Nova Garage has opened applications for Africa’s most promising young tech entrepreneurs ahead of its debut at the French-Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on May 11–12, 2026.
The initiative, organised under the patronage of President William Ruto, seeks to spotlight Africa’s diversity in entrepreneurship and homegrown tech solutions across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, mobility, and finance.
The platform will select a cohort of 15 innovators under 35, offering them visibility before investors, business leaders, and policymakers.
Eligibility Criteria and Selection Timeline
Applicants must be under the age of 35 and either citizens of, or hold refugee status in, an African country.
Candidates are also required to demonstrate innovation at the core of their business model, alongside measurable economic, social, or environmental impact.
In addition, applicants must present a clear need for investment or scaling. Each team may consist of up to four co-founders, with a maximum of two representatives allowed to attend the summit.
Applicants may apply as individuals or as part of a team of up to four co-founders on the Nova Garage website.
However, only two representatives per team will be allowed to attend the summit if selected.
The deadline for applications is set for April 23, 2026, at 17:00 EAT.
Final selections will be made later in April, ahead of a live showcase scheduled for May 11, 2026, at the Kenya Cultural Centre – Norfolk in Nairobi.
Successful applicants will gain exposure to senior policymakers and global decision-makers, as well as opportunities for direct engagement with investors and capital providers.
They will also benefit from structured networking sessions and enhanced international visibility, positioning their ventures for growth and expansion.
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Nova Garage’s Aim
Convened by the French-African Foundation and the Autonomous Advancement Initiative in partnership with Concerto and Nuvision, Nova Garage Summit seeks to spotlight the strategic partnerships and technological solutions that will define Africa’s next decade.
At its core are ventures developed by some of the continent’s most ambitious young founders.
By placing these innovators in direct contact with investors and policymakers, Nova Garage moves beyond traditional incubation.
The platform bridges youth-led innovation with institutional capital and state leadership, helping to build the critical infrastructure for Africa’s future.
It aims to spotlight the depth and diversity of the continent’s entrepreneurial energy, showcasing the tech solutions developed by the new generation of African innovators across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, mobility, and finance.
Nova Garage will bring together in Nairobi a curated selection of some of the continent’s most promising entrepreneurs, alongside investors, corporate leaders, and public stakeholders committed to advancing innovation across Africa.
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Kenya continues to position itself at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation, driven by a vibrant innovation ecosystem and forward-looking policies.
From the M-Pesa revolution, which redefined financial inclusion globally, to the rise of AI and climate-tech startups, Nairobi has cemented its reputation as the Silicon Savannah.
Supportive public policies and regulatory innovation have created an enabling environment for technology companies to build, test, and scale solutions, attracting increasing venture capital and strengthening Kenya’s role as a gateway to East and Central Africa.
With a young, digitally savvy population and a government focused on technology-driven growth, Kenya is not just participating in the future of innovation—it is actively shaping it.
