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 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 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 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.
Are you a young entrepreneur or woman-led business in Rwanda looking to grow through training, access to financing and markets? Apply for the Kataza Programme from the African Management Institute.
Are you a young entrepreneur or woman-led business in Rwanda looking to grow through training, access to financing and markets? Apply for the Kataza Programme from the African Management Institute.
Kataza programme is run by a consortium led by African Management Institute (AMI), in partnership with the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), the Mastercard Foundation and other organisations. This initiative targets financially excluded youth-led businesses, especially those led by women, in 15 districts of Rwanda, with a particular focus on the agriculture, tourism and hospitality sectors. It offers access to affordable financing, real-time business advisory services, and supports businesses to scale and create meaningful employment opportunities.
Participants benefit from practical business training, coaching and financial literacy development. The programme also provides support for market expansion, networking, and building business growth strategies. Businesses can access tailored loan products through partner financial institutions designed to overcome typical financial barriers faced by young and women-led MSMEs. Additional digital and in-person support includes linkages to suppliers, markets and institutions.
Eligible applicants include youth-led MSMEs, typically aged 18–35, with a strong focus on women-owned businesses. The programme also targets businesses that are financially excluded or disadvantaged, including those run by persons with disabilities and refugees. MSMEs should be operating in agriculture, tourism, hospitality or adjacent sectors and be located within one of the 15 selected districts in Rwanda.
To participate in Kataza or learn more about how to benefit or partner, contact AMI Rwanda at kataza@africanmanagers.com.