AT SPARK AFRICA
Your idea could change someone’s everyday life. Let’s put it in the spotlight.
Eight finalists. A stage in Dakar. What’s your spark?
Are you developing a solution that helps people move, communicate, learn, work or live more independently? Have you spotted a gap in access to assistive technology and found a fresh way to tackle it? We want to hear from you.
AT SPARK AFRICA brings promising African innovators to AT EXPO AFRICA, taking place in Dakar, Senegal, from 3–5 June 2027. Become one of the eight finalists who will showcase their innovations, pitch on stage and connect with people who could help them take the next step.
Whether you are creating a product, improving a service or developing a new business model, show us what makes your solution matter.
Open to companies based in Africa
Companies based in Africa*
The challenge is open exclusively to companies based in Africa* developing innovative solutions in assistive technology.
Young companies & emerging innovators**
We especially encourage young companies and emerging innovators** to apply. If you have a promising solution but need greater visibility, stronger connections or support to grow, this could be your opportunity.
- No more than ten employees
- Annual turnover below EUR 1 million
- No longer than 3 years in business at time of registration
* Refers exclusively to companies or organisations that (i) have their registered office/headquarters in a country on the African continent and/or (ii) are majority (>50%) owned by individuals or legal entities domiciled in an African country (“African owned”). The applicable criteria are based on official business registration records and ownership structure at the time of application. Companies headquartered outside Africa, regardless of any commercial activity, subsidiaries, partnerships, or market presence in Africa, are not considered “Exhibitors from Africa” under this definition.
Space to shine, stories to share, connections to grow
Eight finalists will receive the possibility to showcase their solutions and meet the people who could help them grow. As a finalist, you will benefit from:
Your own exhibition space
A free 9 m² stand to demonstrate your innovation and engage directly with visitors.
Visibility at the event
Present your solution on the main stage and gain exposure within the international assistive technology community.
Networking opportunities
Connect with potential partners, investors, funders, industry experts and decision-makers.
The chance to win a cash prize
The winner of AT SPARK AFRICA will be announced live at the event and will receive a cash prize to help take their innovation further.
All eight finalists get space to shine, share their story and build connections that could shape their next chapter.
Tell us about your company, your innovation and the difference you want to make
Your application should include:
A cover letter
Introduce yourself and tell us why you want to join AT SPARK AFRICA. What drives you, and what would this opportunity mean for your team?
A company description
Who are you? Where are you based? Tell us about your team, what you do and your company’s stage of development.
A description of your innovation
What problem are you solving, and for whom? Explain how your solution works, what makes it different and what progress you have made so far. Share any testing, user feedback or results available.
Your spark
Why should we choose you? Tell us what makes your innovation stand out, its potential impact in Africa and what you need to take it further.
Keep it clear and concrete. Help us understand the people behind your innovation and the people it could benefit.
Ready to apply?
Apply by 31 December 2026
Send your application to Ms Imke Ostermeier-Kittel: contact@atexpoafrica.com
Four criteria
Our experts will assess applications against four criteria:
Impact and relevance for Africa
Does your solution address a real need and have the potential to improve people’s lives in African contexts?
Innovation
What is new or distinctive about your product, service, business model or approach?
Scalability
Could your solution reach more people or work in other communities and markets?
Feasibility
How realistic is your approach, and what shows that you can put it into practice?
Who decides?
A panel of experts will bring together assistive technology users, an investor, a university representative and an industry expert.
An audience vote will also contribute to the process, giving the wider community a voice alongside the expert assessment.
Show us what you’re building. Tell us why it matters.
Bring your innovation to Dakar. Apply for AT SPARK AFRICA and ignite your next chapter.
Want to talk to the organising team?
Questions about packages, tailored partnerships, or anything else — we're happy to help you find the right fit with AT EXPO AFRICA 2027.
