Latitude59, a prominent startup and technology event, is set to return to Kenya for the fourth consecutive year. The event, scheduled to take place on December 3-4, 2026, in Nairobi, will bring together founders, investors, and technology companies from Africa and international markets. Applications are now open for its 2026 Kenya Pitch Competition, which offers early-stage startups across Africa a chance to compete for non-equity funding, partner prizes, and a place on the event's main stage.
The Latitude59 Kenya Edition will feature a two-day program, with the first day focused on investor activities and side events, and the second day dedicated to the main conference and pitch competition. Last year's Kenya edition attracted approximately 2,000 participants, including around 600 investors from Africa, Europe, the Nordics, and Asia. Organizers expect a similar turnout this year. The event is rooted in Estonia, but has established a strong international presence and built connections across Africa.
The pitch competition is open to early-stage startups from Kenya and other African markets, with no sector limitations. However, applicants should demonstrate a strong technology component and a scalable business model. Latitude59 is particularly interested in startups with a functioning minimum viable product, demonstrable traction, and teams actively raising capital. More than 600 startups participated in last year's pitch competition, according to Latitude59 Head of Investor-Startup Relations Krista Meinarde.
Ten startups will be selected from the applicant pool to receive professional pitch training and mentoring before competing on the Latitude59 main stage. The finalists will compete for a pool of non-equity funding and prizes from Latitude59 partners. One startup will also receive a fast-track invitation to Latitude59 2027 in Tallinn, Estonia, with Latitude59 covering round-trip travel costs. Applications for the pitch competition close on November 2, 2026.
Latitude59 is expanding its African footprint this year, with pre-events planned in Uganda and Zambia for the first time. The expansion comes as the Estonian startup and technology event continues to build links between African ecosystems and investors and companies in Europe, the Nordic region, and Asia. Its flagship event in Estonia attracted more than 3,000 participants from over 70 countries at its 14th edition.
The event has a strong track record of bringing together startup representatives and investors. At its 14th edition in Estonia, the event included 800 startup representatives and 60 investors. Latitude59 has also held events in Singapore, South Africa, and Kenya, where it is now entering its fourth consecutive year. The event's CEO, Liisi Org, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event in Kenya.
Key dates for the Latitude59 Kenya Pitch Competition 2026 include November 2, when applications close, and December 4, when final pitches will take place at the Latitude59 Kenya Edition in Nairobi. Interested startups can apply through the event's website, and tickets for the Latitude59 Kenya Edition 2026 are available for purchase.
Key points
- Ten startups will be selected to compete on the Latitude59 main stage.
- The event will feature a two-day program, including investor activities and a pitch competition.
- Applications for the pitch competition close on November 2, 2026.
