Visa ‘She’s Next’ programme

Applications for Visa’s “She’s Next” initiative are being accepted from SA startups

The world leader in digital payments, Visa, has opened applications for its She’s Next program to South African female-run businesses in collaboration with Absa, one of Africa’s biggest providers of varied financial services. Through networking opportunities, specialized training, mentorship, and grant financing, the She’s Next program aims to create an inclusive and equal environment for…

Afreximbank Flagship Accelerator

Applications for the Afreximbank Flagship Accelerator Program are being accepted from African businesses

The Afreximbank Flagship Accelerator Program, which aims to encourage entrepreneurs creating creative solutions to promote intra-African commerce, is open to African tech businesses. Visionary entrepreneurs with scalable technologies that tackle important issues in digital commerce platforms, trade finance, and cross-border payments are sought after by the Afreximbank Flagship Accelerator Program. Startups that are chosen will…

UNDP Nigeria Global Plastics Innovation

UNDP Nigeria Global Plastics Innovation Program: Call for Applications ($10,000–$20,000 Grants)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will fund creative ways to combat plastic pollution with funds from the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund and the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The Global Plastics Innovation Programme’s (GPIP) open call aims to assist these grassroots changemakers. Your idea counts, whether you’re creating a new…

D-Prize Competition

African Startups: Apply for $20k D-Prize Competition

The D-Prize Competition, which provides social impact enterprises with up to US$20,000 in funding, is open to entrepreneurs worldwide. Social projects with the potential to improve millions of lives in any area of the world with extreme poverty are the focus of the D-Prize Global Competition. Health, water, agriculture, livelihoods, energy, public services, and education…

EY SDG Accelerator

Applications for the EY SDG Accelerator for Women Entrepreneurs are being accepted from African startups.

The EY SDG Accelerator for Women Entrepreneurs, which seeks to support the scaling of women-led AI solutions for social impact and enabling inclusive finance, has extended an invitation to African entrepreneurs to apply. In order to promote solutions that address climate change, enhance livelihoods, and create resilient communities throughout the Global South, the EY SDG…

Qualcomm

10 Startups Chosen for Qualcomm’s Latest Make in Africa Mentorship Program

The Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program, which provides businesses with access to engineers, coaching, and IP protection advice, has chosen ten African tech startups to participate in its most recent iteration. The NASDAQ-listed Qualcomm is a multinational corporation based in the United States that develops wireless technology-related semiconductors, software, and services. In 2022,…

Afreximbank Accelerator Program

African Entrepreneurs: Get $250K, Market Access & Mentorship with Afreximbank Accelerator Program

An innovative program called the Afreximbank Flagship Accelerator Program was created to support African business owners who are creating creative solutions to promote intra-African commerce. We are seeking innovative founders with scalable technology that tackle important issues in digital commerce platforms, trade finance, and cross-border payments. Afreximbank’s wide network, customized mentoring, strategic support, and possible…

Africa Tech Summit London

13 startups will pitch at Africa Tech Summit London

On June 6, 13 startups will make their product and service pitches at the ninth Africa Tech Summit London, which aims to help African tech ventures get access to international funding. Supported by partners such as Amazon Web Services, London Stock Exchange, Fincra, Flutterwave, Tola Mobile, Bank of America, the UK Department for Business and…

ClimateLaunchpad

Applications for the ClimateLaunchpad competition are being accepted from African startups.

The largest green business idea competition in the world, ClimateLaunchpad 2025, is accepting applications from African startups. By giving participants the information, abilities, connections, and funding they require to expand and make a difference, the ClimateLaunchpad seeks to transform green ideas into profitable enterprises. Interested parties can submit an environmentally impactful idea or invention, and…

Business Catalyst Incubation

Application Request: Nigerian Startup Innovation Hub Business Catalyst Incubation Program 2025

Are you a driven businessperson with an innovative concept? Do you have aspirations to create the next big thing? Start Innovation Hub is thrilled to announce the opening of THE BUSINESS CATALYST, their incubation program! The goal of this 12-week intensive program is to assist early-stage firms that are pioneering in the Blue Economy in…

Jasiri Growth Accelerator

Rwandan, Kenyan entrepreneurs invited to apply for Jasiri Growth Accelerator

The Jasiri Growth Accelerator, which offers complete support for existing businesses with significant development potential, helps them accomplish critical growth milestones and gets them ready for investment, is open to entrepreneurs in Rwanda and Kenya. The 10-month Jasiri Growth Accelerator program focuses on entrepreneurs that have invented breakthroughs that have created new markets and are…

THRIVE Global Impact Challenge

Applications for the THRIVE Global Impact Challenge are open to African agrifood startups

The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge, which supports the shift to a net-zero future for agriculture, is open to African agrifood entrepreneurs. The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge is an international hunt for creative enterprises promoting agriculture’s transition to a more sustainable future. The Global Impact Challenge is centered around five major themes that are in line…

WEMA Bank ALAT

WEMA Bank ALAT Tech Bootcamp for Nigerians: Call for Applications (Monthly Stipends, Training, and Employment Opportunity)

Are you a youthful, passionate tech enthusiast ready to experience the unlimited potential of the World of Tech? The 13-week Hybrid Tech Bootcamp, which will help you gain cutting-edge skills across the tech ecosystem, is open to you, and the ALAT Tech Team is happy to have you as a participant. UI/UX, Data Science, Product…

AfCFTA
|

Nigeria organizes its first digital trade hackathon to harness AfCFTA benefits for small businesses.

Africa’s first AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol Hackathon was held in Nigeria, bringing together trade experts, researchers, and tech innovators to develop workable solutions for trade impediments that impact small enterprises and the unorganized sector. Taking place in Lagos as part of the 2025 Science of Trade (SOT) Conference, the event centered on leveraging innovation to…

Startups Accelerator Africa program

Applications for Google’s Startups Accelerator Africa program are being accepted from African AI businesses

The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program is now accepting applications. It is a three-month program that supports early-stage firms that use artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle the most important issues facing Africa. The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program was launched in 2018 and has since helped 140 startups from over 17 African nations….

WomenPower2030

WomenPower2030 Seed-Grant 2025 for Nigeria and Seirra Leone: Call for Applications

Women-led and women’s rights organizations are encouraged to apply to the Women Environmental Programme (WEP) in order to help achieve the WomenPower2030: Feminist Accelerate Actions for Sustainable Development target. The overarching goal of the WomenPower2030 project is to promote the leadership and rights of women, girls, and other oppressed groups within the context of sustainable…

Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund
|

MEDA, Capital Connect Africa, and the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund collaborate to support African SMEs

In order to increase investment in micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs), which find it difficult to obtain the funding they need to develop, grow, and create jobs in Africa, the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund has collaborated with Capital Connect Africa (CCA). With full support from the Mastercard Foundation, the new fund-of-funds is supporting…

HANGA SRH

Request for Applications: HANGA SRH Program 2025 Funding (up to $10,000 Grant Funding) for Sub-Saharan African Tech Startups

Entries are now open for HangaPitchFest to investigate the opportunity that exists for technology enabled businesses to solve critical issues in SRH to expedite better results. The program was created by the Government of Rwanda in 2022 through HangaPitchFest to examine the opportunity that exists for technology enabled businesses to solve important issues in SRH…

Startups

Unilever, UK Government and EY, announce grant of £500,000 for five West African Startups, including three in Nigeria

Five West African businesses that prioritize circularity and regenerative agriculture have received £500,000 in grant financing from TRANSFORM West Africa, an impact accelerator run by Unilever, the UK government, and EY. The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos sponsored a reception yesterday night to honor and celebrate these grantees. In order to scale and maximize…

UpGreyed Her

Invitation to Apply: “UpGreyed Her” Accelerator Program for Female Entrepreneurs (Grants Up to $9500)

The second iteration of Y Combinator-backed fintech Grey’s “UpGreyed Her” initiative has begun, providing women entrepreneurs with $9,500 in equity-free scholarships. This represents a 19% increase in investment compared to the previous year. Grey’s UpGreyed Her financial inclusion program aims to empower female entrepreneurs by giving them the money they need to grow their companies….

startups

What are the most typical mistakes that startups make that lead to higher cash burn rates?

The runway available to meet investor expectations, launch a funding round, or create a sustainable business is determined by a startup’s burn rate, which is its monthly operating expenses. Effectively controlling this rate is essential for long-term survival because excessive expenditure can quickly exhaust resources and impede growth. This is the opinion of Aysha Saifi,…

AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme

Female-founded Nigerian startups are invited to apply for the AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme.

In order to promote greater access to capital and markets for women-owned and women-led small and medium-sized businesses (WSMEs) in Nigeria, the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has teamed up with the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) and FSDH Merchant Bank Limited to open applications for its flagship AWIEF Growth Accelerator Program. By reducing…

Greentech Africa
|

Greentech Africa Investment Readiness Accelerator Program 2025: Call for Applications for African Startups in Its Early Stage

An investment-readiness accelerator program called Greentech Africa 2025: The Future of Sustainability will help ten to fifteen startups with creative ideas for sustainable development in Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa. The program’s goal is to assist startups in identifying early milestones and getting ready for their upcoming funding round or expansion plans, if…

RES4Africa Foundation

Apply to the Renewables Accelerators for Creative Startups and Entrepreneurs in Africa 2025 offered by the RES4Africa Foundation!

The Open Call for the 2025 Batch of RAISEAfrica – Renewables Accelerators for Innovative Startups and Entrepreneurs in Africa has been launched, according to the RES4Africa Foundation. Supporting and growing renewable energy-focused companies within the African startup ecosystem is the main objective of RAISEAfrica. This entails supporting creative company concepts from aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs…

Mastercard Foundation BRIDGE

Mastercard Foundation BRIDGE-in Agriculture Program 2025: Call for Applications for SMEs

The Mastercard Foundation BRIDGE-in Agriculture Program provides access to affordable finance and business development services to young entrepreneurs operating SMEs in agriculture and adjacent sectors to foster financial inclusion and reduce inequalities. Eligibility To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation BRIDGE-in Agriculture, you must: Benefits The BRIDGE-in Agriculture program provides access to affordable finance and…

GITEX Africa
|

Call for Applications: NITDA/Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Offers Nigerian Startups a Fully Sponsored Chance to Exhibit at GITEX Africa

A fully sponsored chance to exhibit at the Nigeria Pavilion at GITEX Africa 2025 is being extended to 12 high-potential Nigerian entrepreneurs by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in partnership with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Global investors, industry executives, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs come together at GITEX Africa, the continent’s biggest…

Growth Accelerator program

AWIEF Growth Accelerator program for Nigerian women entrepreneurs is currently accepting applications.

For African women entrepreneurs, limited access to capital continues to be a major obstacle, with an estimated USD 49 billion in financing gaps. The African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) program, which seeks to unlock up to USD 3 billion in financing for women-owned/led Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (WSMEs) throughout…

NITDA, JICA

NITDA, JICA Launch “IgniteHer” Bootcamp to Empower Women Entrepreneurs 

In a bid to bolster women’s entrepreneurship in Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has kicked off the “IgniteHer” Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Abuja, a five-day intensive program designed to empower and uplift women entrepreneurs across the nation.  Speaking during the launch of the programme,…

Venture for Africa

Venture for Africa and Zydii are launching go-to-market training for African operators and entrepreneurs.

Leading digital workforce platform Zydii has partnered with talent accelerator Venture for Africa (VFA) to offer a hands-on, execution-focused Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy course designed for African companies by African professionals. The partnership creates a useful, highly effective learning experience for entrepreneurs aiming to grow by fusing Zydii’s proficiency in providing easily available digital learning with…

Founders Connect Pitch2Win

Founders Connect Pitch2Win is accepting applications for early-stage startups in Kenya and Nigeria. Up to $2,500 in equity-free grants and other special benefits are available.

Connecting Founders Applications for early-stage startups in Kenya and Nigeria are being accepted by Pitch2Win. Special advantages and equity-free subsidies up to $2,500 are available. In addition to subsidies, Founders Connect gives businesses the exposure and business relationships they need to succeed. Another benefit is the funding. This year’s offerings include $2,500 in equity-free awards…