The Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge 2025, powered by Naspers and Prosus in partnership with Lionesses of Africa, is now open for applications.
If you are a woman tech founder or co-founder in Africa, this is your chance to win up to $100,000 in equity-free grants, gain mentorship from industry experts, and access valuable investor networks to accelerate your business growth.
What is the Tech FoundHER Challenge?
The initiative was first launched earlier in 2025 in India, where women-led startups secured funding, mentorship, and visibility. The success of that program highlighted the need to support women in tech innovation across emerging markets. Now, the challenge has come to Africa to empower more women entrepreneurs.
Benefits of Participating
Winners of the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge 2025 will receive:
- Up to $100,000 equity-free grants
- Mentorship from experienced operators and industry leaders
- Access to investor networks, customers, and growth opportunities
This combination of funding, guidance, and exposure provides a solid platform to scale your business.
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Eligible Sectors
The challenge welcomes applications from women founders across multiple technology-driven sectors, including:
Financial Services & Business Tools
- Fintech (payments, lending, banking)
- Insurtech (insurance technology)
- Legaltech (legal services and compliance)
- Regtech (regulatory technology)
- Martech (marketing technology)
- Adtech (advertising technology)
- HR Tech / Future of Work (recruitment, productivity, collaboration)
Health, Life Sciences & Social Impact
- Healthtech / Medtech (digital health, devices, telemedicine)
- Biotech (genetics, pharmaceuticals, bioengineering)
- Foodtech (innovative food production and processing)
- CharityTech / Social Impact Tech (technology for social good)
Climate, Environment & Sustainability
- Cleantech / Greentech (renewable energy, carbon reduction)
- Agritech (agriculture and farming innovation)
- Smart City Tech (urban infrastructure, connected services)
Consumer, Lifestyle & Creative Industries
- ConsumerTech (apps, platforms, lifestyle products)
- FashionTech (sustainable fashion and retail)
- EntertainmentTech (film, music, streaming)
- Gaming / eSports Tech (interactive gaming, eSports)
- MediaTech (content creation and distribution)
- RetailTech (e-commerce and shopping innovation)
Infrastructure, Mobility & Industry Solutions
- IT Infrastructure & Systems (hardware, software, data systems)
- Cybersecurity (digital safety solutions)
- GovTech (public service and civic engagement tools)
- PropTech (real estate and smart buildings)
- MobilityTech (transportation, ride-hailing)
- Logistics & Supply Chain Tech (delivery and global trade)
Emerging Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (automation, analytics, decision-making)
Why Women Should Apply
Women-led startups in Africa often face challenges in accessing funding and growth support. The Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge 2025 is designed to close that gap by providing resources, mentorship, and visibility that can help women entrepreneurs scale faster.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge is 30 September 2025
How to Apply
Applications for the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge 2025 are now open. Interested women founders are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of being selected.
