Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) 2026 Afri GreenPitch Challenge

The 2026 FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge invites pre-growth green businesses in Southern and East Africa to compete for cash and in-kind prizes worth approximately $20,000, culminating in investor-style pitch events in Nairobi and Cape Town.

What it offers

• A total prize pool of ~$20,000 in cash and in-kind support for the winner and finalists.
• Cash prize for the winner.
• A full-day investment-strategy workshop for all finalists, hosted by RMB Ventures.
• Mentoring support and access to a network of potential funders.

Who can apply

• Innovators and entrepreneurs with economically viable green economy solutions.
• Businesses must be registered, trading, and sales-generating, seeking funding.
• Solutions must fit one of these sectors: Circular economy and waste, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, sustainable mobility, water and wastewater.
• Businesses must be based in Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, or Tanzania.

What you'll do

• Enter your pre-growth green business solution.
• Pitch to a panel of judges and investors at "shark tank-style” networking events in Kenya (Nairobi) and South Africa (Cape Town) in September 2026.

How to apply

• Submit your entry between 29 May 2026 and 30 June 2026.
• Finalists will be announced on 15 July 2026.
• A pitch preparation workshop will be held on 5 August 2026 in Cape Town (hybrid format).
• Pitching events are scheduled for 3 September 2026 (Southern Africa) and 25 September 2026 (East Africa).