Programs for Entrepreneurs & Start-Ups

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Established in 2014, the Fellowship is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024 and has brought nearly 6,500 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training. Visit website

The Tony Elumelu Foundation, established by Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony Elumelu, is committed to boosting Africa's economy. It aims to create 1 million jobs and generate $10 billion in annual revenues over the next decade, using a grant fund of $100 million. This initiative underscores the foundation's dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in Africa. Visit website

Mayors are leading the local Innovation Challenge, calling on all local entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ventures driving economic growth in their municipality. Win support, funding, and global recognition. Dare to innovate and secure your local Mayor's backing. Visit website

Root Capital is a nonprofit organization that provides credit and capacity building to small and growing agricultural businesses in vulnerable places. It was founded in 1999 by Willy Foote. The organization operates in poor rural areas of Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Visit website

The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) is a Pan-African contest for early-stage tech startups. Winners can earn $50,000 in equity, global recognition, and join MEST Africa's supportive community. Visit website

Google for Startups is Google’s own accelerator program for AI and Machine learning startups. They have chapters worldwide and their African operations are run out of Nigeria. Visit website

Based in Kenya, The Baobab Network is a 12-week program where startups receive hands-on mentorship and support. Startups also receive $50,000 initial funding as part of the program, in return for 10% equity. Visit website

The Founder Institute is one of the top global pre-seed startup accelerators. With offices in over 200 cities and 65 countries worldwide, the Founder Institute has invested in 5,000+ startups to date. All of their 15 African chapters run 4-month accelerator programs at the end of which graduate founders must commit 4% equity to the Founder Institute Collective. Visit website

Backed by the Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation’s own VC fund Egypt Ventures, Falak Startups is one of Egypt’s leading startup accelerator programs. In addition to EGP 2,000,000 each company receives as part of the program, startups may also receive follow-on funding from Egypt Ventures and other partner funds in the future as they scale. Visit website

Injini's programmes and research support great founders with a mission to improve educational outcomes across the continent. Visit website

Startupbootcamp is a global network of industry-specific accelerators, operating with 20+ industry-focused programs worldwide. Founded in 2010, Startupbootcamp is one of the world’s largest startup accelerator programs. Visit website

Helios Investment Partners is a private equity investing firm operating in Africa and based in London, United Kingdom, with additional offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Lagos, Nigeria. Visit website

African Leadership Academy’s Anzisha Prize is open to Africans aged between 15 and 22. It supports existing ventures led by young African entrepreneurs and offers funding and entrepreneurial leadership training. Visit website