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The Founders Smith Accelerator Program 2026 is accepting applications from African startups.
The program offers mentorship, strategic guidance and access to investors, aimed at strengthening business models and supporting growth. Open to startups across sectors, it helps founders prepare for regional and international markets. Applications close on Jan. 30, 2026.
Carbon AI will host the AI in Action conference in Lagos on Jan. 22, 2026, centering on the theme "Driving Productivity, Innovation, and Sustainability—Building the Future in AI Together."
The event will bring together founders, engineers, and experts to explore practical applications of artificial intelligence, including generative models. With a focus on real-world impact, the gathering aims to promote the ethical and collaborative adoption of AI across Africa.
The Freshmango Accelerator program is accepting applications to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn ideas or prototypes into investment-ready startups. The program is run online, is equity-free, and offers one-on-one mentorship, AI-powered tools and tailored support. Applications can be submitted online.
The Accelerate Africa program is launching its fourth cohort, set to begin in March in Lagos. Targeting African startups, the initiative aims to help businesses reach $1 million in revenue within two years, supported by mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs across the continent. Applications close on Saturday, Jan. 31.
African startups are invited to apply for the 5th edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. With a total prize pool of $1 million, the award honors innovative solutions that use clean energy for water production, distribution, storage, desalination, or purification. The competition features several categories for projects, research, individuals, and crisis solutions. Applications are open through April 30, 2026.
Ghanaian startups are invited to apply for the sixth cohort of the UNICEF StartUp Lab, a six-month accelerator focused on tech-driven solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) impacting children and youth. Selected teams will receive expert mentoring, industry-specific support, and up to $6,000 in prototype funding. Additionally, the top three startups will be awarded $15,000 to help scale their impact. Applications are open until February 20.
Cavista Technologies will hold its fourth hackathon on February 21-22, 2026, in Ikeja, Lagos. Open to students from universities and colleges in and around Lagos, the event will feature a 24-hour team challenge focused on developing practical technology solutions. Participants will compete for prizes worth several million naira and receive mentorship from members of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
African social entrepreneurs can now apply for the Ashoka Venture & Fellowship Program, which leads to Ashoka Fellow status. Selected participants receive a needs-based stipend, tailored support, pro bono services and access to a global network of peers, designed to help scale their solutions and increase their systemic impact.
The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) has opened applications for its GROW programme, targeting South African startups. The fund offers hybrid financing split evenly between a grant and an interest-free loan, with amounts ranging from $12,000 to $59,000. The loan is repayable over 18 months and is followed by support to help startups prepare for further financing and investment. Applications close on Dec. 31.
Villgro Africa, in partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation, is accepting applications in Kenya for the Eye Health Innovation Accelerator 2026. The programme targets Sub-Saharan African startups developing technology solutions to improve access to eye care.
Selected startups will receive strategic support and may secure between $100,000 and $250,000 in seed funding.
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On Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Global South Alliance launched the second round of its Datafication and Democracy Fund, allocating $72,000 to support research and advocacy projects in 2026 examining how datafication affects democratic processes. Organizations based in the Global South and working on digital rights can apply for grants of up to $8,000. Applications must be submitted in English through the online form by Jan. 30, 2026.
Goodwell Investments is seeking partnerships with revenue-generating companies across Africa. They specifically target enterprises led by African founders that provide essential goods or services with a strong social or environmental impact. Selected companies will receive funding, hands-on operational support, mentorship, and access to an extensive global network. Submissions are due online by Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
The Imagine H2O Accelerator has opened its application window to African water startups. Eligible companies must be under seven years old, have less than $5 million in revenue, and have secured less than $10 million in total funding. This program is non-equity-taking and provides mentorship, specialized training, and introductions to a massive worldwide network of industry leaders, investors, and founders. The application deadline is December 31st.
The D-Prize global competition is accepting applications from African and international entrepreneurs developing solutions to reduce extreme poverty.
Selected startups working in sectors such as health, water, agriculture, energy and education can receive up to $20,000 in seed funding to launch a pilot.
The application deadline is Jan. 4, 2026.