These programs address common challenges like limited access to expertise, funding, and market opportunities, empowering startups to scale and thrive. Ready to take the next step? Explore these initiatives to find the right fit for your business.

The Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program is a no-equity initiative that connects startups with Qualcomm leaders and engineering experts for personalized guidance. It’s designed to help startups tackle common technical and market-entry challenges across Africa.

Participants receive support in areas like product development and intellectual property protection. The program also includes masterclasses on key topics like , , and . By blending technical know-how with business insights, this program aims to set startups up for success.

The program is open to early-stage startups that meet these criteria:

Applications for the 2025 cohort open on , and close on . After applications are reviewed, shortlisted startups will participate in interviews during March. The mentorship program runs from , concluding with an exciting Demo Day in December.

To apply, startups need to submit detailed information about their vision, product, team, and current stage via the official program website. Those accepted gain access to Qualcomm’s network of industry leaders, venture capitalists, and investors.

The program has already made a difference for startups like:

These examples highlight how the program helps bring forward-thinking solutions to life.

For startups also looking for funding opportunities, initiatives like the can be a great complement to this mentorship program.

The Google for Startups Black Founders Fund: Africa provides startups with ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, along with $200,000 in Google Cloud credits. Participants also gain access to hands-on mentorship from Google experts. Beyond funding, the program includes workshops and networking events where founders collaborate with Google employees and industry specialists to refine their products, improve marketing strategies, and scale operations effectively.

To qualify, startups must meet these criteria:

Applications for the 2025 cohort open between Q1 and Q2. The selection process, including reviews and interviews, spans up to three months. Finalists are announced in Q3, with the program officially kicking off in Q4.

The program has already supported groundbreaking startups like:

In 2023, the program welcomed 60 startups from 13 countries, many of which went on to secure additional funding and create jobs across Africa.

"Don’t just focus on the funding. The network and mentorship are invaluable for long-term growth. Be ready to absorb as much knowledge as possible", says Damilola Olokesusi, co-founder of Shuttlers (Nigeria).

The TEF Entrepreneurship Program is a major initiative designed to support African startups. Participants receive and take part in a that focuses on key entrepreneurship skills. Entrepreneurs also gain access to , Africa’s largest digital networking platform, where they can collaborate, explore market opportunities, and share resources. Additionally, each participant is guided by experienced business leaders throughout the program.

To qualify, applicants must:

Applications are open from January to March via TEF Connect. After a thorough evaluation process, selected entrepreneurs are announced in May or June. The training runs from July to September, followed by a phased disbursement of funds.

The program has helped entrepreneurs like from Benin, who turned Exportunity into a thriving e-commerce platform connecting African SMEs to global markets. Similarly, of RecyclePoints revolutionized waste management in Nigeria, showcasing how the program supports scalable and impactful businesses.

"Africa’s economic transformation depends on empowering its entrepreneurs." – Tony Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation

By 2023, an impressive 43% of the program’s 18,000 participants were women. With mentorship and funding, the TEF program continues to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and contribute to Africa’s economic progress.

For those looking for additional mentorship and funding opportunities, programs like also provide excellent resources.

MEST Africa runs a fully-funded, 12-month program in Accra, Ghana, focusing on , , and . Graduates may receive up to . Since its inception, MEST has invested $22 million in African entrepreneurs, with its portfolio companies raising over $100 million in follow-up funding.

"MEST Africa aims to create globally successful companies that generate local wealth and jobs across Africa." – Jorn Lyseggen, Founder of MEST Africa

To be eligible, applicants must:

Applications open in September, and the program begins the following August. The selection process is competitive, designed to find entrepreneurs with strong potential.

MEST doesn’t stop at training. Participants receive hands-on mentorship both during and after the program. Graduates also gain access to incubator spaces in key African hubs, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire. These spaces provide 12-18 months of technical support and guidance to help startups grow.

A great success story is Kudobuzz, founded by MEST graduate Kena Amoah. The company now serves 25,000 merchants worldwide, proving the program’s ability to nurture businesses with global reach.

For those looking for further mentorship after completing the program, options like Seedstars Africa offer additional support for scaling and growth.

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Seedstars Africa offers a mentorship program tailored for early-stage tech startups across Africa. It blends virtual and in-person guidance, making it accessible to entrepreneurs throughout the continent. Participants connect with a global network of industry experts who provide advice on areas like business strategy, product development, and expanding into new markets.

"Seedstars has been instrumental in supporting African entrepreneurs and fostering innovation across the continent. Their mentorship program provides invaluable guidance and connections that help startups scale and make a real impact." – Claudia Makadristo, Regional Manager for Africa at Seedstars

Startups must meet specific criteria to join the program:

Requirement	Details
Location	Must be based in an African country
Stage	Early-stage with a working product/prototype
Business Model	Scalable with potential for regional/global growth
Market Presence	Evidence of initial traction
Technology	Must offer a technology-based solution
Funding Stage	Pre-seed to Series A

The program focuses on identifying startups with strong growth potential. It operates in quarterly cohorts, with application deadlines announced two months before each cohort begins.

The program itself lasts 3-6 months and includes weekly mentoring sessions, workshops, and pitch preparation. Participants also gain access to the Seedstars Academy, which offers online courses, technical tools, and resources to help them grow.

One standout example is South African fintech startup FinChatBot. With help from Seedstars’ global network, the company successfully expanded into other African countries and Europe. Targeted mentorship played a key role in overcoming challenges related to scaling across borders.

Seedstars’ global reach ensures that African startups can access insights and connections far beyond their local markets. For those looking for additional mentorship opportunities, Impact Hub provides another valuable option.

Impact Hub offers a mix of one-on-one mentoring, coworking spaces, and networking opportunities across Africa. The program supports startups in areas like business strategy, product development, market growth, investment readiness, and creating positive social change. The goal? To prepare ventures for long-term success.

By combining virtual mentorship with physical coworking spaces, Impact Hub connects startups across Africa, breaking down geographic barriers and encouraging collaboration. Its global network of coworking spaces provides startups with physical locations to work, meet, and access resources throughout the continent.

Impact Hub focuses on early to growth-stage startups in Africa, particularly those in tech-driven sectors like fintech, agritech, healthtech, and edtech. Applicants must be led by Africans and target African markets.

Applications open every three months, with programs lasting 3 to 6 months depending on the specific hub and its focus.

"Through Impact Hub’s mentorship program, we received invaluable guidance on refining our business model and scaling operations. The support helped us raise over $2 million in funding and expand our farmer network to over 25,000 partners", says Onyeka Akumah, founder of Farmcrowdy, a Nigerian agritech startup.

One standout success story is Kawa Moka, a coffee production company from Ghana. After receiving mentorship on market entry strategies and pitch preparation, they secured $50,000 in investment and expanded their operations through Impact Hub Accra’s 2022 mentorship program.

For startups prioritizing social impact and youth entrepreneurship, the African Leadership Academy’s Anzisha Prize is another great option to explore.

The Anzisha Prize, launched in partnership with African Leadership Academy and Mastercard Foundation, has been supporting young entrepreneurs across Africa since 2011. This program specifically focuses on early-stage founders, addressing the need for resources and guidance to help them grow their businesses.

Winners are enrolled in a three-year fellowship valued at $100,000, which offers:

Feature	Details
	Hands-on training with experts and personalized support for scaling businesses
	Opportunities to gain visibility and grow brand awareness
	Connection to a pan-African community of entrepreneurs
Mentorship	Direct guidance from seasoned business leaders

One standout example is Melissa Bime, founder of INFIUSS in Cameroon. With support from the Anzisha Prize, she expanded her venture into a nationwide service, transforming blood bank access in her country.

To be eligible, applicants must:

The application process begins with an online submission, followed by evaluations, site visits, and the selection of 20 finalists to attend the Anzisha Prize Forum. Applications open in February and close in April, with winners announced in October or November.

The program’s success is evident in its alumni stories. For instance, in 2022, Ropafadzo Zimunya from Zimbabwe grew her business, Ropaz Honey, from 20 to 50 beehives. This expansion boosted production by 150% and created 10 new jobs in her community.

These seven mentorship programs are transforming Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape by helping startups tackle challenges like limited access to expertise and geographic barriers. Through these efforts, African entrepreneurs are breaking through systemic obstacles and thriving in competitive markets.

The impact of these initiatives can be seen in the numbers:

Impact Area	Results
Job Creation	Supported over 15,000 entrepreneurs, creating thousands of jobs
Investment	Startups raised more than $400 million in funding
Market Growth	60% of startups expanded into multiple countries

By combining local expertise with global insights, these programs are shaping a growing startup ecosystem. This mix of perspectives helps build strong foundations for growth, with many startups achieving major milestones like high-profile acquisitions and impressive valuations.

For entrepreneurs, now is a great time to get involved. Africa’s startup ecosystem is maturing, and mentorship programs are leading the charge. Success comes from preparation and active participation, as shown by businesses like 54gene, which raised over $45 million after joining one such program.

"The combination of local knowledge and global expertise provided by these mentorship programs has been transformative for African startups. We’ve seen companies like 54gene raise over $45 million in funding after participating in these initiatives, demonstrating the tangible impact of structured mentorship", says a director from one of the top accelerators.

These programs are doing more than helping individual entrepreneurs – they’re creating a connected and thriving startup network across Africa. With millions raised, international expansion achieved, and new technologies developed, mentorship is proving to be a game-changer for the continent.

Tech in Africa will continue to spotlight the incredible success stories emerging from these programs, showcasing how mentorship is driving growth and innovation. For African startups looking to scale, these mentorship opportunities are a powerful resource for making an impact.

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