Top 20 Startup Competitions in Nigeria You Should Enter

Nigeria, with its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, is a hub for innovation and startup growth. For entrepreneurs looking to make their mark, participating in startup competitions can be a fantastic way to gain visibility, secure funding, and connect with industry leaders. Here’s a roundup of the top 20 startup competitions in Nigeria you should consider entering.

1. Hustle Fund Nigeria

What it is: A high-profile competition aimed at supporting early-stage startups across various sectors.

Why enter: Offers substantial prize money, networking opportunities, and exposure to a wide audience of investors and mentors.

Website: Hustle Fund Nigeria

2. The Nigerian Startup Week Pitch

What it is: A prominent pitching event held during Nigerian Startup Week.

Why enter: Gain access to a network of investors, mentors, and other entrepreneurs. It’s a great platform to showcase your startup and attract potential funding.

3. Pitch AgriHack

What it is: A competition focusing on agritech startups that provide innovative solutions for agriculture.

Why enter: Connect with agritech experts, receive mentorship, and compete for funding and resources to advance your agricultural innovations.

Website: Pitch AgriHack

4. The Orange Corners Nigeria

What it is: A competition organized by Orange Corners, supporting startups with innovative solutions.

Why enter: Offers mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to a large network of business leaders and investors.

Website: Orange Corners Nigeria

5. StartUp Nigeria

What it is: A national competition focused on identifying and supporting innovative startups across Nigeria.

Why enter: Gain national recognition, access to resources, and connect with potential investors and mentors.

Website: StartUp Nigeria

6. The GoGetters’ Startup Competition

What it is: A competition designed to support and accelerate the growth of early-stage startups.

Why enter: Offers valuable feedback, funding opportunities, and networking with industry leaders.

7. Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation

What it is: A competition that seeks to find and support the best engineering innovations in Africa, including Nigeria.

Why enter: Gain recognition for your engineering solutions, receive mentorship, and compete for substantial prizes.

Website: Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation

8. The Lagos Startup Expo

What it is: Part of the Lagos Startup Week, this competition highlights promising startups from Lagos and beyond.

Why enter: Network with top investors and entrepreneurs, showcase your startup, and gain exposure.

Website: Lagos Startup Expo

9. Techpoint Build Pitch

What it is: A pitch competition held during the Techpoint Build event, focusing on tech startups.

Why enter: Connect with tech enthusiasts, investors, and industry experts, and receive valuable feedback on your startup.

Website: Techpoint Build

10. The Nigeria Fintech Awards

What it is: A competition focused on fintech startups and innovations in Nigeria.

Why enter: Gain recognition in the fintech sector, connect with potential investors, and access resources to grow your startup.

11. Startup South Pitch

What it is: A regional pitch competition aimed at startups in the southern part of Nigeria.

Why enter: Showcase your startup to regional investors and mentors, and gain valuable exposure and feedback.

Website: Startup South

12. The SME100 Africa Awards

What it is: A competition that recognizes and supports small and medium enterprises across Africa, including Nigeria.

Why enter: Gain national and regional recognition, and access a network of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.

Website: SME100 Africa Awards

13. Startup Grind Nigeria Pitch

What it is: A pitch competition organized by Startup Grind Nigeria, focusing on early-stage startups.

Why enter: Network with successful entrepreneurs, receive mentorship, and gain exposure to potential investors.

Website: Startup Grind Nigeria

14. The African Startup Awards

What it is: A competition that celebrates and supports innovative startups across Africa, including Nigeria.

Why enter: Gain recognition on a continental level, access funding opportunities, and connect with a network of investors and mentors.

Website: African Startup Awards

15. The Lagos Angel Network Pitch

What it is: A pitch competition organized by the Lagos Angel Network, focusing on early-stage startups.

Why enter: Connect with angel investors, receive valuable feedback, and compete for funding.

Website: Lagos Angel Network

16. The Innovators’ Showcase

What it is: A competition aimed at showcasing innovative startups and entrepreneurs.

Why enter: Gain visibility, network with key players in the industry, and access potential funding opportunities.

Website: Innovators’ Showcase

17. The Nigerian Tech Startup Awards

What it is: A competition that recognizes outstanding tech startups in Nigeria.

Why enter: Receive industry recognition, connect with tech leaders, and access funding and resources.

18. The African Business Angel Network Competition

What it is: A competition that connects startups with business angels across Africa, including Nigeria.

Why enter: Network with angel investors, receive mentorship, and gain exposure to funding opportunities.

Website: African Business Angel Network

19. The Innovate Nigeria Challenge

What it is: A competition designed to support innovative startups in Nigeria.

Why enter: Showcase your innovative ideas, gain recognition, and connect with potential investors.

Website: Innovate Nigeria Challenge

20. The Nigeria Social Impact Awards

What it is: A competition focused on startups that make a social impact in Nigeria.

Why enter: Gain recognition for your social initiatives, network with like-minded entrepreneurs, and access resources and funding.

Website: Nigeria Social Impact Awards

Conclusion

Entering startup competitions can be a transformative experience for entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The top 20 competitions listed here offer diverse opportunities to showcase your startup, gain recognition, and connect with investors and mentors. Whether you’re focused on tech innovations, social impact, or agritech solutions, these competitions provide the platform you need to propel your startup to new heights in 2024. Embrace these opportunities, prepare thoroughly, and take the leap towards achieving your entrepreneurial goals!