The African Diaspora Network Builders of Africa's Future (BAF) celebrates innovation and impact in early-stage African enterprises. The 2026 edition is Cohort Nine. The programme identifies African entrepreneurs running early-stage nonprofits or for-profit businesses addressing community needs through technology or differentiated business models in health, education, energy, agriculture, financial inclusion, gender inclusion, nutrition, commerce, and infrastructure. Annual awardees receive enterprise development training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and a platform to boost brand visibility and investment potential in Silicon Valley. Since 2018, BAF has recognised and catalysed 93 African startups.

Enterprise development training, mentorship, networking opportunities, brand visibility platform, investment potential exposure in Silicon Valley, ongoing alumni network access (now 93 startups since 2018).

Founders/executives of established legal entities operating 6+ months with demonstrable early traction (growing usage, revenue, or other metrics). Must offer innovative approach to African challenges fitting cultural/socioeconomic context (not Western clones). Founders must attend monthly enterprise training sessions and complete 2 core modules. Reasonable geographic distribution across African regions. Both for-profit and nonprofit eligible.