Calling all African innovators! Are you full of ideas to tackle the continent’s biggest challenges and propel it towards a brighter future? The following startup programmes are designed to empower your vision and turn it into a thriving reality.

1. World LPG Challenge ’24: Smart Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Focus: Energy Efficiency, Safety, Sustainability, Alternative Fuels (and more!)

Location: Virtual & In-person

Cost: Free

Funding: Up to $10,000 per company + Mentorship

Stage: Idea, Prototype, Users

Deadline: August 1st

This global competition seeks innovative solutions within the liquid gas industry. Whether you’re working on clean energy technologies, smart LPG metres, or AI-powered optimisation, the World LPG Challenge could be your launchpad to success.

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Not only can you win up to $10,000, but you’ll also gain valuable mentorship to propel your venture forward.

2. Africa Earth Observation Challenge 2024: Enabling Space Startups

Focus: Spacetech Services

Location: Africa (in person)

Cost: Free

Funding: Up to $10,000 per company + Benefits Package

Stage: Idea, Prototype, Users

Calling all African space enthusiasts! This challenge is your chance to leverage the power of satellite technology to solve problems on the ground.

Selected startups will receive a grant of up to $10,000, along with a four-month incubation programme, access to valuable resources, and media exposure.

3. 88mph Accelerator Programme: Mobile & Web Powerhouses

Focus: Mobile & Web targeting African market

Location: Kenya

Investment: Up to $24,000 per company (equity stake: 6%)

Stage: Early-stage

Deadline: August 15th

88mph is on the hunt for Africa’s next mobile and web superstars. This Kenyan-based accelerator programme offers funding, access to Africa’s booming tech hubs, and mentorship to help early-stage startups scale across the continent.

Join a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and get the support you need to turn your mobile or web idea into a pan-African success story.

4. Centum Entrepreneurship Programme: Turning Ideas into Businesses

Focus: Innovative SMMEs in Kenya

Location: Kenya

Investment: Up to $150,000 per company (equity stake: 0-10%)

Stage: Growth-stage

The Centum Entrepreneurship Programme is a Kenyan initiative designed to empower promising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs).

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This programme offers financial backing, mentorship, and access to valuable networks to help established businesses with strong growth potential take their ventures to the next level.

5. Ventures Platform: Africa’s Tech Launchpad

Focus: Tech startups across various sectors, including governance, health, and blockchain.

Location: Africa

Investment: $40,000 per company (equity stake: 0-10%)

Stage: Early-stage

Ventures Platform is a renowned launchpad for Africa’s most innovative tech startups. If you’re building a tech-driven solution that addresses critical challenges in areas like governance, healthcare, or blockchain, this programme could be your ticket to success.

Ventures Platform provides funding, mentorship, and access to a network of investors to help promising startups scale across the continent.

This is just a starting point! With a wealth of resources available, Africa’s innovation scene is thriving. Do your research, find the programme that best aligns with your vision, and take the first step towards transforming your groundbreaking idea into a reality that shapes a brighter future for Africa.