Week 26: Funding and Grant Opportunities for African Startups

If you’re an African startup founder seeking resources to scale your company, this week’s issue presents a plethora of opportunities tailored for various sectors. 

From healthtech and fintech-focused programs to sector-agnostic acceleration and incubation initiatives, there are diverse avenues for your startup’s growth. 

Take a moment to explore the following opportunities and discover how they can propel your venture to new heights.

Lafiya Innovators Program

For Ghana-based startups focused on public health and well-being or directly impacting health determinants, who are in growth or scaling stages. The startups should demonstrate recurring revenue, sound team, and governance structure and directly impact SDG 3, Health and Wellbeing.

Lafiya Innovators is an incubation program for startups in emerging economies focused on health, well-being or that have a direct impact on the determinants of health. The program seeks to support startups in the growth and scaling stages.

Benefits: Funding opportunities, personalized guidance and mentorship, workshops, training sessions, access to network of entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors, global visibility.

Application deadline: July 14, 2023

Apply for the Lafiya Innovators Program now!

DMZ Cairo Fintech Bootcamp

Supercharge your fintech startup journey with the power of collaboration, industry expertise, and game-changing opportunities.

Embark on a transformative 6-week Fintech Bootcamp, where you’ll gain access to expert guidance, valuable networking opportunities, state-of-the-art resources, and hands-on support. Unleash your fintech potential, refine your business strategy, and pave the way for success in the dynamic realm of finance. Join us to revolutionize the industry and shape a brighter future for your startup.

Benefits: Up to 200,000 EGP, fast-track entry into DMZ Cairo incubator program, guidance from seasoned business and strategy experts, pilot your solution within a real banking environment.

Application deadline: July 15, 2023

Apply for the bootcamp now.

Youth Hackathon for Green Low-Carbon Agriculture

The 2023 Youth Hackathon for Green Low-Carbon Agriculture (#YouthforGLCA) aims to bring forth the creativity and problem-solving nature of young people to provide solutions for global agricultural green development, as well as agricultural carbon emissions reduction and carbon sequestration by adopting innovative and inclusive methods with the sense of “New Technology, New Pattern, and New Service.” 

This is a joint effort of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) China Office, the Department of International Cooperation of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), the Center for International Agricultural Research of CAAS, and the Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD).

Benefits: Cash prize and certificate provided by the FAO and CAAS, networking with UN agencies, feedback and support from industry experts and mentors

Application deadline: July 20, 2023

Learn more about the program here.

SEEDINVEST Acceleration Programme

The SEEDINVEST Acceleration Program empowers micro and small businesses with asset grants, entrepreneurial training, and advisory services to help them thrive.

For each business that succeeds, we see the economic and social returns such businesses will bring. This includes poverty eradication, employment creation, better mental and physical wellbeing, etc.

Benefits: Up to ₦1 million asset grant, 2-month intensive acceleration programme, business mentoring

Application deadline: July 23, 2023

Find out more about the acceleration program here.

DEEP Startup Ecosystem Accelerator

The DEEP Startup Ecosystem Accelerator is the first global startup ecosystem accelerator program, first launched in 2018. It’s a cohort-based program to implement 10-12 innovation projects, boosting the growth of new vertical and geographic ecosystems.

The 2-year ecosystem acceleration and the DEEPSEA program enable advanced ecosystem hubs to develop world-class innovation support offerings and to raise funds for their activities via public funding applications and the development of own business models.

Benefits: Masterclasses and 1:1 sessions, expert mentor sessions, pitch training, support in fundraising drive. 

Application deadline: July 24, 2023

Learn more about the accelerator here.

FAST Accelerator 

FAST Accelerator, an initiative of Flapmax created in partnership with Microsoft, is dedicated to supporting and funding the next generation of African innovators. Our program combines business development, technology integration, funding opportunities, and community building to enable African startups to scale rapidly and sustainably.

FAST Accelerator 2023 will connect startups to a vibrant ecosystem of over 500 corporate partners. By participating in the program, you’ll gain access to dedicated venture funding, a robust network, and invaluable mentorship opportunities.

Benefits: Virtual bootcamp program, accelerator programme in Silicon Valley, mentorship and business coaching, weekly seminars and progress meetings, pitch session to investors and experts

Application deadline: July 31, 2023

Learn more about FAST Accelerator here.

ASIP Accelerator Program 

The program is open to startups in various sectors, including but not limited to FinTech, InsureTech, AgriTech, Climate-tech, eCommerce, Digital Health, GreenTech, Mobility, digitizing the informal economy and empowering artisans.

We scout, skill, and scale early-stage startups through intensive coaching and opportunities for pilots and Proof of Concept projects that subsequently open the doors for longer-term commercial agreements.

Benefits: 3-month program, tailored mentorship, expert-led sessions, access to corporate partners, global network and investors, more than $750K+ in exclusive partner deals, demo day.

Application deadline: September 8, 2023

Find out more information about the program.


To access our previous posts and explore additional opportunities to help your startup thrive, please follow this link

There you will find a wealth of valuable information and resources, and insights that can assist in propelling your startup towards success.

Share this article
Shareable URL
Prev Post

Founder of the Month: Adegoke Olubusi

Next Post

Issue #70: Caafisom Makes History with Somaliland’s First-ever Startup Investment, While Propel Secures $2.74 Million in Seed Funding

Comments 1
Leave a Reply
Read next
Subscribe to our newsletter
Be part of the AU-Startups Network today and subscribe to our weekly ecosystem insider!
0
Share