NAIROBI, Kenya (XOL Africa) — Startup and technology event Latitude59 will return to Kenya in December for the fourth consecutive year, with applications open for its 2026 pitch competition, offering early-stage startups from Kenya and elsewhere in Africa the chance to compete for non-equity funding, partner prizes and a place on the event’s main stage.
In a statement released Thursday by Marina Bachmann, press officer for Latitude59, the organization said the Kenya edition will take place Dec. 3-4 in Nairobi, bringing together African founders, global investors and companies operating across African and international markets.
Latitude59 CEO Liisi Org said the event was intended to strengthen connections between African and international startup ecosystems.
“Rooted in Estonia, Latitude59 has established a strong international presence and built strong connections across Africa,” Org said.
“Our events in Kenya and South Africa have shown that our commitment to building bridges between Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Nordic countries creates new opportunities for startups, investors, partners, and the global ecosystem.”
“We are now returning to Kenya for the fourth year in a row and inviting founders from across Africa to apply for the opportunity to present their startups on the Latitude59 Pitch Competition stage in Nairobi this December,” she said.
The Dec. 3 program will focus on investor activities and side events, while the main conference will take place Dec. 4.
Across the two-day program, African founders, international investors and companies operating across African and global markets are expected to meet in Nairobi to discuss partnerships, investment and opportunities to expand internationally.
Last year’s event attracted about 2,000 participants from Africa and other parts of the world. Organizers expect a similar turnout this year, including about 600 investors from Africa, Europe, the Nordic countries and Asia.
Latitude59 is also expanding its African presence this year, with pre-events scheduled for the first time in Uganda and Zambia.
A key feature of the Nairobi event will be the Latitude59 Pitch Competition, which will be held on the main stage Dec. 4.
Early-stage startups from Kenya and other African countries are eligible to apply. Krista Meinarde, Latitude59’s head of investor-startup relations, said the organizers are looking for companies with technology components and the potential to scale.
“Last year, the Latitude59 Pitch Competition attracted over 600 startup participants, and we expect similar interest this year,” Meinarde said. “We do not restrict applicants to specific sectors, but a strong technological component and a clearly scalable business model are important.”
“Ideally, we are looking for startups with a functioning MVP, clear traction, and teams that are actively fundraising,” she said.
Ten startups will be selected from the applicants to receive professional pitch training and mentoring. The finalists will then compete on the main stage for a pool of non-equity funding and prizes provided by Latitude59 partners.
One of the finalists will also receive a fast-track invitation to Latitude59’s 2027 event in Tallinn, Estonia, with Latitude59 covering the cost of round-trip travel.
Latitude59 is a global platform connecting startups, investors and business communities across international markets. Its flagship event in Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, has attracted thousands of participants from dozens of countries.
The organization has also held events in Singapore, South Africa and Kenya as part of its international expansion.
Key dates
Nov. 2: Application deadline
Nov. 6-13: Top 10 teams announced
Nov. 16-27: Startup workshops and pitch training
Dec. 4: Final pitches at Latitude59 Kenya Edition
Applications for the Latitude59 Kenya Pitch Competition are open to early-stage startups from Kenya and across Africa.
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