Are you a startup with a product or service in the Sports or Creative industry? Apply for funding from the NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator Programme before 29 August 2025.
Are you a startup with a product or service in the Sports or Creative industry? Apply for funding from the NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator Programme before 29 August 2025.
In partnership with ALX Ventures, NBA Africa invites applicants for the Triple-Double Accelerator Programme. The program aims to support African startups, tech ecosystems, and entrepreneurs by promoting growth in the sports and creative industries. Successful participants will access AI-first capacity building, mentorship, world-class coaching, and direct access to investors, partners, and fans to scale their ventures and contribute to African economic growth.
The Programme seeks applicants whose products or services align with the categories below:
- Sports & Innovation – Startups re-shaping the sports industry through fan engagement, athlete performance, digital innovation, community-based fitness, or other impactful approaches.
- Creative Startups – Startups pushing the boundaries of Africa’s creative industries, from fashion, music, and film to gaming, digital media, storytelling, and more.
Successful participants will receive the following benefits:
- Cash prizes of up to USD 50,000 accompanied by value-in-kind benefits
- A 10-week mentorship program with NBA Africa, ServiceNow, ALX leadership, and other corporate stakeholders focused on product development, business growth, and go-to-market strategy
- Business coaching and masterclasses on AI, product, sales, fundraising, and more
- Brand visibility across the NBA and ALX ecosystem
- Networking with prominent business leaders, investors, and clients
- Spotlight and PR at Demo Day in a major African city
Interested applicants must fulfil the following:
- Be headquartered in Africa
- Be less than 2 years old
- Have a tech-enabled solution with clear market value
- Have a proof-of-concept prototype with potential for profit, inclusivity, and scale
- Have two co-founders committed full-time (40+ hrs/week)
For more information and application details, visit: Application.
Are you building digital solutions to solve Africa’s biggest challenges? Apply now for the 2025 MTN Cloud Accelerator Program before 15 August 2025
Are you building digital solutions to solve Africa’s biggest challenges? Apply now for the 2025 MTN Cloud Accelerator Program before 15 August 2025
MTN is now accepting applications for the 2025 MTN Cloud Accelerator Program, a 12-week innovation sprint designed to help African startups scale faster by tapping into MTN’s products, platforms, and strategic partnerships.
The program is designed to support startups reshaping digital payments, transforming access to healthcare, and driving innovation in agriculture and education.
Now in its latest edition, the program supports growth-stage startups with access to capital, technical infrastructure, mentorship, and go-to-market expertise. Participating ventures will benefit from deep engagement with MTN’s ecosystem and the opportunity to fast-track their growth and visibility across the continent.
The MTN Cloud Accelerator is ideal for startups that are:
- Operating at the growth stage with a minimum viable product (MVP) or a live product
- Led by teams with strong traction and deep customer insight
- Addressing real African challenges in sectors such as: Fintech & Payments, HealthTech, EdTech, AgriTech, AI & Data Infrastructure, Cybersecurity & Digital ID, Retail & E-commerce
- Serving rural or underserved communities
Participants in the program will gain:
- Up to ₦100,000,000 in grants per cohort
- One-on-one mentorship with industry experts
- Sales and go-to-market support from MTN teams
- Technical integration with MTN Cloud, MoMo, Chenosis APIs, and more
- Cloud credits and infrastructure advisory
- Investor pitch coaching and curated VC introductions
- Exposure at the MTN Demo Day with investors, media, and ecosystem partners
- Ongoing post-program support, including partnership opportunities, pilots, and M&A readiness
The program is fully funded and free of charge. Startups should be ready to actively engage with MTN’s technical and commercial teams and commit to the full program duration.
Apply now and take your startup to the next level with MTN Cloud Accelerator 2025
Are you an agripreneur ready to build climate resilience into your business? Apply now for the AFC BRACE Program before 27 July 2025.
Are you an agripreneur ready to build climate resilience into your business? Apply now for the AFC BRACE Program before 27 July 2025.
The Africa Food Changemakers(AFC) is now accepting applications for the Building Resilience Against Climate and Environmental Shocks (BRACE) Program, a targeted capacity-building initiative designed to help agripreneurs across Africa understand how climate change impacts their businesses and develop practical strategies for adaptation, mitigation, and access to climate finance.
Through a hybrid learning model, BRACE combines expert-led training, peer learning, and hands-on assignments to equip agripreneurs with the tools, resources, and networks needed to integrate climate-smart practices into their operations.
The BRACE Program is designed for:
- Agripreneurs aged 18 to 40 years
- Citizens of African countries
- Owners, representatives, or decision-makers of registered agribusinesses operating in Africa
- SMEs working in Crop Production and/or Animal Production sectors as producers, processors, marketers, aggregators, etc.
Successful participants will benefit from the following:
- A diagnostic assessment tool to evaluate their awareness and readiness to address climate risks within their agribusiness.
- A self-paced 6-week online learning journey featuring practical, climate-relevant content tailored for African agribusinesses.
- Hands-on assignments designed to help participants “green” their businesses and strengthen their positioning for climate financing opportunities.
- Opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, networking, and experience sharing through group discussions and co-created solutions.
- Access to industry experts and mentors through live interactive sessions.
- Practical resources, tools, and guidance to support investment decisions aligned with sustainable, climate-resilient agribusiness strategies.
- Membership in the AFC Hub Community offers ongoing access to resources, market linkages, funding opportunities, and visibility to support business growth and long-term success.
Participants should be prepared to dedicate approximately four hours per week to completing self-paced modules, assignments, and attending weekly live sessions, which will be scheduled on Thursday or Friday evenings across African time zones. Full engagement over the six weeks is expected, including timely submission of all course assignments and active participation in interactive sessions.
Apply now here!
Time on Your Side: Mastering the Workday as a Rwandan Entrepreneur
Time on Your Side: Mastering the Workday as a Rwandan Entrepreneur
Author: Oleksandra Prysyazhnenko, Expert at ConsumerCentriX
Every entrepreneur has the same number of hours in a day. But not everyone uses those hours with clarity and intention. In Rwanda’s fast-moving business landscape, where many juggle multiple roles, shifting priorities, and community demands, how you manage time can be the difference between progress and burnout.
The most common time struggles aren’t caused by a lack of tools. They often stem from what’s happening internally: the hesitation to delegate, the endless tweaking of a proposal, or the quiet dread of an overflowing inbox. These patterns don’t show up on your calendar, but they shape everything.
One powerful way to regain control is to start spotting these invisible traps. The Superpowers e-book, which inspired this guide, offers a self-reflection quiz that helps you uncover hidden habits. You might find out that procrastination shows up as overplanning, or that perfectionism hides behind “just one more edit.” Identifying these patterns is a practical first step in creating a workflow that aligns with how you think and operate.
Next comes emotion. When you stare at a simple task and feel stuck, the issue is rarely the task itself. Often it’s fear, stress, or mental fatigue. These emotional blockers confuse your priorities and delay action. Recognising this link changes how you approach time, not as a technical problem, but as a mindset issue.
To move from insight to action, use practical tools. The Eisenhower Matrix is one of them. It sorts your tasks into four boxes: do now, plan for later, delegate, or delete. Many entrepreneurs feel everything is urgent. This tool forces clearer thinking and helps you decide what truly deserves your focus.
Another essential principle is the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle. It reminds you that a small number of activities drive the majority of your results. Instead of doing everything, double down on the few things that matter most. For example, one sales meeting that brings in a key client may be worth more than a full day of scattered admin work.
Time mastery isn’t about squeezing in more. It’s about designing a rhythm that works with your energy and supports your goals. One small shift, like leaving buffer time between meetings or starting each day by tackling your most important task, can transform your workweek.
There is no universal system. The best approach is the one that fits your current season, your strengths, and your responsibilities. So ask yourself: what can I shift today to lead time, not chase it?
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 agripreneur in Rwanda driving food systems transformation? Apply now for the 2025 FAO-HASTEN Business Incubation Programme by 27 June 2025.
Are you a young agripreneur in Rwanda driving food systems transformation? Apply now for the 2025 FAO-HASTEN Business Incubation Programme by 27 June 2025.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is now accepting applications for the 2025 FAO-HASTEN Business Incubation Programme — a unique opportunity for youth-led enterprises in Lesotho, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone committed to building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems.
This initiative is part of HASTEN—Harnessing SDG-based Agrifood System Transformation through the Empowerment of the Next Generation of Agrifood Leadership in Africa—a project funded under FAO’s Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) and operating in Lesotho, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone.
HASTEN aims to:
- Promote capacity development in transdisciplinary systems thinking for SDG interlinkages
- Foster multistakeholder collaboration through strengthened public-private-academic partnerships
- Support agripreneurship and youth empowerment by scaling eco-inclusive business models that generate employment and contribute to the SDGs
Up to 8–10 enterprises per country will be selected to join a five-day, in-person incubation workshop focused on:
- Strengthening sustainable and inclusive business practices
- Developing tailored business plans and financial strategies
- Engaging in hands-on sessions led by international and national coaches
- Leveraging interactive tools and workbooks to build viable growth models
The final day of the workshop includes an ecosystem networking event, where participants will pitch their business models to a broad audience of public and private sector stakeholders, academia, and development partners.
In addition, three enterprises per country will be selected for tailored follow-up support aimed at scaling their operations and building strategic partnerships.
Interested applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Legally registered in Lesotho, Rwanda, or Sierra Leone
- Operational for 1–3 years
- Led by entrepreneurs aged 18–35
- Demonstrate a clear contribution to sustainable agrifood systems transformation
- Comply fully with FAO integrity standards and must not be engaged in any UN-prohibited or unethical practices
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to present their business virtually before final selection. Review full eligibility, exclusion, and selection details on the HASTEN webpage.
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.
Equity-Free Funding Opportunity for Fem Tech Solutions from UNICEF – Apply before 8 May 2025
Equity-Free Funding Opportunity for Fem Tech Solutions from UNICEF – Apply before 8 May 2025
UNICEF has launched an exciting opportunity for startups developing innovative technological solutions aimed at improving the lives of women and girls. The UNICEF Venture Fund is offering equity-free funding of up to $100,000 to early-stage companies leveraging frontier technologies to address pressing challenges in the fem tech space.
Selected startups will receive:
- Up to $100,000 in equity-free funding to help scale their solutions without giving up ownership.
- Access to UNICEF’s global network, which includes mentors, investors, and experts in technology and social impact.
- Technical guidance and business development support to refine their innovations.
- Opportunities to pilot solutions in UNICEF program countries, gaining real-world experience and validation.
Startups must meet the following requirements:
- Be registered in a UNICEF program country.
- Have a working prototype of their technology-driven solution.
- Be committed to open-source principles, meaning their solution should contribute to a wider tech ecosystem for social good.
- Preference is given to women-led startups and young entrepreneurs (under 35 years old).
For more details on eligibility, application guidelines, and required documentation, visit UNICEF Innovation website.
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.