NAIROBI, Kenya (Chatnewstv.com) — Latitude59, Estonia’s flagship startup and tech event, has opened applications for its 2025 pitch competition in Nairobi, inviting early-stage African startups to compete for a spot on the global stage.
In a press statement released Thursday by Latitude59 Communications Specialist Kerli Soe, the organizers said the contest will take place Dec. 3–5 at the A.S.K Dome in Nairobi, where 10 shortlisted startups will pitch for a chance to win a fully funded trip to Latitude59 2026 in Tallinn, Estonia, and a fast-track spot in the semi-finals of the global competition.
“Previous year’s strong results showed us that African startups are home to some of the most exciting early-stage founders we have met globally — they’re bold, resilient, and already solving problems with global relevance,” Latitude59 CEO Liisi Org said.
“That’s why we are back in Kenya for the third year in a row and invite founders all across Africa to apply.”
Head of Startup Relations Triin Ilves said the competition has grown rapidly since its debut.
“Last year, we almost doubled our number of applications compared to the first year. And winners from both years — Chumz and Vunapay — are examples of early-stage startups with impressive revenue and growth numbers,” she said.
The competition is open to startups with proven traction and core teams based in Africa.
Applications close Oct. 25. The top 10 teams will receive professional pitch training and mentoring before the finals in Nairobi, where winners will also receive awards from community partners and gain access to more than 350 investors attending the event.
Latitude59, known as Estonia’s premier startup gathering, has expanded internationally with editions in Singapore, Cape Town and Nairobi.
The 2025 Kenya event is expected to bring together 3,000 participants from Africa, Europe and beyond as the organization pushes toward its goal of becoming the continent’s most impactful tech event by 2027.
This year’s flagship event in Tallinn drew over 3,500 participants from more than 70 countries, including 900 startup representatives, nearly 700 investors and 20 national delegations.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
