FAST Accelerator Program

Do you have an innovative tech solution addressing education, agriculture or healthcare? Apply for funding and business development support from the FAST Accelerator program

Do you have an innovative tech solution addressing education, agriculture or healthcare? Apply for funding and business development support from the FAST Accelerator program

FAST Accelerator program, a global initiative created by Flapmax in partnership with Microsoft, invites applicants for the program’s second cohort, aimed at supporting the next generation of African innovators who are building solutions that address some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. The program is open to startups from all sectors, but there is a particular focus on startups using technology to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and other key areas.

Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:

  • Access to business development resources: The program provides startups access to a team of experienced business development professionals who can help them develop their go-to-market strategy, identify new customers, and raise funding.
  • Access to technology integration resources: The program provides startups with access to Microsoft’s technology experts, who can help them integrate Microsoft’s cloud-based solutions into their businesses.
  • Access to funding: The program allows startups to apply for funding from Microsoft and other investors.
  • Access to a community of African innovators: The program allows startups to connect with other African innovators working to solve similar problems.

Interested must meet the following criteria to be apply:

  • Be based in Africa.
  • Have a minimum viable product or prototype.
  • Have a team of at least two people.
  • Be passionate about solving problems in Africa.

To apply, visit: Applications


Changemakers Innovation Challenge

Do you have a tech solution that creates social change in your community? Apply for funding from ACT Foundation’s Changemaker Innovation Challenge before 31 July 2023

Do you have a tech solution that creates social change in your community? Apply for funding from ACT Foundation’s Changemaker Innovation Challenge before 31 July 2023

The Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation invites applicants to the Changemakers Innovation Challenge, which recognizes and rewards innovative social impact projects that use technology. The Challenge is open to African organizations (non-profits, businesses, and social enterprises) working to address a social or environmental challenge.

Winners of the Challenge will receive the following benefits:

  • A cash prize of $10,000 to support their project.
  • Access to a network of mentors and experts who can help them to develop and grow their projects.
  • Exposure to potential funders and partners.

Interested participants must meet the following criteria to apply:

  • Be a registered non-profit, business, or social enterprise in Africa.
  • Be using technology to create social change in their communities.
  • Have a project that is already in operation or ready to be implemented.

To apply, visit: Changemakers Innovation Challenge Application

 

The Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation invites applicants to the Changemakers Innovation Challenge, which recognizes and rewards innovative social impact projects that use technology. The Challenge is open to African organizations (non-profits, businesses, and social enterprises) working to address a social or environmental challenge.

Winners of the Challenge will receive the following benefits:

  • A cash prize of $10,000 to support their project.
  • Access to a network of mentors and experts who can help them to develop and grow their projects.
  • Exposure to potential funders and partners.

Interested participants must meet the following criteria to apply:

  • Be a registered non-profit, business, or social enterprise in Africa.
  • Be using technology to create social change in their communities.
  • Have a project that is already in operation or ready to be implemented.

To apply, visit: Changemakers Innovation Challenge Application

 


AWS Global Fintech Accelerator

Are you an early-stage startup using Amazon Web Services  (AWS ) with an innovative financial solution? Apply for the Global Fintech Accelerator program before 14 August 2023.

AWS Global Fintech Accelerator

Are you an early-stage startup using Amazon Web Services  (AWS ) with an innovative financial solution? Apply for the Global Fintech Accelerator program before 14 August 2023.

 

Amazon Web Services (AWS), a subsidiary of Amazon that provides on-demand cloud computing platforms, invites applicants for the Global Fintech Accelerator program. The 6-week equity-free program helps early-stage startups use AWS to accelerate their businesses growth and success. The program is designed to provide startups with the resources, mentorship and support they need to build and launch innovative financial solutions. The program provides startups access to the following:

  • Technical mentorship from AWS experts on cloud computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence topics.
  • Business mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors in business strategy, fundraising, and go-to-market plans.
  • AWS resources including global infrastructure and services, as well as a variety of tools and resources to help build and launch products.

Successful applicants will benefit from the following:

  • Increased visibility and exposure: The program allows startups to showcase their products and services to a global audience of investors, partners, and customers.
  • Accelerated growth: The program helps startups to accelerate their growth by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and support they need to build and launch successful products.
  • Increased funding opportunities: The program can help startups to increase their chances of securing funding from investors.

Interested participants must meet the following criteria to apply:

  • Be early-stage fintech startups that are using AWS to build their businesses.
  • Have a product or service that is in the development or early-stage launch phase.
  • Be located in one of the following regions: North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, or Latin America.

To apply for the program, visit: Applications


UNLEASH Innovation Lab

Do you have an innovative solution that addresses the most pressing sustainability challenges? Apply for the UNLEASH Innovation Lab before 19 July 2023

UNLEASH Innovation Lab

Do you have an innovative solution that addresses the most pressing sustainability challenges? Apply for the UNLEASH Innovation Lab before 19 July 2023.

UNLEASH, an Innovation Lab for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), invites applications from young entrepreneurs with innovative solutions that address the SDGs. The program will convene up to 1000 talents in Kigali, Rwanda to co-create solutions for the most pressing global sustainability challenges.

Successful applicants will benefit from the following:

  • The opportunity to work on real-world problems aligned with the SDGs. This allows participants to make a real difference in the world and to develop their problem-solving skills.
  • Participants in the UNLEASH Innovation Lab have access to a global network of mentors and experts who can provide guidance and support. This helps them to develop their ideas and to take their projects to the next level.
  • The opportunity to network with other changemakers worldwide. This can help them to build relationships, share ideas, and collaborate on future projects.
  • The chance to win prizes, including cash prizes, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to have their projects featured on the UNLEASH website.

Interested participants must meet the following to apply:

  • Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
  • Be passionate about solving the world’s most pressing challenges.
  • Have a creative and innovative mindset.
  • Be able to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Be fluent in English.

To apply for the program, applicants must submit an online application here, along with a short video pitch.


Apply for the Westerwelle Young Founders Programme before 13 August 2023

Apply for the Westerwelle Young Founders Programme before 13 August 2023

The Westerwelle Startup Haus invites applicants for the Young Founders Programme’s Autumn Cohort. The 6-month Programme aims to support the development of entrepreneurs by providing participants with mentoring, peer learning, access to experts, and exposure to the Berlin startup ecosystem.

Successful applicants to the Programme will receive the following benefits:

  • Mentorship: Each participant is paired with a successful entrepreneur or mentor who can provide guidance and support.
  • Peer learning: Participants can network with other young entrepreneurs from around the world.
  • Access to experts: The Programme features several expert sessions where participants can learn from business leaders.
  • Exposure to the Berlin startup ecosystem: The Programme culminates in a 5-day conference in Berlin, where participants learn about the latest trends in the startup world.

Interested applicants should meet the following criteria to apply:

  • Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
  • Be a citizen of an emerging market.
  • Have a viable business idea or startup.
  • Be fluent in English.

To apply, visit: Applications.


AWIEF Awards

Do you know a women-led business making a significant contribution to Africa’s economic and social development? Nominate them for Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum Awards before 17 July 2023

Do you know a women-led business making a significant contribution to Africa’s economic and social development? Nominate them for Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum Awards before 17 July 2023

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), an annual event celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders across Africa, invites nominations for the AWIEF Awards 2023. Happening from 9 – 10 November 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda, the Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders who are making a significant contribution to Africa’s economic and social development.

The Awards consist of eight categories, which include:

  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Young Entrepreneur Award
  • Social Enterprise Award
  • Technology Innovation Award
  • Fashion and Design Award
  • Agriculture and Agribusiness Award
  • Tourism and Hospitality Award
  • Finance and Investments Award

Interested participants should nominate a business that fulfils the following criteria:

  • Be a woman entrepreneur or business leader
  • Be based in Africa
  • Have a track record of success in their business
  • Have made a significant contribution to the economic and social development of Africa

Selected businesses from the nominations will receive the following benefits:

  • Increased visibility and recognition
  • Increased access to funding and resources
  • Increased opportunities for networking and collaboration
  • Increased credibility and influence
  • Inspiration and motivation for other women entrepreneurs

To nominate a business, visit: AWIEF 2023 Applications


Google for Startups Accelerator

Are you a startup tackling climate change with technology? Apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program before 7 July 2023

Are you a startup tackling climate change with technology? Apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program before 7 July 2023

Google for Startups, a program launched by Google in 2011 to provide hands-on business development for aspiring entrepreneurs, invites applicants for the Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program. The 10-week, equity-free program aims to support startups in the seed and series A financing phase tackling climate change with technology to positively impact the environment.

Successful applicants will receive the following benefits and opportunities:

  • Access to Google’s resources, including mentorship, technical support, and marketing and sales expertise.
  • Collaboration with other startups and organizations working on climate change
  • Participation in events and workshops led by Google experts
  • Pitching to investors and potential partners
  • Featuring on Google’s website and in its marketing materials

Interested applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be based in North America, Europe, or the Middle East and Africa.
  • Be in the Seed to Series A stage of funding.
  • Have a product or service that addresses climate change.
  • Have a team of at least 5 people.
  • Be available to participate in all aspects of the program.

To apply, visit: Application


Accelerator program

Funding opportunity for an early-stage start-up: Apply for the ARM Labs Lagos Accelerator program before 9 August 2023


Funding opportunity for an early-stage start-up: Apply for the ARM Labs Lagos Accelerator program before 9 August 2023

Techstars, a global investment company, invites applicants for the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator program. The three-month, in-person program provides early-stage startups in Africa access to capital, mentorship, and connections. The program is focused on FinTech, Mobility, E-commerce, and TalentTech startups.

Successful applicants to the program will receive the following benefits:

  • Access to capital: The program provides startups with $100,000 in seed funding. This funding can be used to grow the business, hire new employees, or develop new products or services.
  • Access to mentorship: The program provides startups access to a global network of mentors. These mentors can provide advice and guidance on various topics, including business strategy, marketing, and fundraising.
  • Programming and workshops: The program provides startups with programming and workshops on a variety of topics. This programming can help startups to improve their business operations, develop new products or services, and grow their businesses.
  • Investor introductions: The program provides startups with introductions to investors. These investors may be interested in investing in the startup’s business.

Interested participants should meet the following criteria to apply:

  • Be based in Africa
  • Be in the early stages of development
  • Have a team of at least two founders
  • Be focused on FinTech, Mobility, E-commerce, or TalentTech

To apply for the program, visit: Program applications


Isesengura ry’imiterere y’isoko

Uburyo isesengura ry’imterere y’isoko rishobora guteza imbere ubucuruzi bwawe.

Uburyo isesengura ry’imterere y’isoko rishobora guteza imbere ubucuruzi bwawe.

Iyo ikigo cy’ubucuruzi gito gishinzwe kikaba gikora, imwe mu nzitizi abacuruzi bakunze guhura nazo ni ukubona uburyo bwiza bwo gukurura abakiriya bashya.  Gukora isesengura ry’imiterere y’isoko bifasha  ikigo cy’ubucuruzi gukusanya no gusesengura amakuru ku byerekeranye n’isoko riba rigamijwe. Isesengura ry’imiterere y’isoko ni kimwe mu bikoresho byiza byifashishwa mu kumenya abantu bashobora kukibera abakiriya. Gusesengura imiterere y’isoko bifasha abacuruzi gufata ibyemezo bikwiye bazi impamvu yabyo ku byerekeranye n’ibicuruzwa na serivisi batanga, iyamamazabikorwa, n’igenwa ry’ibiciro.

Habaho uburyo bwinshi bwo gusesengura imiterere y’isoko. Ariko, uburyo buba bwiza kurusha ubundi buterwa n’ibyo ikigo cy’ubucuruzi kiba gikeneye mu buryo bwihariye.  Ariko, hari intera ubwo buryo bwose buhuriraho:

  • Gusobanura abakiriya ugamije kugira : Ni bande isoko ryawe rigendereye? Reba abakiriya bashobora kugura ibicuruzwa cyangwa serivisi zawe, uko bangana, n’abo muhiganira ku isoko. Urugero, tuvuge ko ufite ikigo cy ‘ubucuruzi kigurisha ibicuruzwa bijyanye na siporo. Ubwongubwo, abantu bashobora kuba abakiriya bawe ni abantu bashimishwa n’ibijyanye na siporo. Uzareba niba isoko ryawe ribamo amasezerano, niba rihoraho, cyangwa niba ryaguka ( ku bw’amahirwe muri Kigali, iryo soko rigenda ryaguka bitewe n’ishoramari rikomeye ryakozwe mu rwego rwa siporo. Ugomba kandi kureba ibindi bigo by’ubucuruzi bitanga bene ibyo bicuruzwa ku buryo ubasha kubigereranya n’ibyawe.
  • Kusanya amakuru: Umenye iki ku byerekeranye n’abakiriya ugamije kugira ? Iyo umaze gusobanura imiterere y’isoko ryawe, igikurikiraho ni ugukusanya amakuru ku byerekeranye n’uburyo wabasha guha abaguzi ibicuruzwa cyangwa serivisi bashobora kugura. Ayo makuru ushobora kuyavana ahantu henshi nko mu minsi mikuru , mu gusuzuma abakiriya, gukorana n’abafatanyabikorwa bakora muri urwo rwego, no mu yindi miyoboro y’abikorera cyangwa iya Leta nko mu bitangazamakuru. Amakuru akusanywa ashobora kuba ashingiye ku bwiza cyangwa ku ngano y’ibicuruzwa cyangwa ya serivisi. Duhereye nko kuri siporo nk’urugero, ibi bishobora kwibanda ku minsi mikuru ihuza abagira uruhare muri urwo rwego kugirango ubashe gukusanya amakuru ku byerekeranye n’ubwoko bw’ibikoresho bya siporo bizakenerwa cyane mu gihe runaka ( ubwiza) n’ingano y’ibizaba bikenewe kugirango bihaze isoko ugamije ( ingano)
  • Sesengura amakuru: Ni iki ayo makuru akwigisha kandi wayakoresha  ute mu gufata ibyemezo? Iyo amakuru yarangije gukusanywa, ni ngombwa kuyasesengura. Reba uko ibintu bimeze n’uko byagiye bihinduka  muri urwo rwego rw’ubucuruzi kugeza ubu noneho utekereze ku byerekeranye n’icyo ibyo bisobanuye ku bucuruzi bwawe mu mezi macye ari imbere. Mu urwo rwego, ikigo cy’ubucuruzi gicuruza ibikoresho bya siporo gishobora kureba ibikorwa bya siporo bihora bibaho nka Basketball Africa League ;  kikareba ibicuruzwa byaguzwe kurusha ibindi muri iki gihe kugirango kibashe gufata ibyemezo bikwiye mu rwego rw’ibicuruzwa bigomba kurangurwa no ku bijyanye n’uburyo bwo kubyamamaza.
  • Kora gahunda y’ibikorwa: Ni iki kigomba gukurikiraho ? Iyo amakuru amaze gusesengurwa, intera ikurikiraho ni ugukora gahunda y’ibikorwa. Muri urwo rwego, ushobora kwibanda kugushyiraho ingengo y’imari, kurangura ibicuruzwa uteganya gucuruza mbere y’igihe, no kureba ubutumwa bw’iyamamazabikorwa bikwiye n’uburyo bwo gukora iryo yamamazabikorwa.

Gukora isesengura ry’imiterere y’isoko ni ibintu byoroshye kurusha uko abantu babikeka – kurikira izi ntera zimaze kuvugwa hejuru. Bityo, uzaba uri mu nzira nziza yo kumva neza kurushaho abakiriya  wifuza,abo muhiganwa ku isoko, n’amahirwe anyuranye n’inzitizi usobora guhura nazo.

 

 


Africa Youth

Are you an entrepreneur with an innovative solution that addresses a development challenge? Apply for the Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award before 11 June 2023.

Are you an entrepreneur with an innovative solution that addresses a development challenge? Apply for the Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award before 11 June 2023.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), through its Subregional office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA), in partnership with the African Youth SDG Summit and AfriLabs, invites applicants for the Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award. The Award is a competition that aims to recognize and reward outstanding young entrepreneurial efforts with innovations that resolve a specific development problem for firms, governments, households and communities and with an impact on the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Interested participants must filfil the following to apply:

  • Be a citizen of an African country
  • Be between the ages of 18 and 35
  • Have developed an innovative solution that addresses a development challenge
  • Be able to demonstrate the impact of their innovation

Award winners will receive the following benefits:

  • A cash prize of $10,000
  • An opportunity to present their innovation at the Africa Youth SDG Summit
  • Access to mentorship and support from experts
  • An opportunity to participate in training and development programs

To apply, visit: Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award