Deadline Date: May 30, 2026
The Pierre Castel Fund – Acting with Africa, in collaboration with Castel Africa is organizing the 9th edition of the Pierre Castel Prize in seven African countries.
The program focuses on innovation rooted in real needs, measurable economic, social and environmental impact, and strong potential for growth and scalability within food systems. The 2026 edition of the Pierre Castel Prize is designed as a catalyst for entrepreneurial excellence, targeting founders who combine innovation with a clear commitment to sustainable development.
It highlights companies capable of delivering tangible impact while addressing the realities of African economies and communities. The initiative places particular emphasis on solutions that strengthen food systems through technological, service-based, organizational, or value chain innovations.
Eight national winners are selected, each receiving €25,000 in funding, along with one year of mentoring and personalized coaching. Among them, one pan-African laureate is chosen and awarded an additional €10,000, bringing their total funding to €35,000, along with enhanced visibility, participation in international events, and a one-year role as an ambassador for the Prize.
The Prize supports projects operating across various segments of food systems, including sustainable agricultural production, processing, resource valorization, logistics, commercialization, and enabling technologies. Selected entrepreneurs benefit from both financial and non-financial support designed to accelerate their growth and amplify their impact.
Eligible applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old and must be nationals and residents of Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. They must be founders or co-founders of a legally registered company that has been operational for at least two years and must be leading a development project with measurable economic, social, and environmental outcomes. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate leadership, strong local engagement, entrepreneurial capability, and the potential to scale their ventures.
For more information, visit Pierre Castel.
