Growth Padi has officially opened applications for the GAS Business Pitch competition as part of the Growth Africa Summit (GAS) 3.0. The continental gathering will take place on November 14, 2026, in Lagos, bringing together over 1,000 founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem enablers under the theme “Designing Africa’s Growth Engine: Strategy, Talent, and Technology.”
The pitch competition serves as a launchpad for African founders to validate their business models, receive expert feedback, and present scalable solutions to a panel of judges and venture capital investors. Selected startups will also undergo an intensive Business Clinic in October, featuring hands-on mentorship, workshops on investor readiness, and pitch refinement prior to the live competition on summit day.
Key Program Highlights:
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Capital & Grants: Equity-free business grants, direct investor visibility, and strategic partner connections.
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Business Clinic: Pre-pitch workshops covering fundraising, business model development, storytelling, and unit economics.
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1-on-1 Mentorship: Direct advisory sessions with experienced founders, operators, and growth experts.
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Ecosystem Exposure: Dedicated pitch slot on the main stage in Lagos alongside PR and media amplification across partner networks.
Eligibility:
Early-stage startups, growth-stage ventures, and solopreneurs with proven traction building tech-enabled, scalable, or impact-driven solutions across fintech, clean energy, agribusiness, and digital infrastructure in Africa.
Application deadline: September 30, 2026
Apply here: 👇
