The 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Exhibition is set to host the esteemed Startup World Cup Regional Competition in Abuja, representing a significant achievement for Africa’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape.
An announcement on their website, said startups can now officially apply to register and take part in the internationally recognized competition.
Organized in collaboration with Pegasus Tech Ventures, the Startup World Cup is among the largest and most prestigious startup pitch competitions globally, gathering the most promising innovators from various continents.
The Abuja regional competition will select a leading startup that will move on to the global finals, where they will have the opportunity to compete for a $1 million investment and gain exceptional international visibility.
The Startup World Cup Regional Competition at the RegTech Africa Conference will offer startups at all stages and from various sectors—including fintech, regtech, payments, AI, cybersecurity, digital identity, e-commerce, healthtech, agritech, and climate tech—a valuable platform to present their solutions to a distinguished audience of investors, regulators, corporate leaders, and global ecosystem partners.
Finalists will have the chance to pitch live before a high-profile jury made up of venture capitalists, industry leaders, and ecosystem experts, with the winning startup advancing to the global finals for a shot at the $1 million grand prize.
As Africa’s premier platform for regulatory innovation and digital transformation, the RegTech Africa Conference & Exhibition brings together senior policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, technology companies, startups, and development partners from across Africa and beyond.
Hosting the Startup World Cup in this context creates a unique intersection of innovation, policy, capital, and market access, allowing startups to connect with decision-makers who influence real-world adoption and scaling.
Commenting on the announcement, Cyril Okoroigwe, CEO of RegTech Africa, stated: “Hosting the Startup World Cup Regional Competition in Abuja highlights our dedication to establishing Africa as a global innovation leader.
Read also:
- LAWMA academy to hold waste essay competition
- Police arrest another key suspect in abduction of Bayelsa judge
- Everton, others in stiff competition to sign Manchester United Midfielder
This is more than just a pitch competition; it serves as a gateway for African startups to access global capital, partnerships, and visibility.”
Judges will evaluate startups based on various criteria, including the innovation and impact of their ideas, the strength of their teams, and the overall quality of their presentations.
The competition is looking for startups that address real challenges, fulfill market demands, and show potential for substantial growth.
The Startup World Cup is a worldwide startup competition organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures, featuring regional events in over 70 countries and culminating in a grand finale where regional winners compete for a $1 million prize.
