Eight2Five Innovation Hub

The journey continues...

After a rigorous selection process, we are proud to unveil the Top 20 Startups advancing to the next round of the Value Creation Challenge 2026.

These startups have demonstrated strong business potential, creative thinking, and a commitment to creating value in their respective sectors. Congratulations on reaching this important milestone.

We also introduce the VCC6 Wild Card Startups.

While these startups did not make it into the Top 20, they stood out for the exceptional potential they demonstrated throughout the selection process. As a result, they have earned a Wild Card opportunity to continue in the competition.

The challenge now is theirs to prove that they belong among the best, and potentially secure a place in the coveted Top 12 Cohort of 2026.

To all participating startups, thank you for your passion, resilience, and commitment to building solutions that matter.

Old Mutual Zimbabwe UK in Zimbabwe British Council Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Agricultural Development Trust Embassy of Switzerland to Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Africa’s tech ecosystem is building faster, thinking bigger, and investing smarter. ⚡🌍

This edition of African Tech News Blitz is packed with major moves shaping the future of innovation across the continent:
🔹 Econet launches a dedicated AI Unit in a bold digital infrastructure push
🔹 VCC6 returns to fuel Zimbabwe’s next generation of innovators
🔹 IPEC and FSD Africa unveil a Regulatory Sandbox opening doors for InsurTech and FinTech experimentation
🔹 The Africa Forward Summit signals renewed global investor confidence in Africa
🔹 Blue Cloud Softech and GCIB Africa announce a “Digital Factory” initiative in Senegal

From AI to policy innovation and startup growth, the continent is positioning itself for what’s next. Read the full edition 🚀 bit.ly/49WkmUA