Please note that the trip is not funded. However, our team is committed to assisting you where possible in raising funds to support your attendance.

If you have contacts (government, private sector and/or current investors, etc.) who can help sponsor your attendance, we can provide motivational materials and invitational letters to strengthen your communications. The GSA Africa team is also available for any online calls with prospective sponsors to assist in your fundraising efforts.

The GIIG Africa Fund is a profit and purpose-driven fund that focuses on investing in revolutionary technologies, which in turn create entirely new markets and fuel the growth of disruptive industries. Leveraging the GSA Africa platform as a scouting vehicle, the fund specifically targets the top 1% of startups within the competition, with the intention to fund the winner’s pool. 

Next Steps with the GIIG Africa Fund:

1. Review Process: 

The GIIG Africa Fund Board will review the pool of Regional Winners from the GSA Africa competition. They will select the top solutions based on the fund’s investment portfolio mandate. 

2. Notification and Meetings: 

Successful applicants will be notified and scheduled for introductory meetings. These meetings will take place in person at the Unique Summit in Cape Town. Alternatively, if you are selected but unable to attend the event in-person, virtual meetings will be scheduled.

3. Verification Process: 

Further successful applicants will advance to the verification process, conducted through GIIG and their selected verification partner(s). 

The pre-event and post activities for the Unique Summit will take place from 15-17 & 20 November. While attendance is optional, it is highly recommended to kickstart networking opportunities and explore Cape Town. The main program will be held on 18-19 November and will feature four key streams: Investors, Public Authorities, Ecosystem Builders, and Startups.  

The GSA Africa Continental Winners will be announced on the evening of 19 November at The Avenue at the V&A Waterfront. This exclusive, invite-only event will unite key stakeholders, innovators, and leaders from across the globe.

Whilst this is a unique experience kindly note this trip is not funded, flights & accommodation will need to be funded by you personally and/or government/local innovation initiatives. 

For more details visit the Unique Summit Website

The following documentation is required to successfully apply for a Visa into South Africa: A valid passport with at least two blank pages and valid for 30 days beyond your intended stay. 

• A completed visa application form (DHA-84). 

• Proof of accommodation and sufficient financial means for the duration of your stay. 

• A return flight ticket or onward travel itinerary. 

• A yellow fever vaccination certificate (if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever). 

You may refer to the South African Department of Home Affairs website for further information and specific requirements based on your country of origin. 

The Unique Summit is centered around providing opportunities for networking and cross-collaboration among industry experts, public authorities, investors, government and policy makers during the agenda proceedings.

Due to timing and the ‘un-conferenced’ approach to the event there are limited opportunities for startup pitches within the Unique Summit agenda, however our team will advise the opportunities based on your confirmation of attendance.