ELIGIBILITY:

You are an African female who (co)founded and runs a start-up / growth stage business.

You should have technical experience in your area of operation.

You promote female visionary leadership, support other female leaders and contribute to women’s economic empowerment.

You are fostering a culture that values diversity.

Your work has a positive impact on solving an important problem in the industry.

You contribute to start-up ecosystem development.

Your start-up has a team of at least three people (including yourself as a founder) who work full time for the start-up.

Your product/service is digital or has a strong digital component.

Your product is offering an impactful solution in the AgTech, FoodTech or ClimateTech sectors in Africa.

Your business is registered and operates on the African continent.

Your business has an official certificate of registration.

Your company has been registered at least 2 years before submitting the application.

Your start-up Must have clear evidence of traction (customer base, revenue).

You have a unique value proposition in the market(s) where you operate.

Your start-up should have an understandable and convincing business model (clear problem statement and defined customer segment).

BENEFIT:

The award recognizes African female founders with unique businesses that have a strong digital component and embrace social impact. We honor, support and celebrate your ambition by offering unique opportunities for visibility and further development of your business.

The award ceremony for the SAIS Female Founder Award 2024 takes place at VivaTech in Paris on 22- 25 May 2024 in the form of a pitching competition. The three selected winners will be travelling to Paris to attend the event in person. Our prestigious jury will announce the winners’ rankings during an on-stage ceremony.

The three winners will win in-kind support worth up to 30,000€ for the first place, up to 15,000€ for the second place, and up to 7,000€ for the third place.