The Road to GEC+Africa 2026 is creating new opportunities for African entrepreneurs by identifying innovative businesses that are solving real challenges in their communities. As the regional pitch competitions continue across the continent, four entrepreneurs from Botswana, Uganda, Namibia and Algeria have secured their places at the continental stage in Cape Town, where they will showcase their businesses at Africa’s largest entrepreneurship gathering.
The initiative is more than a competition. It is helping connect entrepreneurs with investors, partners and business support organisations while giving innovative startups greater visibility. The regional events have also brought together entrepreneurship ecosystems from different countries, creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing that can strengthen Africa’s growing startup landscape.
Innovative Businesses Solving Real Challenges
Botswana’s Shine Monyatsi, founder of Ipachi Capital, impressed judges with a fintech business focused on improving access to finance for underserved small businesses. Headquartered in Gaborone, Ipachi Capital uses artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to help small businesses generate financial reports through its mobile application. These reports enable entrepreneurs to present stronger financial records when applying for credit. The company is driven by a team of seven professionals with a combined 65 years of experience in banking, finance and engineering. Supported by the Botswana Innovation Hub and working with partners including Orange Botswana and Cellulant, Ipachi Capital is helping level the playing field for small businesses by making financial services more accessible through technology.
From Uganda, Munyasa Hellen, founder of Helton Traders Limited, earned a place at the continental competition through an innovative business that transforms plastic bottle waste into eco-friendly polyester sewing threads. The company is addressing two important challenges at the same time by reducing plastic pollution while helping meet the growing demand for sewing threads in Uganda and the wider East African textile industry. Built on more than a decade of experience in textile trading, the business focuses on producing affordable and reliable products for local manufacturers. Beyond environmental benefits, Helton Traders Limited promotes a circular economy that supports job creation, empowers local communities and contributes to gender equality while strengthening the region’s textile value chain.
Namibia’s Andreas Leonard, founder of Minds in Action STEAM Centre, is investing in the country’s future workforce by equipping young people with practical skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. The centre provides hands-on training through workshops and affordable learning modules that run throughout the school year, allowing students to develop skills at their own pace. Its programmes encourage creativity, critical thinking, design thinking and problem-solving while preparing learners for future careers shaped by technology and innovation. By creating an engaging learning environment, Minds in Action STEAM Centre is helping build a generation of young innovators who will be better prepared for emerging industries.
Representing Algeria, Mohamed Labadi, founder of Singularity Computing, is advancing industrial innovation through scientific computing and artificial intelligence. The company develops cloud-based Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) and High Performance Computing (HPC) solutions that allow engineers and researchers to perform advanced simulations online through platforms such as Simulica and ParticleXpert. Its software supports industries including aerospace, automotive and industrial engineering by helping businesses design and test products more efficiently. By combining applied mathematics with artificial intelligence, Singularity Computing is making advanced engineering tools more accessible while supporting technological development across multiple industries.
Building Momentum Towards Cape Town
The regional competitions have highlighted the quality of entrepreneurial talent emerging across Africa and reinforced the importance of connecting innovation ecosystems across the continent. Beyond recognising outstanding founders, the initiative creates opportunities for collaboration, investment and business growth while strengthening Africa’s entrepreneurial community.
Organisers also acknowledged the founders who participated in the competitions, alongside the judges, partners and ecosystem stakeholders whose continued support is helping entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses.
The Road to GEC+Africa 2026 now moves to Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya as more entrepreneurs compete for places at the continental event. The Global Entrepreneurship Congress Africa (GEC+Africa) 2026 will take place on 16 to 17 September 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in South Africa, where innovators from across the continent will come together to showcase solutions, build partnerships and shape the future of African entrepreneurship.
