MTN Nigeria launched its “From Africa, for Africa” accelerator program, opening applications for a 12-week initiative starting in September 2025.
Backed by a ₦100 million fund (approx. $65,200), the program targets high-potential startups in fintech, agritech, health, education, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Participants will benefit from funding, mentorship, access to MTN’s tech tools, and a broad investor and expert network.
‘From Africa, for Africa’
This initiative aligns with MTN Nigeria’s wider push for digital transformation and talent development. It follows the company’s ₦3 billion contribution to the federal “3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT)” initiative, which has reportedly trained over 90,000 Nigerians in digital skills. At the accelerator’s launch, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, MTN’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, called the program “a launchpad to greatness”, emphasizing the role of MTN’s cloud infrastructure in powering Africa’s tech future.
The accelerator will combine in-person engagements in Lagos with virtual workshops. It begins and ends with physical events, while intervening weeks will focus on online workshops, product design sprints, and customized mentorship. Startups will gain exclusive access to MTN’s Cloud, MoMo APIs, and data analytics, along with commercial and marketing support. The program will culminate in a demo day, where founders pitch to investors and partners.
The initiative aims to foster job creation, particularly in rural and underserved communities, while entering a competitive African accelerator landscape alongside programs like Google for Startups Accelerator Africa and Telecel-Startupbootcamp AfriTech’s ASIP, both known for high retention rates.
To ensure long-term impact, MTN’s accelerator must align with public workforce policies and track performance metrics rigorously—key steps in helping shape a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tech ecosystem in Africa.