Kenya Launches Startup Pitch Competition

Top-down aerial view of a green football pitch next to a barren dirt field. Photo: taakill/Pexels

Applications are now open for the 2026 Latitude59 Kenya Pitch Competition. The event offers early-stage startups across Africa a chance to compete for non-equity funding, partner prizes, and a spot on the main stage in Nairobi.

The Latitude59 Kenya Edition is slated to occur on December 3–4, 2026. The initial day will concentrate on investor-related activities and ancillary events. The primary conference and pitch contest are set for December 4.

Last year’s Kenya edition attracted roughly 2,000 attendees. Organizers anticipate a comparable number this year, featuring approximately 600 investors hailing from Africa, Europe, the Nordics, and Asia.

“Rooted in Estonia, Latitude59 has established a strong international presence and built strong connections across Africa,” said Latitude59 CEO Liisi Org. “We are now returning to Kenya for the fourth year in a row and inviting founders from across Africa to apply for the opportunity to present their startups on the Latitude59 Pitch Competition stage in Nairobi this December.”

The contest welcomes early-stage startups from Kenya and other African nations. Applications are unrestricted by sector, though entrants must demonstrate a robust tech component and a business model designed for scalability.

Organizers prioritize startups presenting an operational MVP, clear growth indicators, and teams actively seeking capital. Over 600 startups competed in last year’s pitch contest.

“We do not restrict applicants to specific sectors, but a strong technological component and a clearly scalable business model are important,” said Latitude59 Head of Investor-Startup Relations Krista Meinarde. “Ideally, we are looking for startups with a functioning MVP, clear traction, and teams that are actively fundraising.”

Ten ventures will undergo expert pitch coaching and guidance before competing on the main stage. The finalists will battle for non-equity funding and partner rewards. One startup will also gain expedited entry to Latitude59 2027 in Tallinn, Estonia, with travel expenses covered.

The flagship event in Estonia attracted more than 3,000 participants from over 70 countries, including 800 startup representatives and 60 investors. Latitude59 has also held events in Singapore, South Africa, and Kenya.

Applications for the 2026 pitch competition close on November 2. The top 10 teams will be announced from November 6–13. Startup workshops and pitch training will run from November 16–27.

Final pitches will be held at the Latitude59 Kenya Edition on December 4 in Nairobi. Apply here. Tickets for the event are available here.