Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge 2025 For Women Tech Founders (Up to $100,000 in Equity-free Grants)

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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. They encourage women founders to apply today and take this next step in Africa’s innovation story.

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.

Now the challenge expands to Africa. The Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge, powered by Naspers & Prosus and delivered in partnership with Lionesses of Africa, is accepting applications until midnight CAT on 30 September 2025. It will support women founders scaling technology and tech-enabled businesses across the continent.

Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge Benefits

The offer includes up to $100,000 in:

Equity-free grants
Mentorship from experienced operators
Access to investor networks

Eligibility Criteria

The search is on for women founders or co-founders scaling technology and tech-enabled businesses across Africa. Are you building a business in one of these sectors?

Financial Services & Business Tools
- Fintech – Financial services innovation (payments, lending, banking, etc.)
- Insurtech – Insurance technology (underwriting, claims, risk).
- Legaltech – Technology for legal services, compliance, and contracts.
- Regtech – Regulatory technology for compliance and reporting.
- Martech – Marketing technology (campaigns, analytics, engagement).
- Adtech – Advertising technology (digital campaigns, targeting).
- HR Tech / Future of Work – Workforce, productivity, recruitment, collaboration.
Health, Life Sciences & Social Impact
- Healthtech / Medtech – Digital health, devices, telemedicine, health data.
- Biotech – Genetics, pharmaceuticals, bioengineering.
- Foodtech – Food production, processing, and alternative food sources.
- CharityTech / Social Impact Tech – Tech designed for social good or community impact.
Climate, Environment & Sustainability
- Cleantech / Greentech – Renewable energy, sustainable production, carbon reduction.
- Agritech – Agriculture and farming innovations.
- Smart City Tech – Urban infrastructure, connected services, smart living.
Consumer, Lifestyle & Creative Industries
- ConsumerTech – Consumer products, lifestyle apps, digital platforms.
- FashionTech – Apparel, design, retail, sustainability in fashion.
- EntertainmentTech – Film, music, streaming, creative content.
- Gaming / eSports Tech – Interactive gaming, immersive experiences, eSports.
- MediaTech – Content creation, publishing, and distribution.
- RetailTech – E-commerce, in-store shopping, and customer experience.
Infrastructure, Mobility & Industry Solutions
- IT Infrastructure & Systems – Hardware, software, data systems, networking.
- Cybersecurity – Tools and services for digital safety.
- Govtech – Technology to improve public services and civic engagement.
- Proptech – Real estate technology for property management and smart buildings.
- MobilityTech (Mobitech) – Mobile apps, transportation, ride-hailing, mobility.
- Logistics & Supply Chain Tech – Transport, delivery, and global trade.
Emerging Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning – Automation, analytics, decision-making.