African tech startups that are utilising artificial intelligence (AI) now have a unique opportunity to pitch their ideas live, compete for funding, and connect with top investors at the AI Pitch Competition. This competition is a key feature of the Termii Elevate 4.0 conference, happening on August 2, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Organised by Termii Group, this competition is part of a larger flagship event that celebrates innovation in Africa’s communications and technology sectors. The pitch segment aims to highlight startups that are developing AI-powered solutions to address real-world challenges in Africa, spanning areas such as health, fintech, education, logistics, and more.
If you’re creating a chatbot, voice engine, AI-enabled risk assessment tool, or any other machine-learning product, this is an excellent opportunity to gain visibility, secure funding, and make connections that can enhance your impact.
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About the programme
The AI Pitch Competition is a live, in-person event at Termii Elevate 4.0, which is Termii’s premier annual conference. This year’s theme focuses on how AI is transforming various industries across the continent.
Finalists will have the opportunity to present their pitches to an audience that includes venture capitalists, founders, tech operators, and media representatives.
This competition is a non-equity and free-to-enter opportunity, specifically designed for founders and startups developing scalable AI products in Africa. There are no entry fees, and no stake will be taken in your company.
Host country
The event will be held physically at The Zone Tech Park, Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria. While the competition is hosted in Nigeria, applications are open to startups and founders based in any African country, provided their solution is relevant to African markets.
Deadline
20 July 2025, by 11:59 PM (West Africa Time). Late submissions will not be considered.
Eligibility
To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must:
- Be an early-stage startup or founder team applying AI across any sector
- Have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or live product
- Be founded or led by an African entrepreneur, or have operations focused on Africa
- Be able to pitch in person at the Lagos event, if selected
Benefits
- Live pitching opportunity before high-level investors and mentors
- Cash prizes for top performers (exact amount not disclosed)
- Media coverage via Termii and affiliated platforms
- Access to strategic investor networks and startup operators
- Post-event support, follow-up introductions, and brand exposure
- No equity given up, and no application or participation fee required
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Others
- Travel and accommodation are not covered — shortlisted applicants are expected to fund their logistics
- This is a one-day pitch platform, not a full incubator or accelerator programme
- There is no matchmaking, pitch deck editing, or training provided before the event
Required documents
Applicants should prepare:
- A pitch deck outlining product, traction, and business model
- A short description of how AI is embedded in their solution
- Brief founder or team bios
- Evidence of product development or market testing (e.g. user stats, pilots, demos)
How to apply
- Submit your application using the official pitch portal here.
- Upload your pitch materials and fill in the required fields
- Await notification — shortlisted founders will be contacted by Termii directly
- If selected, pitch live on 2 August 2025 in Lagos
You can also visit the Official website for the Conference here.
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