The generator sputters outside, streetlights flicker along Victoria Island, and inside a tiny office, a young founder scrolls through her notes one more time. She’s turned her small creative business into something people actually notice, but the leap from local buzz to regional impact still feels like a cliff she can’t quite climb. Then she sees it, a competition promising not just cash, but mentorship, market access, and a real shot at scaling. The Pitch2Scale Africa Competition is calling, and for founders ready to grow, it might just be the bridge they’ve been waiting for.
Why now matters for African Founders
Africa’s business landscape is shifting. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), value‑addition pushes and regional trade rising importance, founders can no longer just “start”, they must scale.
So when 234Finance launches this competition, they’re tapping into a moment where access to finance, mentorship and cross‑border trade are musts. The platform describes itself as fostering capacity building, mentorship and access to finance for African entrepreneurs.
For Nigerian youth especially, those in Lagos, Abuja or the states, the gap is clear: you’ve got talent, hustle and even local traction. But what’s missing is the step‑up that gets you beyond the local market. This competition is designed for that.
What it looks like on the ground in Nigeria
Think about the founder in Lagos making artisanal eco‑friendly packaging, or the young agripreneur in Ogun state processing cassava into value‑added products. They’re doing good work. But now what? Pitch2Scale is open to sectors: Agribusiness, Manufacturing, Energy, Hospitality & Tourism, and the creative economy.
And here’s the local angle: MMC 7.0 is being held at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos from December 4–5, 2025. Over 1,000 delegates from across Africa are expected. It’s not just a chance to win a prize but your front‑row seat at the deals‑table, the mentoring lounge and the network you’ve needed.
What’s actually not working and how this flips that
The truth is, many Nigerian (and African) founders remain stuck at the “local hustle” stage. They’ve got a business, maybe some customers, maybe some profit, but scaling? Rare. Why? Because access to meaningful capital and tailored mentorship is scarce. Networks are weak. And exporting even rarer.
Programs exist, but many still treat “seed funding” and “networking” as enough. Scale demands more: structured support, visibility, cross‑border reach. This is where the opportunity lies. Pitch2Scale isn’t offering a vague promise, it offers a $10,000 investment plus strategic support, market access and a panel of high‑level judges. If you’re still trying to “figure things out” alone, scaling will stay a dream.
Your chance to flip the script
So let’s say you submit your application. You tell the story of your business, your traction, your vision for scale. You secure a place among the finalists. You pitch to a panel of angel investors, accelerators, financial institutions at MMC 7.0. One founder walks away with the $10K, but ALL finalists win something: network, exposure, possibility.
This is your opportunity. It’s not just the cash; it’s also an amazing platform. The sectors chosen speak to Africa’s real potential: agribusiness (where Nigeria excels), manufacturing (value‑added production is the future), energy (critical), hospitality & tourism (young market), and the creative economy (Nigeria’s sweet spot). And for youth in Nigeria: This isn’t just “another pitch competition”. It’s a signal: step up. Scale up. This is your moment.
How to make it count (for real)
- Check the details: The application is live via MMC website; competition is open now ahead of Dec 4–5.
- Craft your story of scale: Judges want to see you’re more than local. Show traction, show ambition, show how you’ll use the prize to scale, not just survive.
- Make sure you fit a target sector: If you’re in agribusiness, manufacturing, energy, hospitality/tourism or creative economy, you’ve got the sector alignment.
- Use the event, even if you don’t win: Being there matters; network, get mentorship, take the learning and exposure.
- Think regional or global, not just Lagos: Show you’re ready for next level, export, value‐add, partner across borders.
- Prepare a sharp, short pitch: Finalists will pitch live, make it punchy, clear, future‑oriented.
Now the question to you
You’ve got the business. You’ve got the hustle. The question is: Are you ready to go beyond the local game and scale? The table is laid, the event, the competition, the network. The choice is yours.
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