The Global Startup Awards (GSA) in partnership with the Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG) has announced its return to the African continent for the 2023 edition of the African Startup Awards; the largest independent startup ecosystem competition with the mission to find, recognise, network and accelerate future-shaping ideas with the potential to create positive change and improve the quality of life of Africans.
The African Startup Awards connects the best of African tech startups across the continent to a global network of leading investors and innovation ecosystems. The African Startup Awards will offer startups access to: New Market ,Funding Opportunities, A Global Network Of Leaders and Exposure On A Global Stage
It is the second year that GSA Africa is offering a continent-wide, including all 55 African countries from Southern, Northern, Eastern, Western and Central African territories, the opportunity for SDG-aligned solutions with global relevance, focusing on agriculture, climate, commerce, education, healthcare, and mobility & logistics.
This year there is a particular interest in startups championing Web3 technologies, sustainable business models, green innovation, and diversity in the workplace.
The Global Startup Awards bring together high impact startups and investors from over 100 countries across the globe. The network offers participants the opportunity to meet prospective mentors, partners, clients, and gain access to the latest industry trends.
The competition process also brings together local ambassadors, country partners, national jury members, international jury members as well as key advisors to discover winners in all aspects of the startup ecosystem.
Criteria for applications :
The startup must be a maximum of 5 years in age – calculated from the establishment date until public nominations open (with exception of the Best Newcomer category and the Best Venture Capitalist category).
The startup must have been founded and must currently be located in the country participating in the competition.
The startup must have a minimum viable product (MVP) and/or service in the market.
The startup must be generating monthly recurring revenue.
The startup must have a team of two or more people.
The startup must be African-led, meaning that it must have at least one founder or co-founder on the team who is from Africa and resides on the continent.
All applications must be submitted in English, and all decks/pitches must be in English too.
Application period closes on January 17, 2023