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Algeria will host the African Digital Transformation Summit this March 28-30. Preparations are already in full swing following a meeting between the Secretary-General of the ATU and Algerian Minister Sid Ali Zerrouki at the 2026 Algeria Optical Summit. The summit aims to turn high-level discussions into measurable actions that drive the continent’s digital transition and attract sustainable investment.
The 2026 RegTech Africa Conference, scheduled for May 20–22, will host a regional qualifying round of the Startup World Cup in Abuja. The event will give African startups a platform to pitch their solutions to investors and policymakers. The winner will advance to the global final for a chance to secure a $1 million investment and boost its international visibility.
The 2026 Albert Schweitzer International Prize, with a total prize fund of €50,000, supports healthcare projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Three winners will receive €25,000, €15,000 and €10,000, respectively, to implement practical solutions to improve healthcare access and quality within 12 months. Applications are open until February 6, 2026, through the Dutch fund’s online portal.
Mali’s Minister of Communication, Digital Economy, and Modernization of Administration, Alhamdou Ag Ilyène, has announced the launch of Digital Week, scheduled for January 29-31, 2026, in Bamako. Themed "E-Government in the Era of Artificial Intelligence," this year’s event will feature Burkina Faso and Niger as guests of honor, with a core focus on Sahelian cooperation, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.
Ghana-based Stars From All Nations (SFAN) has secured a grant from the British Council Ghana to train 100 creative entrepreneurs. Through its ReadyforWork platform, SFAN will offer training in business and digital skills to help young talent build sustainable companies. Applications for the program are open through Friday, January 30.
The UK-Kenya Tech Hub and Viktoria Ventures have launched Startup 360 Connect to boost early-stage investment in Kenya. In partnership with Anza Village and POV, the "Angel Leads" program will provide hands-on training in deal sourcing, syndication, and due diligence. The goal is to cultivate a new generation of local investors capable of providing sustainable support to innovative startups. Applications are open through Friday, January 30.
The EridanSeed SME Venture Scale 2026 program is open to high-growth Nigerian small and medium-sized businesses looking to scale. It offers $25,000 in funding, mentorship and networking, and aims to help founders build new sources of revenue. Open to all sectors, the program combines capital with operational support. Applications close on Jan. 31, 2026.
The AgriTech4Tunisia Innovation Challenge 2026 is accepting submissions from startups, researchers and entrepreneurs seeking to address Tunisia’s agricultural challenges, including water scarcity and climate risks. Backed by the Accelerate for Impact platform, the program offers a bootcamp, technical support and access to investors. Applications are open until Feb. 12, 2026.
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.
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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.