Africa Business Concept Challenge opens for students solving local problems

African undergraduate and graduate students can now apply for the Africa Business Concept Challenge, an annual virtual competition that helps teams transform local community challenges into practical and sustainable business ideas.

Hosted by the Global Business School Network, the challenge runs over a structured five-week program and is open to interdisciplinary teams of two to five students, with at least two members enrolled at African institutions. There is no participation fee, and each team must be supported by a faculty mentor.

Entrepreneurship Education Meets Community Impact

The competition is designed to give students hands-on experience in entrepreneurship education, guiding them step by step from identifying a local problem to building a market-ready business concept.

Teams begin by selecting a community challenge and clearly defining the gap or unmet need. They then conduct market and industry research to test demand and assess existing solutions before developing a business concept aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Investor Mentorship and Real-World Feedback

A core feature of the challenge is access to investor mentorship. Participants receive feedback from mentors and investor experts throughout the process, helping them refine ideas based on real-world expectations rather than theory alone.

The final stage requires teams to submit a written report and record a group pitch. Top teams advance to a live pitch round judged by international experts.

Virtual Business Competition With Long-Term Value

Beyond the competition, participants gain lifetime access to the Ennova platform, offering ongoing resources, learning materials, and networking opportunities focused on business innovation.

Organisers say the program aims to build practical skills in problem-solving, research, and go-to-market planning, while encouraging solutions grounded in African realities.

Applications close on 22 March 2026, with the full experience delivered virtually, allowing students from across the continent to participate.