THE CONVENER
Africa Investment Network
Chambers of commerce, diaspora networks and trade agencies across Africa and global markets.
AFRICAN MARKETS · UNIVERSITY & PROFESSIONAL
Own the future of African markets.
Build a team of three to five. Research African-listed stocks and ETFs. Manage a simulated USD 1 million portfolio—and defend every decision before industry judges.
POWERED BY
THE 6AFRICA CHALLENGE · TWO DIVISIONSYOUR STARTING CAPITALUSD 1,000,000
Simulated capital. Real research, decisions and accountability.
- 3–5
- students per university team
- $1M
- simulated portfolio per team
- 8
- African exchanges
- 16
- countries connected
PRESENTED BY
6Africa
6Africa is diaspora-powered investment infrastructure — a partnership between the Africa Investment Network and the 17 Intentional Investment Institute, routing global African diaspora capital into the continent's markets through research, vetted opportunity catalogs and regulated execution partners.
Learn more at 6africa.org →THE OPERATING SYSTEM
17 Intentional Investment Institute
Digital infrastructure, research aggregation and platform governance.
THE MISSION
Bringing Wall Street to African Mainstreets
THE CHALLENGE JOURNEY
From an investment thesis to a portfolio you can defend.
The Challenge rewards disciplined research, shared decisions and the ability to explain the portfolio your university puts forward.
- 01
Form your team
Three to five participants apply together with the approval required for their division.
- 02
Submit the thesis
Set out the investment strategy and market selection before simulated capital is allocated.
- 03
Manage the portfolio
Research African-listed equities and ETFs across the official market universe throughout 2027.
- 04
Defend the decisions
Present the portfolio, process, risk controls and results to an independent judging panel.
AWARDS
Recognition follows published rules.
University and Professional Division awards are governed by a separate official award schedule published before scored portfolio management begins. Participation does not guarantee a funded account, cash award, employment opportunity or investment account.
TBAofficial award schedule
SEPARATE DIVISIONS
University and professional teams receive separate results and awards
CLEAR ELIGIBILITY
Award conditions and jurisdiction restrictions are published in advance
VERIFIED RESULTS
Finalists receive an auditable challenge performance record
No participant deposit or real-money trading is required at any stage of the Challenge.
THE CALENDAR
Four phases across 2026–27.
- THROUGH NOV 1
Apply
Applications close 1 November 2026A team of three to five applies with a mentor and purpose statement. Applicants are notified after review.
- DUE DEC 5
Submit portfolio thesis
Due 5 December 2026Submit the investment strategy and market selection before simulated capital is allocated.
- JAN – DEC 2027
Manage the portfolio
Twelve-month performance periodManage a simulated USD 1 million portfolio across 8 African exchanges connecting 16 countries.
- DEC 2027
Defend it
Final presentation and awardsTeams present to the judging panel. Final standings and thesis awards are published after judging.
Three to five current students from one universityFaculty advisor and department sign-offOne team per participant in each editionSimulated investing — no deposits at any stage
Read the full rulebook →WHAT TEAMS GAIN
Work that lasts beyond the final ranking.
The Challenge combines market practice, career preparation and a global network around African public equities.
Career pipeline
Build experience that is relevant to finance, asset management and African capital-markets careers.
Wealth creation skills
Practice the research, allocation and risk decisions behind long-term ownership using a simulated USD 1 million portfolio.
Global network
Meet judges, mentors and peers working across Africa, the United States and the global African diaspora.
Compete
Represent a university or organization in a year-long challenge focused exclusively on African public equities.
Build a track record
Create portfolio and thesis work that can stand up in a recruiting or professional-development conversation.
Certificate and alumni network
Complete the program with a recognized body of work and a place in the Challenge alumni community.
READY ROOM
Choose your teammates before you choose your stocks.
A captain creates the team and sends secure invitations. All participants must belong to the same verified university or institution.
TEAM FORMATION CHECKLISTFull requirements →
Roster
Three to five current students
Advisor
Named faculty advisor
Approval
Department or affiliated-club sign-off
Verification
Identity, affiliation and consent
QUESTIONS
Before you register.
Still unclear on something? Message the Challenge support team on WhatsApp and a human replies.
Does my organization need approval?+
Yes. University Division teams require faculty and department or affiliated-club approval. Professional Division teams require authorization from their organization and an Institutional Sponsor / Senior Mentor. Regulated organizations must also provide a compliance contact.
Is any real money involved?+
No. Every challenge portfolio is simulated, with no participant deposits, withdrawals or legal ownership of securities. Any award is governed only by the official award schedule published before scored trading begins.
Which securities can we trade?+
Only African-listed equities and any equity ETFs expressly included in the official eligible universe. Bonds, derivatives, short sales and margin are excluded.
How is the winner decided?+
Each division is assessed separately. The judging framework considers the submitted thesis, portfolio construction, process, execution feasibility, benchmark-relative performance, risk management and the final defence.
Can I enter without a team?+
Registration is team-based. An eligible captain creates the team and sends secure invitations to the other participants.
How much time does it take?+
The performance period runs throughout 2027. Teams set their own working rhythm, supported by training, monthly sessions and access to industry mentors.
Put your campus on the African markets stage.
Three to five members, one team, one simulated USD 1 million portfolio.