Applications are now open for African startups to participate in the Startup World Cup Competition, scheduled to take place during the RegTech Africa 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Abuja.
The event will bring together innovators, investors, regulators, and global partners, providing African startups with a rare opportunity to showcase their solutions on an international stage.
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About the Startup World Cup Competition at RegTech Africa 2026
The Startup World Cup is one of the world’s largest and most competitive startup pitch events, with regional competitions held in over 100 countries. Winners from each region advance to the global finals, where startups compete for a $1 million investment prize and worldwide recognition.
The Abuja regional competition is organised in partnership with Pegasus Tech Ventures, the global venture capital firm behind the Startup World Cup initiative, marking a major milestone for Africa’s growing innovation ecosystem.
The Abuja event offers African founders:
- Direct access to global investors and venture capital firms
- Exposure to international partnerships and networks
- A pathway to compete on the global Startup World Cup stage
- Visibility among regulators, corporates, and ecosystem leaders
The winning startup from the Abuja competition will represent the region at the Startup World Cup Global Finals, where the $1 million grand prize is at stake.
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Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to:
- Startups at all stages, from early-stage to growth-stage
- African startups
- International startups building solutions with strong relevance to Africa
- Founders developing scalable, technology-driven products or services
Eligible Sectors for Startup World Cup Competition at RegTech Africa 2026
Startups from a wide range of industries are encouraged to apply, including:
- Fintech & RegTech
- Payments & Digital Finance
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Identity
- E-commerce
- HealthTech
- AgriTech
- Climate Tech
Selection and Judging Criteria
Shortlisted startups will be invited to pitch live at the event before a high-level jury comprising:
- Venture capitalists
- Industry leaders
- Startup ecosystem experts
- Judges will assess entries based on:
- Innovation and uniqueness
- Market relevance and problem-solving ability
- Impact and scalability
- Strength of the founding team
- Overall pitch quality
The goal is to identify startups with strong growth potential and real-world impact.
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How to Apply for the Startup World Cup Abuja Regional Competition
Interested startups should visit the official application page via https://regtechafricaconference.com/startup-worldcup/ and review the competition details and eligibility criteria.
Complete the online application form with accurate startup information and submit your application for review.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged.
For founders looking to scale beyond borders, the Startup World Cup Abuja Regional Competition offers a direct route to global exposure, investor access, and high-impact growth opportunities.
RegTech Africa Conference & Exhibition
The RegTech Africa Conference and Exhibition is Africa’s leading platform for regulatory innovation and digital transformation, convening:
- Policymakers and regulators
- Financial institutions
- Technology companies
- Startups and development partners
The conference provides a powerful environment for collaboration across Africa’s digital economy.
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What the Organisers Are Saying
Speaking on the announcement, Cyril Okoroigwe, Chief Executive Officer of RegTech Africa, said hosting the Startup World Cup Regional Competition in Abuja reflects a commitment to positioning Africa as a global innovation hub.
He described the competition as more than a pitch event, noting that it offers African startups a gateway to global capital, partnerships, and international visibility.
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