Are you a visionary entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea aligned with ethical finance, sustainability, or Islamic financial principles? The African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF) 2025 Pitch Competition is your golden opportunity to bring your innovative solution to the forefront and win up to ₦5 million in grant funding.
Organized as part of the annual African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF), the pitch competition is designed to spotlight and support creative ventures that embody ethical values, financial inclusion, and sustainable development through Islamic finance principles.
About the African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF)
Now in its 2025 edition, the African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF) has become a pivotal platform for policymakers, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and scholars to collaborate on ethical finance solutions in Africa. Hosted annually, AICIF features high-level panels, exhibitions, and a flagship pitch competition that empowers African startups and early-stage ventures.
Pitch Competition at a Glance
- Organiser: African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF)
- Prize: Up to ₦5,000,000 in grants
- Who Can Apply: Startups, social enterprises, innovators, and entrepreneurs across Africa
- Application Deadline: August 30, 2025
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure fairness and relevance, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be an African citizen or registered company in Africa
Startup must be less than 5 years old
Have a working prototype or MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Project must align with Islamic finance principles or ethical financing
Teams must consist of at least 2 members
Participants must be available to pitch live at the AICIF 2025 event
Also Read:Apply Now: Sahara Impact Fund (SIF) For Africans (Up to $30,000 Grant, Skills, Tools, and Networks)
Selection Criteria
Your idea will be assessed by seasoned judges based on the following:
Innovation & Originality – Is your solution unique and forward-thinking?
Shariah Compliance – Does your venture align with Islamic finance principles?
Scalability – Can your idea expand across markets or regions?
Impact – Will your solution create economic, social, or environmental value?
Team Strength – Do you have the expertise and drive to execute your idea?
Note: Applicants will go through a rigorous shortlisting process before being invited to pitch at the conference.
Benefits of Participating
Participating in the African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF) 2025 Pitch Competition comes with a range of benefits, even beyond the ₦5 million prize:
Grant Funding of up to ₦5,000,000 – No equity taken. Just support for your mission.
Exposure to Pan-African Investors – Present your idea to a room full of funders and collaborators.
Mentorship & Feedback – Receive expert insights on how to strengthen your business model.
Networking Opportunities – Meet key players in Islamic finance, fintech, and sustainable development.
Media & PR Coverage – Gain visibility through AICIF’s media partners and platforms.
How to Apply
Applying for the AICIF 2025 Pitch Competition is simple and fully online. Follow these steps:
Complete the pitch competition form with accurate business details
Tip: Make sure your solution clearly aligns with the core values of Islamic finance, such as risk-sharing, transparency, social responsibility, and prohibition of interest (riba).
Application Deadline: August 30, 2025
Apply now and let your innovation lead the way toward a fairer financial future for Africa.
