Join a virtual watch party and engage with the pitch competition that culminates the eight-month Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship. Each team of African entrepreneurs will compete for up to $20,000 in prize funding and the chance for audience awards. Watch parties will be hosted online, and in over nine countries, enabling a wide variety of viewers to support the next generation of African entrepreneurs.  

The Fellows have been working hard on their ventures and are preparing to pitch to a panel of esteemed judges and audience members. The Jim Leech Fellowship is a prestigious eight-month program that provides African students and recent graduates with invaluable training, resources, financial support, and access to a network of mentors. The final pitch competition is a culmination of the fellow’s hard work and experience.  

The pitch competition will take place on August 22nd online and will be livestreamed to various watch parties. The pitch competition is the culmination of the fellow's journey, showing the innovative ideas and entrepreneurial skills developed throughout the program.  

This year’s participants have demonstrated remarkable dedication and creativity, this final event promises to be a display of entrepreneurial potential in Africa. The pitch competition is a testament to the Fellow’s hard work and innovation and an opportunity for the global community to support and celebrate the next generation of African leaders.  

Join a watch party or attend virtually on August 22nd to be a part of a movement that empowers African entrepreneurs. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and providing access to training, resources, and mentors, the DDQIC African initiatives aim to create a ripple effect of social and financial impact across the continent.  

The Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre (DDQIC) is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students and the wider community. Through various programs and initiatives, DDQIC supports the development of entrepreneurial skills and provides resources for aspiring entrepreneurs to succeed. 

Register here and view watch party locations below.  

  • Kingston, Canada, DDQIC event commons, 69 Union St., Mitchell Hall Buidling, Event Commons Room 

  • Mbarara, Uganda, The Wit Technologies Office, Plot 3, Next to Stanbic bank Stanley Road 

  • Kamapala, Uganada, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062 

Kigali, Rwanda, KN 5 Road, Boulevard de I'Umuganda, Street number KG, 541,Kacyiro 

  • Lagos, Nigeria EGO Foundation, Plot 2b Insha Allah Street, Off Ramat Crescent, Ogudu (Annex Office) 

  • Abuja, Nigeria, Future Perspectives, Ventures Park, 5 Kwaji Cl, Maitama  

  • Borono, Nigeria, Future Perspectives, Abdul Samad Rabiu International Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Maiduguri Bama Road, Maiduguri 

  • Accra, Ghana, University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA-ITSD), New Rd, Madina, Ghana, Madina, Greater Accra Region 

  • Gaborone, Botswana, Botho Education Park, Kgale, Conference Center, 8WMP+2PJ, Jawara  

  • Nairobi, Kenya, Strathmore University, Ole Sangale Rd., Madaraka Estate, 00200 

  • Cape Town, South Africa, Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town, 47 Commercial St, Cape Town City Centre, 8001 

Want to learn more? Watch last year's pitch competition 

Please contact Megan Sieroka m.sieroka@queensu.ca with any media related inquiries.