The Financial Times has just opened entries for its Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies 2026 list; a prestigious platform that highlights African businesses that are scaling fast, innovating, and creating impact.
For many African entrepreneurs, this is not just an award, it’s a chance to gain visibility, credibility, investor interest, and access to networks they might otherwise struggle to reach.
When African companies are profiled by global brands like the FT, several doors open:
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Global visibility & branding
Getting featured in FT gives your brand visibility beyond local markets — in global investor circles, media, and potential partners. -
Credibility & trust
Being recognized by a respected publication boosts your legitimacy, making it easier to attract clients, partners, and funding. -
Networking & partnerships
You join a cohort of high-performing African businesses, giving you access to peer networks, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities. -
Investor and capital attraction
Many investors monitor such rankings to identify emerging, high-potential ventures. A listing can be a powerful signal.
Who Should Apply & How to Prepare
This opportunity is ideal for African companies that have shown strong growth, innovation, and market traction. If your business is already scaling and making waves, this could be your moment.
Here’s how to prepare:
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Check eligibility & criteria carefully
The FT will likely have requirements around revenue growth, geographic footprint, financial performance, and sustainability. Review those in detail before applying. -
Gather your growth story & metrics
Document your revenue growth, customer acquisition, market expansion, and impact metrics. Use concrete numbers and timelines. -
Tell your narrative
Beyond numbers, how did you grow? What challenges did you overcome? What’s distinct about your solutions, leadership, or vision? -
Show impact & sustainability
Highlight how your growth is not just financial, but social — jobs created, communities impacted, environmental practices, etc. -
Leverage the application process
Use your application as a branding tool. Even if you don’t make the final list, the story you craft can be shared in your channels, media pitches, or investor decks.
If you are leading or working in a growing African business, this is a moment to step into the spotlight. Apply for FT’s Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies 2026 and let your story reach audiences you never thought possible.
Don’t wait; the world is watching.
Visit here for more details, or download application form here
