Grace Ashiru
The UNDP’s Timbuktoo initiative has launched applications for its Pan-African Incubator Network, inviting experienced African incubators and accelerators to participate.
As part of its flagship innovation initiative, Timbuktoo, UNDP has opened applications for its Pan-African Incubator Network. This call is aimed at Africa-based incubators and accelerators to join a continent-wide platform that seeks to scale inclusive entrepreneurship.
Timbuktoo is a long-term UNDP initiative with a goal to mobilize USD 1 billion to support 10,000 startups and scale over 1,000 ventures in the next decade. Selected partners will co-incubate startups through Timbuktoo’s thematic hubs, which focus on sectors such as fintech, agritech, health, education, and climate innovation.
Eligibility
This call is open to Africa-based incubators and accelerators that:
- Are headquartered on the continent and serve African startups
- Have a proven track record of running incubation or acceleration programs
- Operate with a dedicated team and an active mentor network
- Possess sector expertise (any thematic focus is welcome)
- Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Are open to collaboration, experimentation, and the use of shared tools
Benefits
- Pan-African and global visibility through the UNDP ecosystem
- Capacity-building support, including training and access to best practices
- Access to digital platforms for cohort management, monitoring, and KPIs
- Connections to regional mentor networks and specialized thematic hubs
- Exposure to funding pipelines and global investor networks
- A peer community of incubators shaping Africa’s startup future
A competitive review process will prioritize incubators and accelerators that have demonstrated proven impact, including startups supported, revenue growth, and investments raised. Other key factors include organizational capacity, mentorship depth, mission alignment, sector and geographic diversity, and scalability potential. Strong evidence of alumni success and robust operational processes will also be highlighted.
