Applications are now open for Nova Garage, a recent initiative designed to connect emerging African entrepreneurs with global investors and policymakers, ahead of the Africa–France Summit “Africa Forward” in Nairobi this May.
The platform, a joint effort by the French-African Foundation and the Autonomous Advancement Initiative, in partnership with Concerto and Nuvision, will select fifteen entrepreneurs under the age of 35 to present their ventures to a panel including investors, corporate leaders, and government officials. The initiative aims to showcase innovation across key sectors including energy, agriculture, mobility, and finance.
Kenya’s capital was chosen as the host city due to its burgeoning tech scene. Nairobi, often referred to as the “Silicon Savannah,” attracted nearly $1 billion in investment in 2023, according to Briter Bridges data, with fintech and cleantech leading the way. The city is home to over 400 active tech startups, solidifying its position as a hub for innovation in Africa.
The Africa–France Summit, “Africa Forward,” reflects a broader effort by French President Emmanuel Macron to reframe the relationship between France and African nations, prioritizing economic partnerships and mutual growth. President Ruto’s administration has similarly emphasized economic transformation as a key policy objective. Nova Garage is intended to be a central component of this renewed focus, moving beyond traditional diplomatic engagements to directly engage with the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
According to the French-African Foundation, Nova Garage is designed not as a one-time event, but as a “living network” intended to foster long-term connections between African entrepreneurs, companies, and investors. A key objective is to support the development of African-led technological solutions, rather than relying on imported technologies.
The Autonomous Advancement Initiative, publicly launching alongside Nova Garage, aims to reposition African states as sovereign actors in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and technological development. The initiative’s framework seeks to empower African nations to control their own technological destinies and leverage innovation for sustainable growth.
Entrepreneurs interested in participating in the Nova Garage cohort can submit their applications through the official website, novagarage.africa, until April 23, 2026. The selected participants will have the opportunity to present their solutions during the Africa–France Summit in Nairobi, gaining exposure to a highly influential international audience.
The French-African Foundation has not yet released details regarding the specific criteria for selecting the fifteen entrepreneurs, or the composition of the judging panel. Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
