Apply for the CATAPULT Inclusion Africa Acceleration program before 15 September 2022

The LHoFT Foundation, a public-private sector initiative for the Inclusive Finance Network Luxembourg (InFiNe.lu), invites applicants to the Catapult Inclusion Africa Accelerator program. The program targets start-ups focusing on financial inclusion in Africa, aiming to build bridges with Luxembourg’s Microfinance Industry. The start-ups should also be aligned with the sustainability goals of Luxembourg’s finance centre.

Interested applicants are invited to apply for the 5th edition of the program, which will be held in Luxembourg from October 24-28, 2022. The acceleration program is a unique one-week boot camp supporting 10 selected fintech companies in Africa. The program covers a wide range of topics including:

  • Business model mapping
  • Scaling strategies
  • Investment readiness
  • Business plan presentation
  • Legal strategy
  • Pricing
  • Marketing strategy

Interested participants must fulfil the following criteria to apply

  • Selected firms will have, at least, a demonstrable Minimum Viable Product (“MVP”) and will likely be in the pre-seed to seed stage of funding.
  • Companies must be active in the financial inclusion field, helping underserved and unbanked populations in Africa get access to financial products and services.
  • Companies will submit all necessary information to the LHoFT in order to assess the viability of the project, company, background of owners and key shareholders to limit the risks of non-compliance or doubtful application to the program.
  • Companies must agree and shall provide ongoing performance metrics and business status for a period of three years post program completion to the LHoFT for the purposes of program evaluation.
  • The selected firm must guarantee that a founding team member, typically the CEO, will attend the program for the duration of the week.
  • We are particularly interested in hearing from firms in payments and related services.

The 10 successfully selected Fintechs from the one-week boot camp will have the opportunity to connect with partners, sponsors, investors, microfinance institutions, and public financial institutions as well as access to InFiNe.lu mentorship.

To apply for this program, visit: CATAPULT Applications