A 60-second pitch video could unlock $100,000 in funding as the Supernova Challenge opens to African startups, reinforcing GITEX Africa’s role as the continent’s most influential technology marketplace.
The Supernova Challenge, one of Africa’s most competitive startup pitch contests, has opened applications ahead of GITEX Africa 2026, offering founders the chance to win up to $100,000+ in equity-free funding, by submitting a 60-second pitch video.
Founded by GITEX GLOBAL and now a flagship competition at GITEX Africa, Supernova has become the continent’s most anticipated technology challenge, placing African startups in front of global investors, venture capitalists and technology leaders.
Organisers say the competition is designed to reward clarity, speed and commercial focus at a time when founders face tighter capital markets worldwide.
“The Supernova Challenge at GITEX Africa is where the continent’s boldest start-ups meet global investors, venture capitalists and tech leaders.”
How startups can apply
Eligibility for the Supernova Challenge requires startups to first register as exhibitors at GITEX Africa 2026. Once confirmed, founders gain access to the Exhibitor Portal (Ezone), where they must submit a pitch deck, application form and elevator pitch video.
The video requirements are strict: it must be no longer than 60 seconds, delivered in English, clearly show the founder’s upper body and be submitted via a YouTube or Vimeo URL.
2025 winners highlight continental breadth
The most recent edition of the Supernova Challenge underscored the geographic and sectoral diversity of Africa’s startup ecosystem.
The 2025 GITEX Africa Supernova winners were:
- Deepleaf (Ethiopia) — 1st Place, $50,000
- Chitosan (Egypt) — 2nd Place, $30,000
- Chapa (Morocco) — 3rd Place, $20,000
Additional category and regional winners across the wider GITEX platform included Crop2Cash (Nigeria) in the Young CEO category, aXiom Zorn (Uganda) for Women in Tech, eSusFarm Africa (South Africa) as TAMWILCOM winner, Pixii Motors (Tunisia) at GITEX Asia 2026, TausiApp (Kenya) at GITEX Nigeria 2025 and PIYES.PRO (Morocco) at ENS Dubai 2025.
GITEX Africa’s growing global footprint
The Supernova Challenge forms part of GITEX Africa, which has consolidated its position as the largest and most influential technology and startup event on the continent.
This year’s event drew more than 1,450 exhibitors, 740 startups and 45,000 visitors from over 130 countries, reflecting Africa’s rising prominence in global technology, fintech, agritech, climate innovation and digital infrastructure.
As global investors increasingly look beyond traditional markets for growth, platforms such as GITEX Africa are emerging as key gateways between African founders and international capital.
For many entrepreneurs, the Supernova Challenge has become more than a pitch competition. It is a test of market readiness and a reminder that, in today’s startup economy, one minute can be enough to unlock global opportunity.
Register your startup enquiry here: https://event.gitexafrica.com/2026-startup-enquiry
