The MTN Accelerator Programme titled “From Africa, for Africa”, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering growth-stage startups across the continent, has been unveiled.
The initiative is positioned as a launchpad for Africa’s most promising innovators, offering unparalleled access to funding, mentorship, and MTN’s vast telecom infrastructure.
Speaking at the launch event, Lynda Saint Nwafor, Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria, described the programme as “not just another accelerator but a launchpad to greatness”, designed to fuel Africa’s digital future powered by the MTN Cloud.
The MTN Accelerator Programme is set to provide a robust ecosystem for startups in sectors such as fintech, agritech, healthtech, edtech, e-commerce, AI, and cybersecurity. It has a focus on solving real African challenges and target growth-stage startups with working products, particularly those addressing underserved and rural communities.
The programme offers startups a ₦100 million grant pool, integration with MTN’s full tech stack, including MTN Cloud and MoMo (MTN’s mobile money platform), expert-led mentorship, technical advisory, go-to-market support, and a warm introduction to venture capital (VC) investors.
A key highlight is the Demo Day, which will bring together investors, media, and partners to showcase the startups’ progress. Additionally, participants will gain access to a roadmap for scaling, potential pilot projects with MTN, strategic partnerships, and lifetime membership in MTN’s alumni network.
“This is about building Africa’s future,” Lynda, emphasised. “We want to find risk-takers, builders, and disruptors and give them the tools to scale, funding, mentorship, technical integrations, and access to the largest telecom infrastructure on the continent.”
MTN Accelerator Programme’s structure and timeline
The 12-week programme is designed for maximum impact, blending in-person and virtual engagements.
Week 1 and Week 12 will feature in-person sessions, and the kick-off and Demo Day will be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria. Weeks 2 through 11 will consist of virtual workshops, meta check-ins, and product design sprints, all integrated into the MTN ecosystem.
Applications for the programme open on July 2, 2025, with the first cohort launching in September 2025.
Startups selected for the programme will work closely with MTN’s technical and business experts to refine their products, enhance scalability, and prepare for market expansion.
This MTN Accelerator Programme builds on the company’s legacy of fostering digital transformation. For instance, MTN Nigeria’s ₦3 billion commitment to the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme has helped train over 90,000 Nigerians, equipping them with digital skills to drive economic inclusion.
The focus on underserved and rural communities is particularly significant. The programme aims to ensure that innovation bridges the gap between urban and rural Africa.
Who should apply?
The MTN Accelerator Programme is open to growth-stage startups with a working product in fintech, agritech, healthtech, edtech, e-commerce, AI, or cybersecurity. Startups addressing challenges in underserved communities are particularly encouraged to apply.
“If you’re solving real African problems, we want you in,” Lynda declared. “Real inclusion is when innovation touches every corner.”
The program’s equity-free support model mirrors successful initiatives like Google’s Accelerator Africa, which provides up to $350,000 in cloud credits and mentorship without taking equity. By offering similar benefits, MTN ensures startups retain full ownership while accessing world-class resources.
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