Tech Giants Naspers and Prosus Introduce Tech FoundHER Africa Contest to Boost Female Startup Owners

The Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge, a platform designed to support female founders in technology, has been launched in Africa. The initiative, spearheaded by Naspers and Prosus, is partnering with Lionesses of Africa, a network of 1.8 million women entrepreneurs across the continent.

The challenge aims to unlock the extraordinary innovation and talent that Africa has to offer, addressing the significant funding gap that women-led startups face. According to Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, South Africa CEO and Executive Director of Naspers and Prosus, the challenge is about closing the funding and visibility gap for these startups.

To apply, startups must be tech or tech-enabled, have a woman founder in a leadership position, be at or before Series B funding stage, and have proven market traction. The winners of the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge will be awarded equity-free grants totalling US$100,000, along with additional support programs.

Participants will gain access to senior mentors within the Naspers-Prosus ecosystem, curated networking opportunities, and enhanced brand visibility. This platform will provide an opportunity to showcase their ventures, expand their networks, and connect with influential decision-makers.

Applicants can submit their entries via the Lionesses of Africa website, with applications opening on 1 September 2025. The submissions will be reviewed in two rounds by a panel of executives, investors, and entrepreneurs, with six finalists advancing to the final stage on 19 November 2025.

The six finalists will present at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on 19 November 2025, coinciding with Global Women's Entrepreneurship Day. The three selected female founders will be announced on the same day, although the specific awardees have not been publicly specified at this time.

The Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge follows the successful launch of the challenge in India and is set to provide a platform, connections, and confidence to scale sustainably for proven women-led startups in Africa.

It's worth noting that women represent 26% of Africa's entrepreneurs but receive less than 3% of venture capital funding. Closing this gap, estimated at $42 billion, could unlock as much as $316 billion in GDP growth. The Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge is a significant step towards bridging this gap and fostering a more inclusive tech ecosystem in Africa.

In conclusion, the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge offers a unique opportunity for women-led tech startups in Africa to access funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. If you meet the criteria, consider applying and take a step towards scaling your venture and making a significant impact in the tech industry.