Are you a fintech innovator building inclusive financial solutions in Africa? Apply now for the 2026 Visa Accelerator Program by 15 August 2025.
Are you a fintech innovator building inclusive financial solutions in Africa? Apply now for the 2026 Visa Accelerator Program by 15 August 2025.
Visa is now accepting applications for the 2026 Visa Accelerator Program, a high-impact initiative designed to support the growth of early-stage fintech startups across Africa that are building solutions for the future of digital finance.
Now entering its third year, the program has supported over 60 startups from more than 25 countries through a combination of business development training, mentorship, and investor access. Selected enterprises gain direct exposure to Visa’s global network and expertise, unlocking new opportunities to scale and strengthen their value proposition.
The Visa Accelerator Program is designed for fintech startups that:
- Are legally registered in Africa or planning to expand into the continent
- Operate at the Seed to Series A stage
- Have a minimum viable product (MVP) and some market traction
- Are led by a strong team with demonstrated commitment to innovation in digital finance
The 2026 program will focus on startups that contribute to advancing Africa’s digital economy through areas including new payment flows, embedded finance, SME enablement, merchant solutions, payment infrastructure, open banking, and future-of-finance technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and central bank digital currencies. Inclusive and sustainable fintech innovation is a cross-cutting priority.
Up to 15–20 startups will be selected to participate in a three-month hybrid accelerator consisting of a comprehensive onboarding and orientation week, followed by ten thematic learning weeks covering product development, technology, marketing, sales, finance, and investor readiness. Participants will receive tailored one-on-one mentorship from Visa executives and industry leaders, hands-on technical support, and access to Visa Developer tools and APIs. The program will culminate in an in-person Demo Day, where participants will pitch their solutions to a curated audience of investors, corporate partners, and key stakeholders in the fintech ecosystem.
In addition, three startups from each cohort will be selected for follow-up investment opportunities and strategic partnership support with Visa and its venture capital partners.
Participants will also benefit from a perks package valued at over US$200,000, which includes access to essential software tools, infrastructure credits, and professional services. Visa will cover travel and accommodation expenses for one founder to attend Demo Day. While the program is free of charge, selected startups are expected to manage their visa applications and related travel documentation. The primary language of instruction throughout the program is English.
Are you a young entrepreneur driving climate and energy innovation? Apply now for the IRENA NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator by 10 May 2025.
Are you a young entrepreneur driving climate and energy innovation? Apply now for the IRENA NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator by 10 May 2025.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in partnership with Enel Foundation and Social Alpha, is launching the third edition of the NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator (NewGen) — a four-month, equity-free hybrid programme designed to empower youth-led startups, scale-ups, and growth-stage businesses in the renewable energy and climate technology sectors.
NewGen supports emerging entrepreneurs worldwide by providing the tools, mentorship, and global exposure needed to scale their solutions and drive meaningful change in the energy transition. Participants will engage with leading renewable energy and business experts to strengthen their business models, expand their customer base, and improve investment readiness.
Accelerator participants will benefit from:
- A tailored acceleration programme focused on renewable energy and climate technology
- Webinars, workshops, and dedicated mentorship facilitated by IRENA
- Access to pitching events and investor matchmaking opportunities
- Visibility through IRENA’s global platforms, including the IRENA Youth Award
Eligibility Criteria:
- Entrepreneurs aged 18–35 from anywhere in the world
- At least one founder must be under 35 years old
- At least two founders must commit 16 hours per month to participate in accelerator sessions
- Startups must focus on one or more of the following areas:
- Renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, hydropower, green hydrogen, geothermal, bioenergy)
- Climate adaptation technologies (water, agriculture, livestock, extreme weather, early warning systems)
- Climate mitigation technologies (transport, decarbonization, circular economy, energy efficiency, smart grids)
- Submitted work must be original and not infringe on intellectual property right
To apply, download the Application Form Template and Startup Profile PowerPoint, then submit your completed application via this application link.
Are you an entrepreneur looking to expand your business operations to export from Rwanda? Join RDB’s Export Coaching Sessions before 23 March 2025.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB), through its export development activities under the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and Export Facilitation Department, is organizing a series of Export Coaching sessions to enhance export competence among Rwandan SMEs.
Building on the previous sessions, the next one will focus “on introducing international market entry and customs procedures to export from Rwanda”. This session will feature presentations from key institutions, including the Rwanda Standards Board, Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority and the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority.
Participants in the Export Coaching sessions will:
- Gain a deeper understanding of international trade regulations and market dynamics.
- Learn practical strategies to enhance competitiveness in global markets.
- Connect with key stakeholders, including potential buyers, trade experts, and policymakers.
- Receive guidance on leveraging trade agreements to maximize export potential.
Register now to secure your spot in the upcoming sessions and take advantage of international markets.
For application details, visit Export Coaching Sessions.
Are You an Edtech Startup Looking to Scale? Apply for the WISE Edtech Accelerator 2025-2026
Are You an Edtech Startup Looking to Scale? Apply for the WISE Edtech Accelerator 2025-2026
The WISE Edtech Accelerator, a program by the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), is now accepting applications for its 2025-2026 cohort. This initiative supports innovative early-stage education technology startups by providing mentorship, networking, and strategic business guidance.
The program is designed to help entrepreneurs refine their solutions, expand market reach, and enhance their impact on education. The 2025-2026 cycle introduces two distinct tracks:
- Local Track (Qatar-focused, for startups targeting Qatar’s education market, with mentorship and funding support)
- International Track
- Open to early-stage edtech startups worldwide.
- Access to a global network of mentors, investors, and education specialists.
- Business support valued at $50,000, including strategic guidance and market expansion resources.
- Exposure to a global audience of education decision-makers.
Participants in the WISE Edtech Accelerator receive expert mentorship in business strategy, product development, and scaling. They gain access to key education networks, including policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, helping them establish a market presence. The program also provides international visibility through WISE platforms and events, offering recognition and opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, startups receive tailored support to refine their business models and maximize impact.
Interested applicants must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Be an early-stage edtech company with a working product beyond the MVP stage.
- Have demonstrated traction and initial sales.
- Be pre-Series A or pre-Seed with less than $500,000 in raised funding.
- Show measurable impact in education within their target markets.
Applicants must complete an online application form in English detailing their edtech solution, the problem it addresses, and their business model. Applicants must also submit a pitch deck highlighting their startup’s value proposition, market fit, and growth potential. A product demo login must also be provided to allow the WISE team to evaluate the solution’s functionality.
For more information and to apply, visit WISE Edtech Accelerator.
Are you an entrepreneur eager to leverage AI for business growth? Apply for the Global AI Summit on Africa before 20 February 2025
Are you an entrepreneur eager to leverage AI for business growth? Apply for the Global AI Summit on Africa before 20 February 2025
The Global AI Summit on Africa, happening in Kigali, Rwanda, on April 3-4, 2025, is your gateway to AI-driven innovation, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships. This inaugural event is organized by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Rwanda in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Rwandan Ministry of ICT and Innovation.
Themed “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce”, the summit is designed to empower entrepreneurs, startups, and industry leaders with the tools, knowledge, and connections to scale AI-driven businesses.
The summit is designed to benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Government leaders and policymakers
- Industry executives and entrepreneurs
- Investors and venture capitalists
- Academics and researchers
- Civil society organizations
- International organizations
Successful applicants will be offered the following
- Access to AI Innovation: Learn from industry leaders and discover cutting-edge AI solutions tailored for Africa.
- Investor & Funding Opportunities: Meet venture capitalists and funding partners looking to invest in AI-powered businesses.
- Networking & Collaboration: Connect with policymakers, tech pioneers, and fellow entrepreneurs shaping Africa’s AI ecosystem.
- Skill Development: Gain hands-on insights into AI applications, market trends, and growth strategies.
- Market Expansion: Discover opportunities to scale your AI-powered business across Africa and beyond.
Participation in this Summit is by invitation only. Interested individuals and organizations should request an invitation to join the event here.
Are you a Startup leveraging AI to innovate responsibly in the Cybersecurity market? Apply for the Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Cybersecurity Program before December 3 2024.
Are you a Startup leveraging AI and Machine Learning to develop tech solutions? Apply for the Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Cybersecurity Program before December 3 2024.
Google for Startups invites applicants for the AI for Cybersecurity, a three-month equity-free hybrid program that supports growth-stage startups in solving problems using advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence, to grow and innovate responsibly in cybersecurity. The program is designed to provide startups with the essential growth skills, internationalization strategies and Google tools and products to help them scale.
Participating startups will receive the following benefits:
- Mentorship from Google teams
- Access to Google’s network of industry experts
- Strategic support in shaping the startup’s company product and strategy
- Equity free support
Interested startups must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate traction, ideally between Seed to Series A stage
- Have a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model
- Focused on leveraging AI to address cybersecurity challenges such as prevention, protection, research, and/or threat analysis and sharing.
To apply for the program, visit Applications.
Do you have a solution with a significant positive impact on your community? Apply for Young Global Changemakers Recoupling Awards program funding before 31 October 2024.
Do you have a solution with a significant positive impact on your community? Apply for funding from the Young Global Changemakers Recoupling Awards program before 31 October 2024.
The Young Global Changemakers Recoupling Awards, a program that recognizes and supports youth entrepreneurs making a significant impact in their communities, invites applicants for its 2024 Award edition. The program aims to identify, celebrate, and empower young individuals whose projects foster social prosperity, directly support societies impacted by systemic inequities or climate change, and support the power shift towards citizens engaging in the civic space.
Interested applicants can apply to one of the following categories:
- Reimagine Business – To be eligible, your organization must be a viable social enterprise engaged in commercial activities with a positive social or ecological impact, aiming for financial self-sufficiency, and purposefully aligning business strategy with economic prosperity, social well-being, or environmental sustainability.
- Reimagine Social – Your project must align with a values-driven, not-for-profit mission, incorporate an operational strategy focused on social well-being and environmental sustainability, and be involved in one or more social or environmental activities.
- Climate Action Award – To be eligible, your project must follow a values-driven, not-for-profit mission addressing social or environmental concerns, focus on enhancing civic engagement and public participation, and implement a strategy that incorporates social well-being and environmental sustainability.
Applicants who qualify will receive various recognitions based on their respective eligibility criteria:
- All Eligible Applicants: Join the Young Global Changers Extended Circle, where they receive invitations to Global Solutions events, workshops, and more.
- Top 50 Applicants: Become the new members of the Young Global Changers community, with their projects showcased on the Global Solutions Initiative website.
- Top 15 Applicants: Receive a full scholarship to attend the Global Solutions Summit in Berlin, including the following benefits:
- Two full days of preparation, workshops, and coaching sessions (May 3-4, 2025).
- Free admission to the Global Solutions Summit 2025 (May 5-6, 2025).
- Opportunity to present their projects to an international jury and a global audience.
- Networking opportunities with leading figures from academia, business, politics, and civil society.
- Fully funded accommodation for the duration of the Summit and Prep-Days (May 2-7, 2025).
- Coverage of travel expenses to and from Berlin.
- Post-summit possibilities for further engagement as part of the global network of Young Global Changers.
- Category Winners: The winner of each category will receive a €2,500 prize and additional support for their project.
For more information and application details, visit 2025 YGC Recoupling Awards
Are you a woman-owned business in need of support? Apply for Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment.
Are you a woman-owned business in need of support? Apply for Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) invites women applicants for the “Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment” project, part of the Ministry’s Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition”, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft fir Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The project aims to empower women in the private sector by empowering women-owned businesses, creating new jobs for women and improving their working conditions.
The project will offer women-owned businesses partnerships through “Integrated Development Partnerships with the Private Sector (iDDPs). GIZ will support eligible project ideas with in-kind contributions such as access to national and international experts, capacity-building support, and small-scale equipment/material purchases. The partner company is expected to match -in-kind or in cash – the value of resources invested into the project.
Interested applicants must fulfil the following:
- Company is majority-owned by a woman/women (at least 51%).
- Company must be profit-oriented and not engaged in business practices that are unsustainable or harmful to development outcomes.
- Company is privately owned and must be legally registered in Rwanda for at least two years.
- Preference will be given to labour-intensive sectors that can create more new jobs.
- Company must have sufficient financial and human resources to co-implement the project idea with GIZ with an annual revenue of at least 20,000 Euros in 2023.
Applicants should email an expression of interest in English to rwanda@invest-for-jobs.com by September 6, 2024. The subject line should be labelled “Expression of Interest for Partnerships with Women-Owned Companies”. The expression of interest must be in a concept note format.
Apply for the African Social Innovation Fellowship before 4 August 2024
Apply for the African Social Innovation Fellowship before 4 August 2024
DO Take Action and DEAL Capital have opened applications for the African Social Innovation Fellowship (ASIF), a 6-month transformative program designed for young leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa. This fellowship equips participants with the skills, resources, and network needed to excel in their careers, access new opportunities, and become influential global leaders, ultimately shaping the future of their communities, countries, and the continent.
Successful applicants to the program will receive the following benefits:
- Access to project funding to support their community projects
- Access to professional development and leadership training to foster personal growth and career advancement
- Letters of recommendation upon completion of the program
- Access to 6 months of self-paced free masterclasses curated by industry leaders in international development and social entrepreneurship
- Networking opportunities with global leaders and changemakers from Africa
Interested applicants should fulfil the following to apply:
- Be between 18-35 years old
- Must be from a Sub-Saharan African country
- Must be prepared to commit to six months of the program fully
- Must be proficient in English
- Must have reliable internet throughout the program
To apply, visit Applications
Are you a dynamic entrepreneur looking to make a meaningful impact? Apply for the IGNITE Challenge before 23 June 2024.
Are you a dynamic entrepreneur looking to make a meaningful impact? Apply for the IGNITE Challenge before 23 June 2024.
Impact Hub Kigali, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), invites applicants for the third edition of the IGNITE Challenge. This initiative focuses on empowering refugees and enhancing their livelihoods by fostering entrepreneurship and investment in ventures that improve food systems, combat hunger, and elevate food security, particularly for refugee populations.
Success will receive the following benefits:
- Up to $25,000 in grant funding
- 5-month tailored technical support with experts
- Networking opportunities and access to events
- Access to market and industry resources
- Exposure to potential investors and funding opportunities
The Challenges target innovative and impactful businesses operating in Rwanda, including startups, MSMEs, and cooperatives. Applicants should have commercially viable solutions aimed at improving the livelihoods of refugees. Eligible businesses must be registered in Rwanda and actively engaged in operations owned by refugees or significantly benefit them.
The evaluation process for the IGNITE Challenge Third Edition will be based on the following criteria:
- Level of innovation: Assessing how the solution innovatively improves the livelihoods of refugees.
- Impact on refugees: Gauging the positive effect on the lives or circumstances of refugees.
- Financial sustainability: Determining the business model’s ability to generate revenue and maintain long-term viability.
- Level of traction: Evaluating the current traction of the business, demonstrated impact, and user engagement within refugee communities.
- Scalability: Examining the potential for the solution to grow and serve more refugees or communities.
- Team: Assessing the team’s experience and commitment to scaling the solution.
For more information about the program and application details, visit IGNITE Challenge.