Tuesday, 7 July 2026, in Johannesburg, KPMG Private Enterprise is inviting Africa's most promising technology companies to apply for the KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator 2026 competition. This competition offers innovators the opportunity to represent the continent on the global stage in Lisbon, Portugal.

Now in its sixth year, the competition brings together some of the brightest minds in technology innovation. If you're ready to demonstrate how your technology can make a difference in the world, this could be your moment to challenge the status quo, introduce transformative solutions through your unique lens, and help shape the future. Eligible businesses from the 13 One Africa member firm countries) across Southern Africa, East Africa, and West Africa are encouraged to submit their applications before 2 August 2026.

Participants will compete through national and regional rounds, with winners advancing to the global stage where they will pitch alongside some of the world's most innovative technology companies. Applications will be assessed on innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, growth potential, customer focus, and risk awareness by a panel of industry experts from within and outside KPMG.

Sandeep Main, Partner, Tax & Regulatory Services and Africa Head of Private Enterprise, said

"Africa continues to produce remarkable entrepreneurs who are solving complex challenges through innovation and technology. The Global Tech Innovator competition provides these businesses with a unique opportunity to showcase their solutions, build valuable connections, and gain exposure to investors, industry leaders, and potential partners on a global stage. We encourage eligible startups and scaleups from across Africa to enter and demonstrate the incredible innovation emerging from our continent.”

Sandeep Main

Partner, Tax & Regulatory Services and Africa Head of Private Enterprise at KPMG One Africa

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Beyond the competition itself, finalists will gain valuable exposure to business leaders, investors, industry experts, and fellow innovators from around the world. The overall winner will earn the title of KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator 2026. Applications are now open and close on 2 August 2026. To learn more about the competition, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, visit the KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator competition webpage.

For media queries, please contact:

Dudu Ndlovu,
Africa Head of Corporate Affairs
KPMG South Africa
E: dudu.ndlovu@kpmg.co.za

About KPMG One Africa

KPMG One Africa refers to the KPMG firms in the Southern, East, and West Africa regions. These are comprised of 13 countries from the 3 regional clusters, i.e. Southern Africa: Botswana, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe; East Africa: Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania,

and Uganda; West Africa: Ghana, and Nigeria, who in 2025 have established a formal One Africa Cluster called KPMG One Africa.

The KPMG firms in these countries are member firms of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee.