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Startup Grants for African Founders

Access non-dilutive funding designed to help early and growth-stage startups scale. Grants are primarily awarded in Naira, with local currency equivalents available for non-Nigerian founders.

Eligibility Criteria

These criteria ensure grants reach founders who are ready to build, scale, and create measurable impact. Female‑led and impact‑driven startups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Grant Categories

General Startup Grant

  • Funding: ₦750,000 – ₦7,500,000
  • All industries
  • Product development, marketing & scaling
Apply

Youth Grant

  • Age 18 – 35
  • ₦750,000 – ₦3,000,000
  • Early-stage founders
Apply

Women in Business Grant

  • Female-led startups
  • ₦1,500,000 – ₦4,500,000
  • All sectors
Apply

Innovation & Tech Grant

  • Health • EdTech • Agri • Fintech • Climate
  • ₦3,000,000 – ₦7,500,000
  • Impact-driven startups
Apply

Grant amounts may be paid in local currency equivalent for non-Nigerian founders.

Application Process

Our structured evaluation process identifies founders with high potential, strong execution ability, and real problem understanding.

1

Application

Submit your startup idea, problem, solution, traction (if any), and founder profile. Clarity matters more than complexity.

⏱ 10–15 mins • Required

2

Initial Screening

Our system and review team filter applications based on clarity, problem strength, and execution potential.

📊 Shortlisting stage

3

Deep Evaluation

Shortlisted founders are evaluated on business model strength, market size, and ability to execute.

⚖️ Scored review process

4

Selection & Funding

Selected founders receive funding, mentorship, and entry into the FSI ecosystem.

🏆 Final decision stage

Selection is competitive. We prioritize founders who demonstrate clarity, urgency, and strong understanding of the problem they are solving.

Important Dates

Applications Open

May 10, 2026

Deadline

July 31, 2026

Cohort Start

September 2026

Global Impact

Aligned With UN Sustainable Development Goals

Every grant we provide is designed to contribute to Africa’s growth while supporting the UN SDGs. Here are the key goals we align with:

SDG 1 — No Poverty

Supporting ventures that reduce poverty through job creation and financial inclusion.

SDG 3 — Good Health

Backing startups improving healthcare access and outcomes for underserved communities.

SDG 5 — Gender Equality

Empowering female founders to lead and scale ventures across Africa.

SDG 8 — Economic Growth

Driving entrepreneurship that fuels sustainable growth and job creation.

SDG 9 — Innovation

Backing innovative solutions in fintech, agri-tech, health-tech, and climate.

SDG 13 — Climate Action

Supporting startups tackling climate challenges with sustainable solutions.

Founder Support Initiative

2026 Cohort Now Accepting Applications

Join ambitious founders building the future of Africa through innovation, resilience, and collaboration.