StartupEast has extended nominations for the StartupEast Awards 2026 to December 12, 2026, following the rescheduling of the awards ceremony to April 15, 2027.
The extension gives startups across East Africa additional time to submit their nominations and compete for recognition among the region’s most innovative and impactful emerging businesses.
The StartupEast Awards celebrate entrepreneurial excellence, recognise transformative solutions and showcase founders building companies with the potential to shape East Africa’s economic future.
“East Africa has an exciting generation of entrepreneurs building businesses and developing solutions with the potential to make an impact beyond the region. We want to give more of these founders an opportunity to put their work forward, gain visibility and connect with the people and opportunities that can help them grow. Extending the deadline allows more startups to participate and be part of this important celebration of entrepreneurship,” said Sam Wakoba, Founder of StartupEast.
The awards also provide a platform for connecting startups with investors, industry leaders, corporate partners and the wider entrepreneurship ecosystem. Eligible startups across East Africa are encouraged to submit their nominations before the revised deadline of December 12, 2026.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 15, 2027, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and other stakeholders to celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship across the region.
Key Dates
Nominations Deadline: December 12, 2026
Awards Ceremony: Thursday, April 15, 2027
