Accelerators for African founders

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)

NASENI Xceler8 Accelerator Programme

A three month virtual accelerator for Nigerian post MVP innovators with a working product, offering up to $25,000 in programme support, mentorship, product development assistance and investor access.

Eligibility: Be a Nigerian citizen aged 15 to 40 and currently reside in Nigeria.

Timeline

September 30, 2026

Location

Nigeria

Funding or benefit

Up to USD 25,000 in programme support, alongside training, product development assistance, mentorship and investor access.

Interledger Local Impact Mini-Grant 2026

Call For Applications: Interledger Local Impact Mini-Grant 2026 (Up to $3,000)

Applications are open for the Interledger Local Impact Mini-Grant 2026, an opportunity supporting community-led projects that promote open payments, digital financial access, financial inclusion, and digital financial infrastructure. The programme provides flexible funding to individuals and community organisations working on practical initiatives that help their communities understand, explore, and benefit from more inclusive digital financial systems. Grant Benefits Selected applicants can receive: $500 to $3,000 in grant funding Flexible funding for eligible project activities Access to Interledger resources and the broader open payments community Opportunities to connect with practitioners working on digital financial access globally. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to individuals and organisations worldwide, including: Individual community leaders Civil society organisations Cooperatives Community and innovation hubs Hackerspaces and open-source communities Incubators and accelerators Startup communities Fintech and financial-access communities Social enterprises and mission-aligned businesses Research and policy groups. Projects serving communities in the Global South, r

Eligibility: eligible project activities Access to Interledger resources and the broader open payments community Opportunities to connect with practitioners working on digital financial access globally

Timeline

November 11, 2026

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Grant 2026, an opportunity supporting community-led projects that promote open payments, di

Lagos State Begins

Lagos State Begins Accelerator Training to Expand SME Access to Single-Digit Loans

The Lagos State Government has commenced a three-day accelerator training programme to prepare organisations that will support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in accessing affordable financing under the Lagos State Access to Finance for SMEs through Cooperatives (LASMECO) programme. The training, organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BoI) and Sterling Bank Plc., is aimed at equipping selected accelerator organisations with the knowledge and practical skills required to recruit, screen, prepare and support SMEs seeking access to single-digit loans. Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Babatunde Onigbanjo, said the programme has moved from planning to implementation following the release of the Lagos State Government’s counterpart funding. Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Adeniyi Oladipupo, Onigbanjo said participants would be trained on the programme’s objectives, loan application process, beneficiary recruitment, monitoring and reporting, as well as the cooperative model that underpins LASMECO. He described the workshop a

Eligibility: eligible SMEs for financing

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

up to ₦10 million at a fixed annual interest rate of nine per cent through registered coo

UNDP Timbuktoo Launchpad

Call For Applications: UNDP Timbuktoo Launchpad Programme 2026 for African CreativeTech Entrepreneurs

Applications are now open for the UNDP Timbuktoo Launchpad Programme 2026 , a pan-African incubation programme designed to support CreativeTech startups building innovative, technology-enabled solutions for Africa’s creative economy. Delivered through the timbuktoo Creatives Hub hosted in South Africa , the programme is an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) . It aims to help promising CreativeTech entrepreneurs scale their businesses through structured incubation, mentorship, investment readiness support, and access to a continent-wide innovation ecosystem. Programme Benefits Selected startups will receive: Structured incubation delivered by leading African incubators One-on-one mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts Access to the Seedstars SIGMA platform for startup development and AI-powered guidance Investment readiness training and pitch development support Opportunities to engage with investors and strategic partners Participation in demo days and ecosystem events across Africa Access to the pan-African timbuktoo Launchpad network of founders, incubators, and innovation partners Potential pathways to acceleration programmes an

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

Ideation Hub Africa African Masterclass Series 6.0 Impact

Call For Applications: Ideation Hub Africa African Masterclass Series 6.0 Impact Accelerator For 2,500+ African Changemakers

The African Masterclass Series 6.0 — themed “The Impact Accelerator: Funding, Technology, Innovation, AI & Leadership for the Digital Age” — is a mini-MBA style Pan-African Program designed to help changemakers, social innovators, Policy makers, CSR Leaders, Tech-Driven NGO Leaders, Community Mobilizers, Nonprofit Professionals, Impact-Driven Startups and Founders, Youth-Led Organizations and Activists, Development Practitioners, Donor Agencies, Advocacy Specialists, Sustainability Champions, Data and Research Analysts in the Social Sector, Social Impact Investors, Civil Society Organization (CSO) Leaders, Faith-Based Development Leaders, Gender Advocates, Digital Transformation Specialists in Development and Impact-Driven Individuals to launch deep before the end of the year. Ideation Hub Africa is excited to announce that applications are officially open for the African Masterclass Series 6.0 (AMS 6.0) — a bold, FREE 12-week Impact Accelerator designed to equip 2,500 changemakers, social innovators, social impact leaders, and NGOs across the continent with future-ready skills in funding, technology, AI, innovation, and leadership. Themed “The Impact Accelerator: Funding, Technolo

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding, Technology, Innovation, AI & Leadership for the Digital Age” — is a mini-MBA style Pan-African Program designed to help changemakers, socia

Grow Enterprise Africa (GEA) SME

Call For Applications: Grow Enterprise Africa (GEA) SME Accelerator Programme

Applications are open for the Grow Enterprise Africa (GEA) SME Accelerator Programme , an opportunity designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises with the knowledge, tools, and guidance needed to strengthen their businesses and achieve sustainable growth. The programme is aimed at entrepreneurs looking to improve their business operations, develop stronger growth strategies, and build the capacity required to take their businesses to the next level. Programme Benefits Selected participants may gain access to: Business growth and development training Practical support for strengthening business operations Expert guidance and mentorship Entrepreneurial skills development Networking opportunities Support to improve business readiness for future growth and opportunities. Who Can Apply? The programme is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to: Strengthen their business operations Improve their growth strategies Build capacity for expansion Access practical business development support. Interested applicants should review the official application form for the specific eligibility criteria and requirements. Why This Matters Many small businesses strugg

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

InvestoVilla Pipeline Development

Call For Applications: InvestoVilla Pipeline Development Program for Entrepreneurs (IPDPE) 2026 Pilot Cohort for African Founders

Applications are now open for the 2026 Pilot Cohort of the InvestoVilla Pipeline Development Program for Entrepreneurs (IPDPE) , a practical investment-readiness and fundraising support program designed to help founders building ventures for African markets become more attractive to investors and better prepared to raise capital. Unlike many startup programs that focus primarily on entrepreneurship training or pitch competitions, IPDPE is designed for entrepreneurs preparing to raise investment or build ventures capable of successfully navigating investor due diligence and competing for funding opportunities. Developed by InvestoVilla , a founder-investor platform being built by AM-Steve House, the program equips founders with the practical knowledge, tools, and support needed to strengthen their fundraising readiness and investor engagement. About the Program Access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges facing African entrepreneurs. As investors become increasingly selective and due diligence standards continue to rise, founders are expected to demonstrate stronger business fundamentals long before securing funding. Advertisement Rather than promising investment, IPDPE

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

Axis Sprint 001

Call For Applications: Axis Sprint 001 Accelerator – 12-Week Venture-Building Programme for Startups

Applications are now open for the Axis Sprint 001 Accelerator , a 12-week venture-building programme designed to help early-stage startups validate their business models, accelerate growth, and become investment-ready. The programme provides founders with structured support through mentorship, practical venture-building sessions, and access to a network of entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem partners to help them scale sustainable businesses. Programme Benefits Selected startups will receive: A 12-week venture-building experience Expert mentorship from experienced founders and industry professionals Business model validation and growth support Investor-readiness training Access to a network of founders, mentors, and investors Practical guidance on product development, go-to-market strategy, and scaling Opportunities to showcase their startups to potential partners and investors. Who Can Apply? The programme is designed for: Early-stage startups Startup founders Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas Teams building scalable ventures Businesses seeking mentorship and investment readiness support. Applicants should review the official application page for the complete eligib

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

Wema Bank Hackaholics 2026

Call For Applications: Wema Bank Hackaholics 2026 |Up to ₦200m Prizes Funding, Mentorship and Business Support for African Innovators

Applications are open for Wema Bank Hackaholics 2026 , the bank’s flagship open-innovation programme supporting startups, innovators, developers, designers, creatives and problem-solvers across Africa . This year’s edition, themed “Powering Possibilities,” provides different pathways for participants at different stages—from people developing an idea to founders with existing products and organisations tackling social challenges. What Participants Can Gain Hackaholics provides selected participants with opportunities for: Funding and growth support Expert mentorship Business development support Strategic partnerships Market access Visibility within the innovation ecosystem Community and networking opportunities Participation in an accelerator programme for selected participants. The programme is free to apply and participate in , with no registration fees or hidden participation costs. Who Can Apply? Everyone is welcome to apply , including: Young entrepreneurs Startup founders Developers Designers Product thinkers Technology enthusiasts Students Professionals Creatives Social innovators. You do not need to be a programmer or have a Computer Science degree to participate. ( Hackaho

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies

Botswana Tech

Call For Applications: Botswana Tech Fund 2026 for Southern Africa Businesses

Applications are now open for the Botswana Tech Fund (BTF) , a multi-stage venture capital fund investing in technology and tech-enabled businesses across Southern Africa . Launched to accelerate the region’s digital economy, the Botswana Tech Fund supports founders from the earliest stages of innovation through growth-stage expansion. The fund invests in companies building Africa’s digital infrastructure while providing strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to regional markets. Funding & Programme Benefits Successful startups will receive: Pre-seed investment ranging from £25,000 to £100,000 through the Accelerator Programme Growth-stage investments for Seed to Series C companies Investor readiness support Product development and go-to-market guidance One-on-one coaching from experienced operators and investors Access to enterprise customers across Southern Africa Founder mentoring and peer learning Access to a partnership network offering over US$1.5 million in startup credits Support for regional expansion and fundraising. Who Can Apply? The fund is seeking: Technology startups Tech-enabled businesses Digital infrastructure companies Founders based in Southern Africa Compan

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding & Programme Benefits Successful startups will receive: Pre-seed investment ranging from £25,000 to £100,000 through the Accelerator Programme Growth-stage investments for Seed to S

Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech

Call For Applications: Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech Accelerator 2026 For Entrepreneurs | Up to US$35,000 in Equity-Free Funding

Applications are open for the Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech Accelerator 2026 , a programme supporting women-led and gender-diverse technology startups in Egypt . The programme aims to help women entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses through funding opportunities, expert support, tailored workshops and access to the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem. What the Programme Offers Selected startups can receive: Up to US$35,000 in equity-free funding Access to Standard Chartered’s global networks Expert mentorship and business support Tailored workshops to support business growth Support in areas such as business strategy and governance Opportunities to connect with the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet the following criteria: Have a gender-diverse team with at least one female co-founder Operate an early-stage startup that has been active for at least one year Have at least a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Be at the seed or pre-Series A stage Demonstrate that their solution is innovative and scalable Show the technology’s sustainable environmental, social or economic impact Be registered and operating in Egypt Be available to participate in

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

funding opportunities, expert support, tailored workshops and access to the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem

YouthConnekt Africa Export

Call for Applications: YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator 2026 Supports Young Entrepreneurs to Expand Across African Markets

Applications are now open for the YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator 2026 , a growth-focused programme designed to support young entrepreneurs with established businesses who are ready to expand beyond their domestic markets and explore opportunities across Africa. The Export Accelerator is designed to help youth-led enterprises strengthen their export readiness, improve competitiveness and overcome some of the challenges involved in expanding into new African markets. The 2026 programme is open to young entrepreneurs and youth-led businesses in Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, The Gambia, Zambia and Zimbabwe . The initiative is implemented by YouthConnekt Africa in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union (AU) and aligns with efforts to increase youth participation in intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). What the YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator Offers Selected entrepreneurs will receive support designed to help them prepare their businesses for regional expansion and cross-border trade. Advertisement The programme will focus on helping participating businesses: Strengthen their export capacity

Eligibility: requirements

Timeline

Timeline not announced

Location

Africa

Funding or benefit

Funding varies