Are you an African startup looking to scale your innovative business? Apply for the UNDP Africa timbuktoo Launchpad Programme 2026.
Are you an African startup looking to scale your innovative business? Apply for the UNDP Africa timbuktoo Launchpad Programme 2026.
Applications are open for the UNDP Africa timbuktoo Launchpad Programme 2026, an initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) designed to support high-potential African startups and entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges. The programme is inviting applications from ambitious founders seeking to strengthen their businesses, access new markets, and connect with Africa’s wider innovation ecosystem.
The timbuktoo Launchpad Programme is designed to help promising African startups move from early-stage growth towards scale through targeted business support, mentorship, investment readiness, and access to networks. The initiative aims to strengthen Africa’s startup ecosystem while supporting innovative businesses with the potential to create jobs and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Through the programme, selected startups will benefit from the following:
- Tailored business development and entrepreneurship support
- Access to experienced mentors, experts, and industry leaders
- Support to strengthen business models and investment readiness
- Opportunities to connect with investors and strategic partners
- Exposure to regional and continental innovation ecosystems
- Opportunities to access funding and further acceleration support
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be an African entrepreneur or startup
- Have an innovative and scalable business solution
- Demonstrate a viable business model and potential for growth
- Address a significant challenge or opportunity within an African market
- Demonstrate commitment to creating jobs and generating sustainable economic impact
- Be willing to participate fully in the programme and its activities
To apply for the UNDP Africa timbuktoo Launchpad Programme 2026, visit the official application page here.
Are you a woman innovator developing a deep-tech solution? Apply for the WIPO Scale Up Your IP Online Program for Women Innovators by 30 August 2026.
Are you a woman innovator developing a deep-tech solution? Apply for the WIPO Scale Up Your IP Online Program for Women Innovators by 30 August 2026.
Applications are open for the WIPO Scale Up Your IP Online Program for Women Innovators, an initiative by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) designed to support women-led university spin-offs, research ventures, and deep-tech startups. The programme is inviting applications from women founders, co-founders, inventors, and researchers who are developing technology-based innovations and preparing to commercialize and scale their ventures.
The WIPO Scale Up Your IP Program is designed to help women innovators integrate intellectual property into their commercialization and growth strategies. Through practical training, expert guidance, and peer learning, participants will strengthen their understanding of IP, improve their market positioning, and prepare their ventures for investment and growth.
Through the programme, selected participants will benefit from the following:
- Five interactive training sessions led by IP and business experts
- Practical tools and templates to develop an IP commercialization strategy
- Guidance on identifying unique selling points and competitive advantages
- Support to develop brand strategies and address IP ownership challenges
- Tools to prepare investor-ready data rooms
- Networking opportunities with peers, partners, and investors
- An opportunity to pitch to investors at the final event
- A certificate of participation for those who complete all sessions
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a woman founder, co-founder, inventor, or lead innovator
- Be developing a deep-tech product or technology-based innovation
- Have a technology readiness level (TRL) of 4 to 8
- Have a venture that is ready to commercialize and scale
- Be working through a university spin-off, research-based venture, or deep-tech startup
To apply for the WIPO Scale Up Your IP Online Program for Women Innovators, visit the official application page here
Are you a social entrepreneur improving healthcare access in Africa? Apply for the MORE HEALTH for Africa Program 2027.
Are you a social entrepreneur improving healthcare access in Africa? Apply for the MORE HEALTH for Africa Program 2027.
Applications are open for the MORE HEALTH for Africa Program, an initiative by Boehringer Ingelheim and Villgro Africa designed to support high-impact social enterprises addressing healthcare disparities across the continent. The programme is inviting applications from post-revenue African social enterprises with proven impact, strong operational performance, and clear plans to scale their healthcare solutions.
The MORE HEALTH for Africa Program is designed to help ambitious social enterprises strengthen their business models, expand their impact, and prepare for their next stage of growth. Through a combination of incubation, acceleration, catalytic funding, mentorship, and investor connections, the programme supports enterprises working to improve healthcare access for underserved communities across Africa.
Through the programme, selected enterprises will benefit from the following:
- Catalytic funding of up to USD 80,000
- 12 months of tailored incubation and acceleration support
- Expert mentorship, coaching, and business development support
- Masterclasses, diagnostic panels, and research support
- Connections to potential investors and strategic partners
- Opportunities for global exposure through the Making More Health Together convention and other networking opportunities
- Peer learning and connections with other healthcare innovators across Africa
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a registered for-profit social enterprise operating in at least one African market
- Be a post-revenue company with annual revenues of at least USD 300,000
- Demonstrate significant market traction and reach at least 100,000 people through its solution
- Have operated for at least three years with a dedicated full-time founding team
- Demonstrate a clear social impact focused on improving healthcare access
- Have a clear growth strategy and plans to raise at least USD 1 million in the next year
- Demonstrate the ability to leverage funding and secure additional financing
- Comply with relevant healthcare regulations and have a robust impact measurement framework
To apply for the MORE HEALTH for Africa Program 2027, visit the official application page here.
Are you a young entrepreneur under the age of 35 looking to expand your business across Africa? Apply for the YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator 2026.
Are you a young entrepreneur under the age of 35 looking to expand your business across Africa? Apply for the YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator 2026.
Applications are open for the YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator (E-Accelerator), a joint initiative developed by YouthConnekt Africa in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union. The programme is inviting applications from export-ready, youth-led enterprises in Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, The Gambia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe that are looking to strengthen their export capacity and expand into intra-African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator is designed to help youth-led businesses overcome barriers to regional trade through enterprise diagnostics, tailored advisory services, export readiness support, and access to business and financing opportunities. The programme aims to strengthen the competitiveness of participating enterprises while supporting sustainable job creation and increased youth participation in intra-African trade.
Through the programme, selected enterprises will benefit from the following:
- Tailored enterprise diagnostics and business advisory services
- Export readiness training and accreditation
- Participation in the Export FitLab and Continental Bootcamp
- Facilitated access to intra-African markets through Policy Sandboxes
- Exposure to continental business, investment, and financing opportunities
- Support to navigate trade regulations and non-tariff barriers under the AfCFTA framework
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a youth-led enterprise with founders or owners under the age of 35
- Be operating in Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, The Gambia, Zambia, or Zimbabwe
- Have an established business operating in the local market
- Demonstrate readiness to expand into regional or continental markets
- Be committed to investing in business growth and export expansion
- Be willing to participate fully in all stages of the accelerator programme
To apply for the YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator 2026, visit the official application page here.
Are you building an innovative EdTech solution in Africa? Apply for the Pan-African Incubation Programme for EdTech Startups by 31 August 2026.
Are you building an innovative EdTech solution in Africa? Apply for the Pan-African Incubation Programme for EdTech Startups by 31 August 2026.
Applications are open for the Pan-African Incubation Programme for EdTech Startups, an initiative led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the timbuktoo EdTech Hub. The programme is inviting applications from African startups and digital solution providers developing innovative technologies that improve education, training, and skills development across the continent.
The Pan-African Incubation Programme for EdTech Startups is designed to support high-potential startups through a structured incubation programme that strengthens business models, enhances product development, and prepares ventures for investment and scale. The initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative education technologies while contributing to more inclusive and accessible learning systems across Africa.
Through the programme, selected startups will benefit from the following:
- A structured incubation programme delivered by leading African incubators
- Access to experienced mentors, entrepreneurs, and EdTech experts
- Participation in a pan-African network of founders, incubators, and ecosystem partners
- Access to the SIGMA digital platform
- Investment readiness support
- Opportunities to join acceleration programmes and access early-stage investment
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be based in Africa
- Develop a solution focused on education, training, or skills development
- Have a testable prototype or minimum viable product (MVP)
- Have a committed team able to participate in the incubation programme
- Women-led startups, startups from rural areas, and those integrating local languages or accessibility features are especially encouraged to apply.
To apply for the Pan-African Incubation Programme for EdTech Startups, visit the official application page here.
Are you building AI solutions that advance disability inclusion in Africa? Apply for the Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Programme by 17 July 2026.
Are you building AI solutions that advance disability inclusion in Africa? Apply for the Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Programme by 17 July 2026.
Applications are open for the Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Programme, an initiative under the Hub for Artificial Intelligence and Disability Inclusion (HAIDI) Innovation Track. The programme is inviting African innovators, researchers, developers, startups, and organizations developing responsible AI solutions that improve access to opportunities, services, and information for persons with disabilities across the continent.
The Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Programme is designed to support post-MVP AI innovations that demonstrate strong potential for impact and scale. Over an 18-month period, selected ventures will receive catalytic support to strengthen, test, and expand their solutions while working closely with disability communities to ensure accessibility, relevance, and real-world impact.
Through the programme, selected participants will benefit from the following:
- Non-equity, milestone-based funding of up to KES 5,000,000
- Hands-on technical support and coaching from disability and innovation experts
- Access to HAIDI’s Live Lab network for user testing and validation
- Business model development, go-to-market, and investor readiness support
- Strategic partnerships with funders, governments, employers, education institutions, and health systems
- Increased visibility and opportunities for future funding and collaboration
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a legally registered venture in an African country
- Have a post-MVP or market-ready solution with evidence of traction
- Use AI or machine learning as a core driver of impact
- Focus on improving outcomes for persons with disabilities or their caregivers
- Operate in areas such as education, employment, mental health, care giving and independence, or AI-enabled assistive technology
- Demonstrate potential to scale impact across Africa
To apply for the Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Programme, visit the official application page here.
Are you developing a digital solution that empowers women and girls in Africa? Apply for the SheConnects Digital Accelerator Program by 8 July 2026.
Are you developing a digital solution that empowers women and girls in Africa? Apply for the SheConnects Digital Accelerator Program by 8 July 2026.
Applications are open for the SheConnects Digital Accelerator Program 2026, an initiative designed to scale proven, high-impact digital solutions that enable women and girls to participate fully in the digital economy. The programme is inviting applications from organizations and partnerships across Sub-Saharan Africa that are leveraging technology to improve opportunities, access, and outcomes for women and girls.
The SheConnects Digital Accelerator aims to support innovative solutions that address barriers to women’s digital inclusion while generating evidence on what works. The initiative focuses on accelerating impactful digital interventions and fostering collaboration to advance a more inclusive digital ecosystem across Africa.
Through the programme, selected participants will benefit from the following:
- Grant funding ranging from USD 500,000 to USD 1 million
- Support to scale proven digital solutions and partnerships
- Access to technical expertise and strategic guidance
- Opportunities for knowledge sharing and cross-country learning
- Increased visibility within regional and global digital inclusion networks
- Connections with partners working to advance women’s digital empowerment
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be operating in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Offer a proven, evidence-backed digital solution with demonstrated impact
- Focus on advancing digital inclusion and opportunities for women and girls
- Propose a scalable intervention with the potential for broad reach
- Demonstrate the capacity to implement and manage large-scale projects
- Be willing to participate fully in programme activities and learning processes
To apply for the SheConnects Digital Accelerator Program 2026, visit the official application page here.
Are you an aspiring AI entrepreneur in Africa? Apply for the MEST AI Startup Program by 20 July 2026.
Are you an aspiring AI entrepreneur in Africa? Apply for the MEST AI Startup Program by 20 July 2026.
Applications are open for the MEST AI Startup Program, an initiative by the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) designed to equip Africa’s next generation of AI entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, and support needed to build globally competitive startups. The programme is inviting applications from ambitious founders across West and East Africa who are interested in developing innovative AI-powered solutions to real-world challenges.
The MEST AI Startup Program is a fully sponsored, immersive programme that combines entrepreneurship training, technical skills development, mentorship, and startup incubation. Participants will work with experienced practitioners and industry experts to validate ideas, build products, and prepare ventures for growth and investment.
Through the programme, selected participants will benefit from the following:
- A fully sponsored 12-month startup development programme
- Intensive training in AI, software development, entrepreneurship, and business strategy
- Access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts
- Support to build, test, and launch AI-driven products and solutions
- A four-month incubation phase for the most promising ventures
- Opportunities to pitch for pre-seed investment and join the MEST portfolio
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be between 21 and 35 years old
- Hold a bachelor’s degree, diploma, or possess equivalent professional experience
- Demonstrate software development experience and a basic understanding of AI
- Show a strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation
- Be a citizen of a West or East African country
- Be available to commit fully to the programme for up to 12 months
To apply for the MEST AI Startup Program, visit the official application page here.
Are you an African startup looking to expand into international markets? Apply for the AfCFTA Startup Acceleration & Partnership Program 2026 by 24 May 2026.
Applications are open for the AfCFTA Startup Acceleration & Partnership Program 2026, a flagship initiative implemented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in partnership with the Korea-Africa Foundation (KAF). The programme is inviting applications from high-potential African startups seeking to strengthen their business capabilities, scale across borders, and access new global market opportunities.
The AfCFTA Startup Acceleration & Partnership Program is designed to support innovative African startups through business development support, mentorship, and international partnership opportunities. The initiative aligns with AfCFTA’s broader goals of promoting intra-African trade, industrial development, innovation, and global competitiveness for African businesses.
Through the programme, selected startups will benefit from the following:
- Capacity-building and mentorship support
- Market readiness training and strategic advisory services
- Access to Korean and global markets
- International trade facilitation opportunities
- Exposure to investors, strategic partners, and cross-border business ecosystems
- Opportunities for cross-continental collaboration and partnerships
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be an African startup with an innovative and scalable business model
- Demonstrate readiness for international expansion
- Show interest in entering Korean and global markets
- Operate within AfCFTA priority sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, logistics, agritech, manufacturing, or digital platforms
- Demonstrate strong growth and commercialization potential
To apply for the AfCFTA Startup Acceleration & Partnership Program 2026, visit the official application page here.
Are you a startup in Africa looking to scale an innovative business with development impact? Apply for the develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition by 30 June 2026.
Applications are open for the develoPPP Ventures programme, an initiative supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through DEG Impulse and GIZ. The programme is inviting applications from innovative startups operating in selected African countries that are driving sustainable economic, social, or environmental impact through scalable business models.
develoPPP Ventures is designed to support high-potential startups that have already achieved proof of concept and are ready to scale their operations. Through a matching-funds model, the programme provides catalytic support to startups contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while expanding access to innovative solutions in emerging markets.
Through the programme, selected startups will benefit from the following:
- Non-dilutive funding of up to EUR 100,000 through a matching-funds model
- Tailored technical assistance and business support from sector experts
- Access to networks, investors, and ecosystem partners
- Opportunities to scale operations and expand market reach
- Potential access to additional top-up funding in later phases
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a privately owned and profit-oriented startup
- Operate in an eligible target country, including Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa, and others announced during the call period
- Have an innovative and scalable business model with development relevance
- Demonstrate proof of concept with initial revenues already generated
- Provide at least one annual financial statement and a viable business plan
- Secure matching investment funds equivalent to the requested develoPPP Ventures funding
To apply for the develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition, visit the official application page here.