The Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) 2025, held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana, brought together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and business leaders from across Africa and beyond. The three-day event delivered a rich blend of capacity-building sessions, intense pitch competitions, industry panels, networking experiences, and purpose-driven conversations that highlighted the rising influence of African innovators on the global stage.
Day One: Investment Readiness & First Pitch Stage
The festival opened with a high-impact Investment Readiness Masterclass delivered by Mr. Johan Richards. The session focused on investor expectations, strategic positioning, and what it takes for African founders to scale globally.
Shortly after the workshop, founders from multiple countries engaged in the First Stage Pitch Rounds, presenting their businesses to an international panel of investors. This initial screening set the pace for the competitive atmosphere that carried through the festival.
As the day concluded, attendees transitioned into an all-white networking party, creating the perfect setting for relaxed interaction and early cross-border collaborations ahead of the opening ceremony later that evening.
Day Two: Semi-Final Pitches & High-Level Panel Conversations
Day Two featured the semi-final pitch round, where shortlisted founders from the previous day were invited to present their refined pitches. The stakes were higher, the judging more rigorous, and the feedback more targeted.
While pitches continued, the festival hosted several industry panels and thought-leadership discussions led by influential speakers from across Africa, including business leaders from Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, and other regions. Topics ranged from venture capital trends to digital economy opportunities, youth entrepreneurship, ethical leadership, business scalability, and the future of African innovation.
Throughout the day, founders engaged in one-on-one investor meetings, deal rooms, and private strategy sessions designed to help startups accelerate their growth.
Day Three: Kingdom Entrepreneurship & Grand Finale
The final day opened with a unique Kingdom Entrepreneurship service, blending faith, values, and business leadership. Speakers included Pastor Lesley Osei, Dr. Joy Smart Francis, Mrs. Marcia L. Dyson, Henry Kaestner and other global voices sharing principles on purpose-driven entrepreneurship, value creation, and influence.
The evening spotlighted the festival’s climax, the Pitch Room Grand Finale, which featured the top finalists delivering their last round of pitches. Prizes awarded were:
1st Place: USD 20,000
2nd Place: USD 10,000
3rd Place: USD 5,000
This was followed by a closing concert, marking the end of three days of intense learning, competition, and celebration.
Why GEF Matters for Africa’s Entrepreneurial Future
The 2025 edition of GEF demonstrated why it is becoming one of the continent’s most influential entrepreneurship gatherings:
- Exposure & Global Networks
The festival attracted founders, industry experts, and investors from across Africa, Europe, and North America — creating an ecosystem where collaboration becomes natural and accessible. - Access to Capital & Mentorship
Through pitch stages, investor meetings, masterclasses, and hands-on guidance, founders gained perspectives that can transform their business trajectories. - Emphasis on Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship
The mix of technical sessions and value-based leadership teachings reinforced the importance of building businesses with integrity, impact, and long-term vision. - Real Opportunities for Growth
With prize funding and potential investor follow-ons, the festival offered tangible pathways for startups to gain momentum.
The Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2025 successfully showcased Africa’s growing innovative capacity and highlighted how collaboration, mentorship, and strategic investment can accelerate the continent’s entrepreneurship landscape. From masterclasses to pitch battles, panel discussions to faith-driven sessions, GEF 2025 proved to be more than an event — it was a catalyst for transformation and a compelling reflection of Africa’s readiness to lead on the global stage.
