NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov. 5, 2026 — More than 500 startups from 25 countries have applied to compete in the Latitude59 Kenya Pitch Competition, setting a new record as the Estonia-founded technology platform expands its presence across Africa.
In a press statement released Thursday by Marina Bachmann, press officer for Latitude59, the organizers said the competition received 509 applications, nearly double the number recorded last year. Ten startups will be selected for mentoring and pitch training before competing at Latitude59 Kenya Edition 2026, scheduled for Dec. 3-4 in Nairobi.
The increase in applications reflects growing interest among African entrepreneurs in accessing international investment networks, mentorship and opportunities to expand beyond domestic markets.
Krista Meinarde, Latitude59’s head of investor-startup relations, said the competition had attracted startups operating across a broad range of industries, with e-commerce and retail accounting for the largest share of applications.
Fintech, agricultural technology, food technology and artificial intelligence were also strongly represented, alongside companies developing workflow and productivity solutions.
“This year, we’re seeing some interesting shifts in the types of startups applying. E-commerce and retail are leading the way, but we’re also seeing strong representation from fintech, agritech, foodtech and AI startups, as well as companies developing workflow and productivity tools,” Meinarde said.
She added that 43% of applicants were already generating monthly revenue, despite most being classified as early-stage businesses.
“That says a lot about the quality of this year’s applicants, and our team is really looking forward to working with the founders,” she said.
Kenya leads applications as Latitude59 expands across Africa
Kenya accounted for approximately two-thirds of applications submitted by African startups, reinforcing the country’s position as a major technology and entrepreneurship hub on the continent.
The remaining African applications came from countries across East, West and Southern Africa, with additional participation from Central and North Africa.
Latitude59 said the broader geographical representation reflected its efforts to build stronger connections among African startup ecosystems and international investors.
The organization has expanded its activities beyond Kenya and South Africa, hosting events in Uganda and Zambia for the first time this year.
The expansion is intended to connect entrepreneurs with investment opportunities, business partners and international markets while strengthening cooperation among technology communities across Africa.
Ten startups to compete in Nairobi finals
From the 509 applicants, organizers will select 10 teams to receive professional pitch training and mentoring ahead of the competition finals.
The selected startups will present their businesses to investors and industry representatives on the main stage of Latitude59 Kenya Edition on Dec. 4.
Finalists will compete for prizes provided by Latitude59’s partners, while one startup will receive an invitation to attend Latitude59 2027 in Tallinn, Estonia, with travel expenses covered by the organization.
The competition forms part of a broader effort to help African startups develop investor relationships and gain exposure to international venture capital networks.
The Nairobi event will mark Latitude59’s fourth gathering in Kenya.
Activities on Dec. 3 will focus on investors and related events, while the main conference and startup pitch competition will take place Dec. 4.
Organizers expect approximately 2,000 participants, including 600 investors from Africa, Europe, the Nordic countries and Asia.
Last year’s event attracted about 2,000 attendees from Africa and other regions.
The conference will bring together entrepreneurs, investors and companies operating across African and international markets to discuss business expansion, investment and technological innovation.
Estonia strengthens technology ties with African markets
Latitude59’s growing presence in Africa comes as Estonia seeks to strengthen technology and business connections with emerging markets.
The Baltic country has developed an internationally recognized startup ecosystem, producing technology companies that have expanded across multiple continents.
Estonian-founded businesses, including mobility platform Bolt, financial services company Admiral Markets and online marketplace Yaga, have established operations in African markets.
Latitude59, founded in Estonia, has developed an international network connecting startup founders, investors and technology ecosystem organizations.
Its flagship conference takes place annually in Tallinn. According to the organization, the 14th edition attracted more than 3,000 participants from over 70 countries, including 800 startup representatives and 60 investors.
Beyond Estonia, Latitude59 has organized events in Singapore, Kenya, Cape Town and Johannesburg, expanding its role in connecting entrepreneurs with investors across different regions.
Its latest competition in Kenya highlights increasing efforts to connect African startups with global investment networks as technology businesses seek funding, international partnerships and opportunities for expansion.
For African entrepreneurs, such platforms provide opportunities to reach investors beyond their home markets, although access to financing and the ability to scale operations remain significant challenges for many early-stage businesses.
The finalists for the Latitude59 Kenya Pitch Competition are expected to be announced ahead of the December conference.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
SUPPORT AFRICAN BUSINESS JOURNALISM
Help XOL Africa expand independent business reporting across Africa.
SUPPORT XOL AFRICA →
