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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.
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.
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KPMG has opened applications for the 2026 'Female Founders in Africa' competition, targeting women entrepreneurs leading high-potential startups across the continent. The program spans various sectors, including tech, healthcare, and agriculture. Participants can benefit from mentorship, increased visibility, and networking opportunities with investors. Applications are open through Saturday, February 28.
Cameroon will host e-Gov’A, the African e-Governance Summit, in Yaoundé from May 14-16, 2026. Held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and e-Governance,” the event aims to accelerate the transition to more efficient digital public services across Africa. The summit will bring together policymakers, experts and technology leaders to develop practical digital solutions.
Agritech startups in Kenya and Uganda are invited to apply for the O-Farms accelerator, a program focused on circular agriculture models that reduce waste and generate new revenue streams for rural communities. Selected participants will receive specialized training, mentorship, technical support and networking opportunities. Upon completion of the program, two standout startups will each receive a grant of up to €50,000. Applications close on Sunday, February 15.
BlueInvest Africa, a leading event focused on the blue economy, is inviting African startups and small businesses working on ocean sustainability to apply to pitch in Cape Town this November. Selected companies will present to investors, take part in B2B meetings and join a network focused on sustainable coastal development. Applications close on Friday, February 13.