Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge 2025 | Apply for $100,000 Equity-Free Grants for Women Tech Founders. The Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge 2025, powered by Naspers and Prosus and delivered in partnership with Lionesses of Africa, is now open for applications.
This is your opportunity as a woman tech (co)founder in Africa to win up to $100,000 in equity-free grants, mentorship and visibility to accelerate your business growth.
We encourage women founders to apply today and take this next step in Africa’s innovation story.
Purpose
The Challenge is open to women founders or co-founders scaling technology
and tech enabled businesses across Africa.
Prizes
• Equity free grants totalling up to USD 100,000 will be awarded to
winning founders.
• Grant allocation and number of awardees will be determined at the
Promoters’ discretion following verification and compliance checks. No
minimum per winner is guaranteed.
• Winners will also receive mentorship from experienced operators,
networking/visibility with investors and customers, and brand exposure.
Key Dates & Timeline (CAT)
- Challenge period: Opens 1 September 2025 (09:00 CAT); closes 19
November 2025 (23:59 CAT). - Submission period: Opens 1 September 2025 (09:00 CAT); closes 30
September 2025 (11:59 CAT). - Selection: Finalist selection 1 – 31 October 2025.
- Live Pitch & Winner Selection: 19 November 2025 at the Johannesburg
Stock Exchange (JSE).
Please note that the Promoters reserve the right to adjust dates as necessary;
any updates will be posted on the Challenge website.
Also Read: NEF 10th Africa Energy Innovation Competition 2025 (USD10,000 cash prize grants)
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Core criteria:
a) Tech or tech enabled startup.
b) At least one woman founder in a leadership position.
c) Up to Series B growth stage.
d) Revenue generating with proven market validation.
Legal & compliance conditions
a) Registered as a company in an African country and in good standing.
b) Compliant with applicable laws and regulations in the relevant
jurisdiction(s).
c) Applicants must be 18 years or older.
d) Verification: Finalists/winners are subject to identity, company, and
compliance verification before awards.
e) Ineligible parties: Associates, employees, agents, consultants, and
immediate family members of the Promoters (including advertising
agencies, distributors, or affiliates) are not eligible.
How to Enter
a) Visit the Challenge website and access the application form via the
published link.
b) Submit the completed online application during the Submission Period.
c) Only fully completed applications submitted via the official channel will be considered valid.
Submission Materials Applicant Confirmations
By submitting, you confirm that:
a) You are the owner or co-owner of the business.
b) Your information is original, accurate, and you have the rights/consents/permissions required.
c) Your submission does not: infringe third party rights; contain fraudulent or misleading information; promote unlawful, unsafe, or reckless conduct.
Judging Process
a) An evaluation committee will shortlist candidates.
b) A panel of judges (executives, investors, and entrepreneurs) will select
finalists and winners.
c) Criteria include:
• Innovation and validity of the business model
• Market opportunity and growth potential
• Strategic direction and vision
• Impact achieved or projected
• Strength of pitch and presentation
d) Judges’ decisions are final.
e) Winners will be announced on 19 November 2025 at the JSE event.
Prize Award & Redemption
a) Winners will be notified via email provided in their application.
b) Winners must complete verification and compliance checks before prizes are awarded.
c) Grants will be arranged by the Promoters following verification. Taxes, banking charges, and regulatory requirements (if any) are the responsibility of the recipient company.
Usage Rights & Media
a) Winners agree that their names, likeness, and business details may be published by the Promoters in print, online, or broadcast media for promotional purposes.
b) No additional compensation is provided for such promotional use.
c) All intellectual property in Challenge related images, recordings, or
footage will vest in the Promoters.
About the Tech FoundHER Challenge
Earlier in 2025, Prosus launched the first Tech FoundHER Challenge in India. Women tech founders secured equity-free grants, mentorship from seasoned operators, and visibility with investors and customers to scale their businesses. The results confirmed the value of backing women-led tech innovation.
For more Information: Visit the website for Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge 2025
