African telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria, introduces a $65,200 'Made in Africa' Accelerator Program for innovative technology-based businesses
MTN Nigeria has announced the launch of its "From Africa, for Africa" accelerator program, a 12-week initiative aimed at empowering high-potential growth-stage startups across the African continent. The program, which kicked off on July 2, 2025, is designed to fuel digital innovation, support underserved communities, and accelerate the growth of African startups.
The program offers a unique blend of in-person sessions in Lagos and virtual workshops. It provides startups with exclusive access to MTN's technological infrastructure, including Cloud services, MoMo APIs, and data analytics tools. Participants will also benefit from expert-led mentorship, technical guidance, and commercial and marketing support.
The accelerator program is part of MTN Nigeria's broader commitment to digital transformation. It aligns with the government-led "3 Million Technical Talent" initiative, for which MTN Nigeria has already committed 3 billion naira. The success of the program depends on close coordination with public training and employment policies.
The "From Africa, for Africa" accelerator program targets startups in diverse sectors such as fintech, agritech, healthtech, edtech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and e-commerce. It aims to propel startups towards sustainable growth and market expansion, while prioritising those addressing real African challenges, particularly those serving underserved and rural areas.
The program is entering a competitive field of tech accelerators in Africa, competing with established programs like Google for Startups Accelerator Africa and Telecel-Startupbootcamp AfriTech's ASIP program. However, it boasts a promising track record, with rigorous tracking of outcomes to refine its approach and validate its role in strengthening a resilient and inclusive African tech ecosystem.
The program culminates in a Demo Day, where startups pitch their products and progress to investors, media, and key stakeholders. Participants also gain access to a scaling roadmap, potential pilot projects with MTN, strategic partnerships, and lifetime membership in MTN’s alumni network.
In addition to funding, the program offers networking opportunities with a network of industry experts, investors, and potential partners. With a focus on startup diversity and creating sustainable jobs, particularly in rural and underserved markets, the "From Africa, for Africa" accelerator program is poised to make a significant impact on the African tech landscape.
[1] MTN Nigeria Commits 3 Billion Naira to Government-led "3 Million Technical Talent" Initiative [2] Google for Startups Accelerator Africa and Telecel-Startupbootcamp AfriTech's ASIP Program Retain Nearly 90% of Participants [3] "From Africa, for Africa" Accelerator Program Empowers African Startups with Funding, Technology, and Market Access
- The 'From Africa, for Africa' accelerator program, which is aligned with the government-led "3 Million Technical Talent" initiative, provides funding for African startups while also offering access to technology and business resources, such as MTN's technological infrastructure, technical guidance, commercial and marketing support, and expert-led mentorship.
- As part of the education-and-self-development sector, the 'From Africa, for Africa' accelerator program focuses on nurturing startups in diverse fields like fintech, agritech, healthtech, edtech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and e-commerce, prioritizing those addressing African challenges, particularly those serving underserved and rural areas, thereby fostering digital innovation, supporting underserved communities, and stimulating growth in African businesses.
