KPMG has officially opened applications for the 2026 Female Founders in Africa competition, a flagship initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs leading high-potential startups across the continent.
This year’s program seeks to spotlight women driving innovation in key sectors including technology, healthcare, agriculture, and other high-growth industries, offering them a platform to scale their businesses and access resources that can accelerate growth.
The initiative is part of KPMG’s broader commitment to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship and supporting Africa’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem. Women founders, who remain underrepresented in funding and mentorship opportunities, often face structural challenges in scaling their businesses, from access to capital to market visibility. Programs like this aim to bridge that gap, providing participants with critical support networks and strategic guidance.
Through the competition, participants will gain mentorship from industry leaders, tailored coaching, and guidance on investor engagement, financial management, and operational strategy. In addition, the program offers increased visibility through media coverage, networking events, and investor pitch sessions, enabling female-led startups to connect with potential partners, collaborators, and funders. This approach not only enhances individual business growth but also contributes to broader economic development by promoting women-led innovation across Africa.
KPMG has highlighted that this year’s competition will particularly emphasize scalable business models and startups that demonstrate a clear potential for impact, whether through job creation, technological innovation, or addressing pressing social challenges. Applicants are encouraged to showcase their unique value propositions, market traction, and long-term growth strategies to maximize their chances of selection.
The program also serves as a platform to highlight success stories and role models, reinforcing the visibility of women entrepreneurs in Africa’s business landscape. Over the past several years, similar initiatives have demonstrated that female founders often outperform expectations when given access to networks, mentorship, and capital. By elevating these businesses, KPMG aims to inspire more women to enter entrepreneurship and pursue high-impact ventures.
Applications are now open and will close on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Interested women entrepreneurs are urged to apply early to ensure full participation in the mentorship and evaluation processes. KPMG encourages applicants from all regions of Africa, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity to ensure that a wide range of sectors, geographies, and business models are represented.
Beyond mentorship and networking, selected participants may gain direct exposure to investors and venture capitalists interested in African startups, providing potential access to funding that can transform their business trajectories. This competitive environment is designed to encourage excellence, innovation, and strategic thinking among women founders, creating a community of like-minded entrepreneurs committed to driving growth and impact.
KPMG’s Female Founders in Africa competition aligns with broader global efforts to empower women entrepreneurs and address the gender gap in business leadership. According to international data, women-led businesses are less likely to receive venture capital and often face barriers in scaling operations. By providing access to mentorship, visibility, and investor networks, initiatives like this aim to level the playing field and enable women-led startups to thrive sustainably.
With the 2026 edition, KPMG continues to reinforce its role as a champion of innovation, entrepreneurship, and gender equality in Africa, creating opportunities for the continent’s next generation of women leaders. Aspiring applicants can learn more about the program and submit applications through KPMG’s official website before the February 28 deadline.
