Latitude59 Kenya’s 2026 Pitch Competition has attracted a record 509 startup applications from 25 countries, almost double the number received last year as the conference expands its African footprint.

From the pool, ten finalists will be chosen to present their pitches at the Latitude59 Kenya Edition scheduled for December 3–4 in Nairobi.

The competition’s finalists will receive professional pitch training and mentorship before the final showdown, with prizes supplied by Latitude59’s partners.

One of the winning startups will also be invited to attend Latitude59 2027 in Tallinn, Estonia, with travel costs covered by the organisers.

E‑commerce and retail ventures form the largest share of applicants, followed by fintech, agritech, foodtech and artificial‑intelligence firms, according to Latitude59’s Head of Investor‑Startup Relations, Krista Meinarde.

Startups developing workflow and productivity tools also feature among the submissions, broadening the sectoral mix of the competition.

Although most entrants are early‑stage, 43% already generate monthly revenue, indicating notable commercial traction among this year’s cohort.

Kenyan startups account for roughly two‑thirds of all African applications, with the remainder coming from East, West, Southern, Central and North Africa.

The December event marks the fourth Latitude59 edition held in Kenya, with the first day dedicated to investor activities and side events, and the main conference and pitch finals on December 4.

Organisers anticipate a turnout similar to last year’s 2,000 participants, expecting around 600 investors from Africa, Europe, the Nordic region and Asia to attend.