Challenge 1: Platform Blueprint

Objective: Demonstrate strategic thinking and operational planning for your target platform.

Format: 5-slide deck + 1-page financial model (Excel/Sheets)

Instructions:

1. Choose ONE platform focus:
   • Trade & Mobility – Cross-border logistics/payments platform
   • Climate & Food – Farmer-carbon marketplace
   • Health & Productivity – Clinic SaaS or health talent platform
2. Create slides covering:
   • Slide 1: Core problem & target customer
   • Slide 2: Solution & MVP features
   • Slide 3: 90-day execution plan
   • Slide 4: Team & resources needed
   • Slide 5: Success metrics & risks
3. Financial model:
   • Unit economics (1 transaction / 1 customer)
   • Monthly burn (first 6 months)
   • Break-even timeline
   • Clearly stated assumptions

Submission: PDF + Excel file, max 10MB total

Evaluation Criteria: Problem-solution fit, execution realism, financial discipline, African market understanding

Challenge 2: Resource Mobilization

Objective: Demonstrate ability to secure commitments and build momentum.

Format: Evidence of 3 secured commitments + 1-page strategy

Required Commitments:

1. Pilot customer commitment
2. Strategic partner commitment
3. Potential team member commitment

Evidence Required:

• Email threads (redacted)
• Meeting notes or recordings
• LOI templates
• Contact verification

Strategy Document (1 page):

• Contact sourcing approach
• Pitch strategy
• Conversion next steps
• Lessons learned

Submission: PDF, max 5MB

Evaluation Criteria: Quality of commitments, outreach professionalism, network strength

Challenge 3: Regulatory Navigation

Objective: Demonstrate regulatory understanding and planning ability.

Format: Comparative licensing roadmap + 3-page analysis

1. Choose TWO African markets
2. Research licenses, timelines, costs, hurdles, partners
3. Compare market entry feasibility & scale potential

Submission: PDF, max 10 pages

Evaluation Criteria: Regulatory depth, realism, strategic sequencing, risk mitigation

Challenge A: Sector Deep Dive

Format: 3-page memo

• Minimum 3 data sources
• 5 non-obvious insights
• 3 actionable recommendations
• Clear methodology

Submission: PDF, max 3 pages

Challenge B: Stakeholder Ecosystem Map

Format: Visual map + 1-page analysis

• 15+ ecosystem players
• Relationship dynamics
• Power & influence mapping
• Opportunities & gaps

Submission: Image/PDF + analysis, max 5MB

Challenge C: Minimum Viable Test

Options: User research, prototype testing, or competitor analysis

• Test plan
• Raw evidence
• Key findings
• Next-step recommendations

Submission: PDF, max 10 pages

General Requirements

• Lead Founders: 20–30 hours total
• Builder Fellows: 10–15 hours total
• Deadline: 10 days from assignment
• Original work (AI allowed with disclosure)