Grace Ashiru
GRID 01, a cross-border startup initiative involving AXON Accelerator and the Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park, has launched in Lagos with a focus on helping African entrepreneurs enter new markets, build commercial relationships and connect with investors.
The initiative officially kicked off in Lagos on September 1, 2026, bringing together startup founders, investors, business leaders and other players in the innovation ecosystem.
Nigeria is serving as the first market for the programme, with AXON Accelerator providing local support to entrepreneurs seeking to understand and operate within the Nigerian business environment. AUB iPark, the startup and innovation platform of the American University of Beirut, is contributing its venture-building experience, startup network and international connections.
The collaboration is designed to address one of the major challenges facing growing startups: entering unfamiliar markets without sufficient local knowledge, business contacts or access to potential customers.
Through GRID 01, participating entrepreneurs are expected to receive support in areas including market entry, commercialisation, mentorship, investor connections and introductions to potential corporate partners.
Rabie Jarmakani, founder and chief executive officer of AXON Accelerator Limited, said the initiative is beginning in Nigeria because of the country’s importance within Africa’s business and startup landscape.
According to Jarmakani, AXON intends to use its experience operating in Nigeria to help entrepreneurs connect their products and services with real businesses and business-to-business opportunities.
He also indicated that the organisation plans to develop an investment fund to support Nigerian and other African startups alongside its accelerator activities.
Jarmakani said practical market experience would be important for young companies seeking long-term growth, particularly as artificial intelligence and other technologies continue to reshape businesses and employment.
Maha Zouwayhed, director of the Zein AUB Innovation Park and Digital Accessibility at the American University of Beirut, described GRID 01 as a platform intended to connect entrepreneurs with markets, capital and strategic industry relationships.
The collaboration combines AUB iPark’s international startup network with AXON’s local experience and relationships in Nigeria.
Participating founders are expected to gain access to experts who can assist them in validating business ideas, developing sustainable ventures and preparing their companies for expansion into new markets.
The wider ambition is to create stronger links between African entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystems beyond the continent, including networks in the Middle East, Europe and the United States.
GRID 01 is also launching with entrepreneurs supported through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Entrepreneurship Fund at AUB. Founders participating in the Lagos activities are expected to interact with investors, mentors, corporate executives and other ecosystem stakeholders.
Raya Kalash, associate director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB, said entrepreneurship, access to finance, professional networks and market opportunities can play an important role in helping young Africans build sustainable livelihoods.
