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.
Are you an agritech startup in Africa? Apply for the UNDP Pan-African Incubation Programme for Agritech Startups by 27 April 2026.
Are you an agritech startup in Africa? Apply for the UNDP Pan-African Incubation Programme for Agritech Startups by 27 April 2026.
Applications are open for the Pan-African Incubation Programme for Agritech Startups, an initiative led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with partners to support innovation in Africa’s agricultural sector. The programme is inviting applications from early-stage agritech startups leveraging technology to improve food systems, strengthen value chains, and drive sustainable agricultural development across the continent.
The Pan-African Incubation Programme is designed to support high-potential agritech startups through capacity building, mentorship, and access to networks that can help scale their solutions. The initiative focuses on fostering innovation that enhances productivity, resilience, and food security in Africa.
Through the programme, selected startups will benefit from the following:
- Tailored incubation support to strengthen business models and operational capacity
- Access to expert mentorship and technical guidance in agritech and innovation
- Capacity-building sessions focused on scaling, investment readiness, and market expansion
- Opportunities to connect with industry stakeholders, partners, and investors
- Increased visibility within regional and pan-African innovation ecosystems
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be an agritech startup operating within Africa
- Offer innovative solutions addressing challenges in agriculture or food systems
- Be at an early or growth stage with a functional product or service
- Demonstrate potential for scalability and impact across agricultural value chains
- Be committed to participating fully in the incubation programme
To apply for the Pan-African Incubation Programme for Agritech Startups, visit the official application page here.
Are you a young innovator in Africa with a bold idea? Apply for the Ignite Challenge 4.0 April 4, 2026
Are you a young innovator in Africa with a bold idea? Apply for the Ignite Challenge 4.0
Applications are open for the Ignite Challenge 4.0, an initiative by Impact Hub Kigali designed to support young innovators and entrepreneurs working on impactful solutions to pressing social and economic challenges. The programme is inviting applications from early-stage founders and teams with innovative ideas that have the potential to drive sustainable development and create meaningful change in their communities.
The Ignite Challenge is a competitive innovation programme aimed at identifying, supporting, and accelerating high-potential ideas through mentorship, training, and access to resources. It focuses on empowering youth-led ventures with the skills and networks needed to transform ideas into viable and scalable solutions.
Through the programme, selected participants will benefit from the following:
- Structured training and capacity-building sessions to refine ideas and business models
- Access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts
- Opportunities to pitch ideas and gain exposure to potential partners and investors
- Access to a supportive innovation ecosystem and peer network
- Potential funding or support to further develop and scale selected solutions
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a young innovator or entrepreneur with an early-stage idea or startup
- Be based in Africa or operating within an African context
- Present an innovative solution addressing social, economic, or environmental challenges
- Demonstrate commitment to developing and scaling the proposed idea
- Be available to participate fully in programme activities
To apply for the Ignite Challenge 4.0, visit the official application page here.
Are you an African startup building innovative technology solutions? Apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme before 18 March 2026.
Are you an African startup building innovative technology solutions? Apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme before 18 March 2026.
Applications are open for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme. Google for Startups, Google’s initiative supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, is inviting applications from African technology startups using innovation to solve local and global challenges across the continent.
The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa is an equity-free, three-month accelerator programme designed to support promising startups through technical mentorship, business growth support, and access to Google’s global network. The programme focuses on helping founders scale their solutions and build sustainable, high-impact businesses.
Through the programme, selected startups will benefit from the following:
- Equity-free support and tailored mentorship from Google and industry experts
- Technical training and product support, including guidance on engineering, UX, and cloud solutions
- Access to Google tools, resources, and product credits to support startup growth
- Strategic support on business development, leadership, and scaling operations
- Connection to a global network of founders, investors, and partners
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a technology-focused startup using innovation to address a real-world problem
- Be based in Africa and primarily serve African or global markets
- Have an MVP or early-stage product with demonstrated traction
- Have at least one founder of African descent
- Be committed to participating fully in the duration of the accelerator programme
To apply, visit the official application page at Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme Applications.
Are you driving innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and the arts? Apply for the STARTS Prize before 4 March 2026
Are you driving innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and the arts? Apply for the STARTS Prize before 4 March 2026
Applications are open for the STARTS Prize 2026, an initiative of the European Commission that recognises and rewards innovative projects at the intersection of Science, Technology, and the Arts (STARTS). The programme invites artists, technologists, researchers, and interdisciplinary teams from around the world to submit groundbreaking projects that demonstrate how artistic exploration can shape technological and societal innovation.
The STARTS Prize is a flagship European award designed to highlight visionary collaborations and artistic works that contribute to sustainable, human-centred, and socially relevant technological development. Selected projects gain international visibility and are showcased across major European platforms and networks.
Through the prize, selected participants will benefit from the following:
- International recognition through a prestigious European Commission–backed award
- Monetary prizes awarded to outstanding projects and collaborations
- Exhibition and showcase opportunities at leading European events and institutions
- Increased visibility among policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and cultural organisations
- Inclusion in the broader STARTS ecosystem supporting art–technology innovation
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Submit a project operating at the intersection of science, technology, and the arts
- Be an individual, collective, or organisation from any country worldwide
- Present original work that demonstrates innovation, creativity, and societal relevance
- Projects may be artistic works, interdisciplinary collaborations, or applied innovations
- Submissions must align with the values of responsible, ethical, and sustainable innovation
To apply for the STARTS Prize 2026, visit the official application page at https://starts.eu/opportunities/starts-prize-2026/.
Are you an early-stage startup with a scalable business idea? Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme by 1 March 2026
Are you an early-stage startup with a scalable business idea? Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme by 1 March 2026
Applications are now open for the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme 2026. The Tony Elumelu Foundation, a leading African private-sector-led philanthropic organisation empowering young African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, is inviting applications from innovators and early-stage founders with growth-oriented business ideas or existing startups.
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is a flagship initiative designed to identify, train, mentor, and fund African entrepreneurs. Successful applicants will benefit from a structured business training curriculum, seed funding, mentorship, and expanded professional networks.
Through the programme, successful applicants will be offered the following:
- World-class business management training delivered over a structured curriculum
- Non-refundable seed capital of up to USD 5,000
- One-on-one mentorship
- Access to key networks and market opportunities across Africa and globally
- Participation in the TEFConnect proprietary digital platform for business support and community engagement
Interested applicants are required to fulfil the following eligibility requirements:
- Have a scalable business idea or an early-stage company (typically 0–5 years old) operating in any sector
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Applications must focus on one business entity or idea only
- Businesses must be located in and primarily serve African markets
- Business activities must not adversely affect the environment, lives, or property
- Business ideas must be the original work of those making the submission
To apply for the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2026, visit the official programme application portal on TEFConnect.
Are you an early-stage startup using frontier technologies for social impact? Apply for the UNICEF Venture Fund StartUp Lab Cohort 6 by 20 February 2026
Are you an early-stage startup using frontier technologies for social impact? Apply for the UNICEF Venture Fund StartUp Lab Cohort 6 by 20 February 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 UNICEF Venture Fund StartUp Lab Cohort 6. The UNICEF Venture Fund, a programme of the United Nations Children’s Fund, is seeking technology-driven startups that utilise frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, data science, blockchain, and other digital innovations to address real-world social challenges.
The StartUp Lab accelerator aims to identify, mentor, and support startups that demonstrate bold, scalable solutions with measurable social impact, particularly in areas aligned with UNICEF’s mission and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through the programme, successful applicants will be offered the following:
- Direct engagement with UNICEF programme experts across key sectors
- Industry-led training, mentorship, and hands-on technical support
- Access to UNICEF’s global network of country offices and strategic partners
- Opportunities to engage with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Ghana
- Up to USD 6,000 in prototyping funding
- USD 15,000 scale-up funding for the top three performing startups
- Guidance on aligning products with the SDGs and contributing to the digital public goods ecosystem
Interested applicants are required to fulfil the following eligibility requirements:
- Be an early-stage startup, ideally with a functional prototype
- Be based in and serving low- and middle-income countries
- Demonstrate a commitment to open-source principles
- Develop solutions addressing one or more of the following areas:
- Urban technology
- Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
- Child protection
- Education
- Healthcare
- Climate resilience
- Financial inclusion
To apply for the UNICEF Venture Fund StartUp Lab Cohort 6, visit the official programme application portal.
Accelerate X Fuze Challenge
Are you a tech-startup founder in East Africa with a solution in transport, logistics or mobility? Apply for the Accelerate X Fuze Challenge before 21 November 2025
The Accelerate X Fuzé Challenge is a partnership initiative between Digital Africa, the Yiri (AGL) Group and other ecosystem partners. It targets innovative start-ups from East Africa, including Rwanda, in transport and logistics. Success applicants will have the chance to pitch in Kigali and gain access to a six-month acceleration programme.
Selected participants will have the opportunity to pitch live in Kigali and be part of a top cohort of startups. The Challenge offers access to the Fuzé investment scheme through Digital Africa, which provides pre-seed funding tickets of up to €100,000 tailored for African tech start-ups. Participants will also join a six-month acceleration programme designed to help them scale operations and connect with mentors, investors and other partners.
Eligible applicants include startups founded by at least one African national and operating in or serving East Africa. Businesses should have a technology-oriented model, ideally in the mobility, transport or logistics sectors. Applicants are expected to have a minimum viable product or early traction in the market.
Interested startups can apply by submitting their profile here.