthcare providers, investors and health-tech startups in Johannesburg. This year’s edition will focus on connected care and smarter health systems, highlighting practical approaches to improving access, efficiency and patient outcomes through digital health and artificial intelligence.
South African organization WomHub is accepting applications for the second edition of its Green Acceleration Programme, aimed at women entrepreneurs driving sustainable innovation. The programme supports projects in circular manufacturing, climate-friendly technologies and sustainability. Applications are open until February 18, 2026.
Startup Club ZA, a South African network of early-stage tech companies, is launching Platform ZA, a free nationwide platform designed to streamline access to jobs, resources and opportunities. The initiative aims to connect founders, investors and partners, making the tech ecosystem more inclusive and collaborative. Open to all, the platform will continue to evolve based on feedback from the local tech community.
Interswitch has launched Season 8 of InterswitchSPAK, a national STEM competition in Nigeria. The scholarship prize pool exceeds 40 million Naira (approximately $30,000) and includes five-year academic grants, laptops for the nine finalists, and cash prizes for their teachers. Parents and guardians can register students by May 24, 2026.