African founders and global startups with ambitions across emerging markets have fresh opportunities to access funding, acceleration, and market expansion support as multiple programs open applications between December 2025 and January 2026. From fintech and satellite technology to women-led and student startups, here are key opportunities to watch and apply for before the deadlines.
Finwise Acceleration Program
The Finwise Acceleration Program is offering seed funding and tailored support for fintech startups focused on last-mile communities or strengthening cash-in–cash-out (CICO) agent networks. The initiative is powered by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), Ethiopia, in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
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Eligibility: Early-stage or growth-ready startups in Ethiopia
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Deadline: December 30, 2025
Northern Light Accelerator (Maria 01)
International startups looking to scale into Finland and the wider European market can apply to the Northern Light Accelerator. The 12-week program is equity-free and offers funding, mentorship, and access to Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
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Eligibility: Early-stage startups with an MVP or early traction
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Deadline: December 31, 2025
develoPPP Ventures – Catalytic Funding (Cohort 10)
Implemented by GIZ, develoPPP Ventures is providing €100,000 in catalytic funding to startups driving impact and sustainable growth across key African markets.
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Eligibility: Startups in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania
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Deadline: December 31, 2025
Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW Program
The OCIF GROW Program is supporting women entrepreneurs in South Africa with a blended finance package that includes grants, loans, and finance-readiness support of up to R1 million.
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Eligibility: SDG-aligned women-led ventures in South Africa
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Deadline: December 31, 2025
I&P Acceleration WE4A Program 2026
Backed by Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), the WE4A Program provides up to €22,000 in debt funding, alongside investment readiness and access to capital for women entrepreneurs in green and transition sectors.
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Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in Cameroon, Uganda, Senegal, and Togo
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Deadline: January 5, 2026
FemFocus Fund (Government of the Netherlands)
The FemFocus initiative is a €27 million fund aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs and addressing socio-cultural barriers to growth across multiple African countries.
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Eligible Countries: Egypt, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Benin, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Tunisia, and DRC
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Deadline: January 7, 2026
Microsoft Imagine Cup Student Startup Competition 2026
Student founders globally can compete for up to $150,000, alongside technical support and mentorship, through Microsoft’s flagship startup competition.
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Eligibility: Student entrepreneurs worldwide
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Deadline: January 9, 2026
NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has launched an accelerator for startups leveraging satellite or space-based technologies to drive innovation across sectors.
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Eligibility: Nigerian-registered startups with an MVP or prototype
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Deadline: January 10, 2026
Afroventure Insight:
With deadlines clustering around year-end and early January, founders are advised to prepare pitch decks, traction metrics, and compliance documents early. These programs present strong opportunities for African startups to secure capital, gain global exposure, and accelerate growth in 2026.
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