Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge 2025: Empowering Women Tech Founders Across the Continent

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Application Deadline: September 30, 2025

The landscape of technology and entrepreneurship in Africa is changing rapidly, driven by bold, innovative women who are reshaping industries and creating new opportunities. To accelerate this transformation, the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge 2025, powered by Naspers and Prosus in partnership with Lionesses of Africa, is now accepting applications from women tech founders across the continent.

This groundbreaking initiative offers women (co)founders of tech and tech-enabled businesses the chance to win up to $100,000 in equity-free grants, receive hands-on mentorship from industry experts, and gain visibility within Africa’s growing investor ecosystem. Applications are officially open until 30 September 2025 (midnight CAT).

Building on Global Success

Earlier in 2025, Prosus launched the inaugural Tech FoundHER Challenge in India, providing women-led startups with the funding, mentorship, and exposure they needed to scale. The program proved the incredible impact of empowering women innovators, with many participants going on to expand their businesses and attract investor interest.

Now, that momentum has arrived in Africa—home to some of the world’s most promising women-led tech startups. The African edition of the Tech FoundHER Challenge is designed to spotlight the continent’s talent, strengthen its innovation ecosystem, and position women entrepreneurs at the forefront of tech-driven solutions.

What Women Founders Stand to Gain

Successful applicants to the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge 2025 will receive unparalleled support designed to fast-track their growth, including:

  • Up to $100,000 in equity-free grants to fund business expansion.
  • Mentorship from experienced global operators and industry leaders.
  • Access to investor networks for funding opportunities and long-term growth.
  • Visibility to potential customers, partners, and collaborators across Africa and beyond.

This challenge isn’t just about funding—it’s about unlocking opportunities for women entrepreneurs to thrive and build sustainable businesses that can transform communities.

Sectors Covered by the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge

The competition is open to women-led startups across diverse industries, reflecting the breadth of Africa’s innovation potential. Eligible sectors include:

Financial Services & Business Tools

  • Fintech (payments, lending, banking)
  • Insurtech (insurance technology)
  • Legaltech (compliance, contracts)
  • Regtech (regulatory technologies)
  • Martech & Adtech
  • HR Tech / Future of Work

Health, Life Sciences & Social Impact

  • Healthtech & Medtech (telemedicine, devices, data)
  • Biotech
  • Foodtech
  • Social Impact & CharityTech

Climate, Environment & Sustainability

  • Cleantech / Greentech
  • Agritech
  • Smart City Tech

Consumer, Lifestyle & Creative Industries

  • ConsumerTech
  • FashionTech
  • EntertainmentTech
  • Gaming & eSports Tech
  • MediaTech
  • RetailTech

Infrastructure, Mobility & Industry Solutions

  • IT Infrastructure & Systems
  • Cybersecurity
  • GovTech
  • PropTech
  • MobilityTech
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Tech

Emerging Technologies

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning

This wide sectoral scope ensures that women innovators across industries—from digital health to fashion technology—can showcase their ideas and solutions.

Why This Challenge Matters

Women entrepreneurs in Africa continue to face systemic challenges in accessing funding, mentorship, and growth opportunities. Yet, they represent one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing segments of the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By investing in women founders, the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge 2025 is not only driving gender equity but also accelerating Africa’s digital transformation.

Lionesses of Africa, the continent’s leading platform for women entrepreneurs, brings a powerful community and network to this initiative, ensuring that participants receive the support they need to scale their impact.

Application Deadline & How to Apply

The Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge 2025 is now open for applications. Women founders and co-founders of innovative tech or tech-enabled businesses in Africa are encouraged to apply before midnight CAT on 30 September 2025.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE 

Fellowships & Scholarship opportunities