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.
Are you an entrepreneur with an innovative idea that aligns with one of the UN's SDGs? Apply for mentorship from the SDG Innovation Accelerator before 31 January 2026.
Are you an entrepreneur with an innovative idea that aligns with one of the UN’s SDGs? Apply for mentorship from the SDG Innovation Accelerator before 31 January 2026.
The United Nations Global Compact invites applicants to the SDG Innovation Accelerator, a transformative program designed to empower and support young professionals driving sustainable development and innovation. The primary goal of the SDG Innovation Accelerator is to foster innovative solutions that contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Successful applicants will benefit from the following:
Participant benefits:
- Engage in accelerated learning opportunities including online and in-person workshops, case studies, company visits and forum discussions.
- Collaborate with other businesses on innovative projects tailored to your company and industry.
- Build valuable relationships through coaching, mentoring and peer-to-peer networking.
- Gain insights from leading experts in sustainability and innovation from around the world.
- Join a global network of talented young professionals from top companies across every continent.
Company benefits:
- Apply SDG innovation to address real sustainability challenges your company is currently facing.
- Embed the SDGs into your company’s business strategy through collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.
- Enhance employee engagement and create professional development opportunities.
- Access a network of experts from some of the world’s leading companies.
- Receive global recognition for your company’s participation in the programme.
Interested applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- High performing professionals at participating companies of the UN Global Compact
- Must be 35 years or younger
- Have an interest in business model innovation, sustainability and disruptive technologies
- Be willing to dedicate a minimum of 4 hors a month to the Accelerator Learning Plan and attend aleast four 1-day workshop
To apply for the program, visit Applications.
Are you an African start-up seeking to become investment-ready? Apply for the GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Programme before 28 September 2025
Are you an African start-up seeking to become investment-ready? Apply for the GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Programme before 28 September 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Programme (IRP). The IRP is a free, year-long, tailor-made support programme for African start-ups creating impact in the agricultural sector, either directly or through areas such as climate, livestock, energy, biotech, fintech, circular economy, logistics, or other agri-adjacent sectors.
The programme helps start-ups become investor-ready and grow through customised advisory, targeted technical support, and access to a vibrant community of founders, experts, and investors.
Selected start-ups will participate in a one-year, fully funded support programme, including:
- Up to €20,000 in technical assistance budget for consultancies, expert support, legal advice, online marketing, licenses, certifications, ESG governance, product optimisation, market entry strategies, customer acquisition, marketing and PR, graphic design, employee training, and more.
- Access to revolving working capital loans of up to €50,000 with a nine-month maturity at 1.5% interest.
- Up to €10,000 in digital agency advisory from an international IT consultancy firm to strengthen digital capacities, marketing skills, and data analytics.
- Fully sponsored trips to two in-person community events alongside the Africa Tech Summit in Nairobi (February of each year), plus one additional sector conference.
- Investment and partnership facilitation through invite-only pitch sessions, bespoke introductions to investors and funds, and guidance on fundraising strategy and due diligence.
- Membership in a community of over 100 portfolio companies.
Interested applicants should fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
Applicant companies will be evaluated against business model, technology, team, impact, and traction. Special consideration is given to companies with local founders and gender-diverse founding teams. To be eligible, companies should demonstrate the following:
- Geography and legal entity: Be for-profit and registered in Africa (all countries except South Africa).
- Team: Have a management team of at least two people.
- Stage: Be at pre-seed through Series A stage.
- Traction: Have a minimum viable product, evidence of revenue, and paying customers.
- Impact alignment: Operate in AgriFoodTech or an agricultural-adjacent sector with direct or indirect impact on agriculture or agricultural stakeholders.
If selected, start-ups should be prepared to:
- Nominate a management team member who dedicates an average of two hours per week to the programme and serves as a focal point for SAIS.
- Nominate and dispatch one employee to attend at least two in-person community events (February 2026 and February 2027, most likely in Nairobi).
- Provide data on company progress and growth during the programme and for one year after including, revenue, number of users, customers, funds raised, and employees (collected in compliance with data protection requirements).
- Facilitate access to customers or clients for an impact evaluation of products, services, or technologies.
- Collaborate with contracted experts and service providers to implement targeted technical support measures.
To apply, visit: GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Programme (IRP)
Are you a digital entrepreneur using technology to expand access to work, training, and better opportunities? Apply for #HackTheDivide before 7 September 2025.
Are you a digital entrepreneur using technology to expand access to work, training, and better opportunities? Apply for #HackTheDivide before 7 September 2025.
Organized by ITCILO in collaboration with the International Labor Organisation (ILO), Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the African Union Commission, the #HackTheDivide innovation challenge empowers young African digital innovators to co-create inclusive tech solutions that address critical issues like youth employment, digital inclusion, and labor mobility. Participants will engage in dynamic hackathon activities, receive expert mentorship, and gain exposure to key global institutions shaping Africa’s digital future.
The Programme seeks applicants who fit the following profile:
- Young digital innovators aged 18 – 35, working in areas such as youth employment, digital inclusion, migration, fintech, or data innovation
- Based in one of the 25 eligible African countries
- Be available to attend the full two-day hackathon in Nairobi (7 – 8 October 2025)
Successful participants will experience:
- A two-day Hackathon in Nairobi (7 – 8 October 2025), collaborating in dynamic teams with mentorship from global experts
- Travel, accommodation, and meals fully covered during the event
- The opportunity to present live during the global broadcast “Skills for Fair Digital Transitions in Africa” in Turin, connecting your solutions with decision-makers and industry leaders
- A chance for the winning team to access a tailored incubation experience with I3P, including a fully funded trip to Italy and entry into Italy’s innovation ecosystem
Interested applicants must fulfill the following:
For more information and application details, visit #HackTheDivide.
Are you a seed-stage founder building sustainable solutions for Africa? Apply now for the 2025 Sustainable Innovation Seed Accelerator in Nairobi before 19 September 2025.
Are you a seed-stage founder building sustainable solutions for Africa? Apply now for the 2025 Sustainable Innovation Seed Accelerator in Nairobi before 19 September 2025.
500 Global, in partnership with UNDP’s timbuktoo initiative, is now accepting applications for the 2025 Sustainable Innovation Seed Accelerator. This intensive 8-week hybrid program, hosted at Nairobi’s Greentech Hub, is designed to help African startups scale tech-enabled solutions that advance sustainability in key sectors including agriculture, mobility, energy, and the built environment.
The accelerator is part of a bold effort to strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem by equipping founders with the tools, mentorship, and networks they need to build globally competitive, impact-driven businesses. For Rwandan startups, this program is a gateway to growth, visibility, and partnerships across the continent.
The program is ideal for startups that are:
- At the seed stage with a launched or recently introduced product
- Based in Africa
- Using technology or tech-enabled models to drive measurable impact
- Led by a committed founding team (ideally 2–3 people) able to attend in-person sessions in Nairobi
- Focused on creating sustainable solutions in agriculture, energy, mobility, or the built environment
Participants in the program will benefit from:
- One-on-one mentorship from growth experts and sustainability specialists
- Access to a rich network of investors, corporates, and ecosystem partners
- Workshops, roundtables, and fireside chats covering strategy, product, marketing, and growth
- A three-day in-person retreat focused on leadership, team dynamics, and wellness
- A curated community of peers from across the Global South
- The opportunity to pitch at a high-profile Demo Day in Nairobi
- A tuition-free, non-equity-based program with no participation fee
The accelerator will run from 27 October to 19 December 2025, with the first four weeks held in-person at Nairobi’s Greentech Hub and the following four weeks in a hybrid format. All sessions will be conducted in English, and applicants must be able to commit to the full program duration.
Applications are now open. Early applicants are encouraged to apply before 29 August 2025 for priority consideration, while the final deadline is 19 September 2025.
Apply today and join a cohort of Africa’s boldest innovators working to shape a sustainable future.
Are you a young entrepreneur with an innovative green solution? Apply for the 2025 Ye! Youth Ecopreneurs Programme before 14 September 2025.
Are you a young entrepreneur with an innovative green solution? Apply for the 2025 Ye! Youth Ecopreneurs Programme before 14 September 2025.
The International Trade Center, in partnership with the G20 Global Land Initiative/UNCCD, WIPO, Sidley Austin LLP and Global Startup for Sustainable Development, invites applications for the Ye! Youth Ecopreneurs Programme, a global accelerator programme. This programme is designed for youth entrepreneurs under the age of 35 who are founders, co-founders, or CEOs. The programme seeks passionate innovators with a clear understanding of the environmental challenges they address and scalable solutions ready for acceleration. Successful participants will access capacity-building, mentorship, and funding to scale their ventures and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
The Programme seeks applicants whose businesses align with the categories below:
- Land Restoration: Startups restoring degraded land and ecosystems through innovative, sustainable practices.
- Green Business Solutions: Enterprises providing products or services that contribute to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Successful participants will receive the following benefits:
- Seed funding of USD 100,000 for the land restoration cohort (equity-free)
- Capacity-building support for scaling your venture
- Networking with global experts, investors, and peers
- Mentorship and coaching from industry leaders
- Legal and IP guidance, including pro-bono services from Sidley Austin
- Preferential access to the Google StartUp for Sustainable Development Programme
- All-expenses-paid trip to an international conference for award finalists
- USD 10,000 prize for Youth Ecopreneur Award winners (1 award per category)
Interested applicants must fulfil the following to apply:
- Be under the age of 35 (by the application deadline)
- Be the Founder, Co-Founder, or CEO
- Operate a legally registered business majority-run by a young person
- Be focused on land restoration or green business solutions
- Meet location requirements (bootcamp is open globally; accelerator is for eligible countries – see the list)
For more information and application details, visit: Ye! Youth Ecopreneurs Programme.
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 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 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.