Africa's Premier Youth Pitch Competition
Where Africa's boldest young entrepreneurs pitch the ventures they built and the future takes the stage. Witness the convergence of technology, resilience, and Pan-African impact.
11+
Countries
600+
Students
150+
Companies
Ja-Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
COY 2026 brings Africa's boldest young entrepreneurs to Cape Town for three days of pitches, partnership, and continental celebration.
Dec 2–4
Event dates
16th
Edition
11+
Countries
600+
Students
16th Edition Highlight
As Africa stands on the brink of a digital renaissance, the 16th edition of COY focuses on the power of technology, resilience, and creative problem-solving to solve local challenges on a continental scale.
A focused competition track highlighting practical business solutions relevant to Africa's evolving innovation economy.
A focused competition track highlighting practical business solutions relevant to Africa's evolving innovation economy.
A focused competition track highlighting practical business solutions relevant to Africa's evolving innovation economy.
A focused competition track highlighting practical business solutions relevant to Africa's evolving innovation economy.
A focused competition track highlighting practical business solutions relevant to Africa's evolving innovation economy.
A focused competition track highlighting practical business solutions relevant to Africa's evolving innovation economy.
Participating Countries
COY brings together student companies from across the continent, creating a shared platform for collaboration, competition, and visibility among Africa's next generation of builders.
Event Agenda
A three-day flow designed to spotlight student ventures, convene ecosystem partners, and celebrate the most compelling solutions on the continental stage.
Press Conference
Student Seminars
Opening Ceremony
Student Pitches
Trade Fair
Mentor Networking
Stakeholder Convening
Awards Ceremony
Closing Gala
Gallery & Media
This section is ready to evolve into a richer annual media library with photo galleries, highlight reels, interviews, and downloadable press materials for each edition.
COY 2026 teaser moment
Student innovation showcase
Competition and judging moments
Trade booth presentations
Editions & Archive
Use this structure to track each annual edition with its own schedule, gallery, speakers, partners, outcomes, and winning teams while keeping the full COY story organized in one place.
Current Edition
Cape Town, South Africa
The 16th edition focused on innovation, resilience, and bold youth-led business solutions from across the continent.
View editionArchive
Edition archive planning
Previous COY editions can be added here over time with winners, media, agenda, and country participation records.
Archive pages can be added here as each year is documented.
Stay informed with the latest stories, insights, and updates from JA Africa.
2026 JA Africa Inc. All rights reserved.
