MTN Launches “From Africa, for Africa” Accelerator Programme to Empower Growth-Stage Startups Across the Continent

Lagos, Nigeria – July 2025 | MTN Nigeria has officially unveiled the MTN Accelerator Programme, titled “From Africa, for Africa”, a bold new initiative aimed at driving digital transformation by empowering growth-stage startups that are solving real African problems. This transformative accelerator is designed to supercharge innovation by providing selected startups with access to funding, mentorship, cutting-edge telecom infrastructure, and global exposure.

A Launchpad, Not Just Another Accelerator

Speaking at the launch event in Lagos, Lynda Saint Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria, positioned the programme as a pivotal step in shaping Africa’s digital future.

“This is not just another accelerator; it’s a launchpad to greatness,” she declared. “We want to find risk-takers, builders, and disruptors and give them the tools to scale—funding, mentorship, technical integration, and access to the largest telecom infrastructure on the continent.”

The programme, powered by the MTN Cloud, is structured to foster startups working in fintech, agritech, healthtech, edtech, e-commerce, AI, and cybersecurity, with a special emphasis on startups that serve underserved and rural communities.

What Startups Can Expect

The MTN Accelerator Programme offers a ₦100 million grant pool alongside a suite of high-impact support including:

• Integration with MTN’s full tech stack, including MTN Cloud and MoMo (MTN’s mobile money platform)

• Expert-led mentorship from industry leaders

• Technical and business advisory

• Go-to-market support

• Strategic partnerships and pilot opportunities with MTN

• Introductions to venture capital investors

• Lifetime access to the MTN Accelerator Alumni Network

One of the programme’s key features is Demo Day, where selected startups will pitch to a curated audience of investors, partners, and media, providing a high-impact platform for visibility and funding.

Programme Structure and Timeline

Designed to deliver maximum value in a short time, the 12-week accelerator combines in-person and virtual formats:

• Week 1 and Week 12: In-person sessions in Lagos for kick-off and Demo Day

• Weeks 2–11: Virtual workshops, product design sprints, and check-ins tailored to each startup’s needs

• Start Date: Applications open July 2, 2025

• Cohort Launch: September 2025

Throughout the programme, startups will collaborate closely with MTN’s technical and business teams to refine their offerings and scale operations for regional and continental growth.

Building on MTN’s Legacy of Digital Inclusion

The MTN Accelerator Programme expands on MTN’s long-standing commitment to building Africa’s digital economy. Its recent ₦3 billion investment in the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme has already equipped over 90,000 Nigerians with digital skills, contributing to national capacity building.

“We believe true innovation must touch every corner of the continent,” Lynda noted. “This programme is how we make sure rural and underserved communities are not left behind.”

Who Should Apply?

MTN is calling on growth-stage startups with a working product in any of the following sectors:

• Fintech

• Agritech

• Healthtech

• Edtech

• E-commerce

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Cybersecurity

Priority will be given to solutions that are impact-driven and focused on underserved markets.

A No-Equity, High-Impact Approach

In a model similar to other global accelerators like Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, MTN’s programme is equity-free, ensuring that startups maintain full ownership while gaining access to invaluable resources, tools, and connections.

“If you’re solving real African problems, we want you in,” Lynda emphasized.

Final Thoughts

With the “From Africa, for Africa” accelerator, MTN is positioning itself not just as a telecom giant, but as a major driver of Africa’s innovation ecosystem. By providing infrastructure, funding, and support without demanding equity, MTN is lowering the barriers for startups to succeed—and ensuring Africa’s digital future is built from the ground up, by Africans, for Africans.

Startups can apply beginning July 2, 2025 and take their first steps toward shaping the future of technology across the continent.

For more updates and application details, visit: MTN Nigeria Official Website
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