The African ecosystem thrives on innovation, but scaling a business requires more than just a great idea—it requires robust systems, digital transformation, and, of course, the right capital.

We are thrilled to announce the next African Ecosystem Mixer (AEM): SME Edition, hosted by FirstFounders in partnership with ProvidusBank. This isn't just another networking event; it’s a high-stakes opportunity to showcase your business and secure the funding needed to take it to the next level.

The Main Event: The SME Pitch Competition

We are looking for the brightest SMEs and early-stage startups to take the stage. If you’ve been building in silence, now is the time to speak up. Two winners will walk away with life-changing cash prizes:

Winner: ₦1,000,000

First Runner-Up: ₦500,000

Only the Top 6 businesses will be shortlisted to pitch live, so make sure your application stands out!

Are You Eligible?

To ensure the competition supports businesses with established traction, the following criteria apply:

SMEs: Must be generating revenue for at least 6 months.

Early-stage Startups: Must be generating revenue for at least 3 months.

More Than Just a Pitch

The theme for this mixer is "Digitizing Nigerian SMEs: Building Systems & Processes for Scaling." Beyond the competition, this is a curated gathering designed for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and discuss how to integrate digital tools into traditional business models for long-term growth.

Event Details

Date: April 2, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Venue: Maison Fahrenheit Hotel

Focus: Systems, Processes, and Digital Scaling

How to Join

Whether you are ready to pitch your business to the judges or simply want to register as an attendee to learn and network, we’d love to have you there.

👉 Register to Attend or Apply to Pitch Here Alternatively, you can scan the QR code in the image above to get started. Don’t miss your chance to scale your business and win big!