Africa's Premier Youth Pitch Competition
11+
Countries
600+
Students
150+
Companies
Ja-Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
The JA Africa COY competition is Africa's premier pitch competition for high school-aged youth who have completed the flagship JA Company Program and won their national competition. The 3-day event brings together students (aged 14–18) from countries across the continent to compete in teams for cash and prizes in a contest of business skills, ingenuity, and innovation. 2026 marks the 16th edition, hosted by South Africa, December 2–4, 2026.
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.
Teams will explore how emerging technologies can drive innovative solutions, improve efficiency, and address Africa's most pressing challenges.
Teams will harness the power of AI to develop smarter, more inclusive solutions that transform industries, communities, and everyday lives.
Teams will explore innovative fintech solutions that expand access to financial services, strengthen financial inclusion, and empower individuals and businesses.
Teams will leverage digital tools and creative technologies to develop compelling content, new forms of storytelling, and innovative platforms that amplify ideas and impact.
Teams will develop innovative solutions that harness clean and renewable energy to address Africa's energy challenges and build a more sustainable future.
Teams will explore innovative approaches to reduce waste, maximise resources, and create sustainable products, businesses, and systems that support a circular 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.
Partnership Opportunities
Join us in empowering the next generation of African Leaders. Your Support directly fuels innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Headline
$40K+
Platinum
$25K+
Gold
$10K+
Silver
$5K+
In-Kind Support
Media Support
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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.
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.
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