Closing on: Mar 31, 2026
Applications are open for Builders of Africa’s Future (BAF) 2026 – Cohort Nine, an accelerator programme supporting early-stage African entrepreneurs building innovative solutions to address key development challenges across the continent.
The programme is organised by the African Diaspora Network and aims to identify promising founders running for-profit or nonprofit ventures that are leveraging technology or differentiated business models to create social and economic impact.
BAF focuses on ventures working in sectors such as health, education, energy, agriculture, financial inclusion, gender inclusion, nutrition, commerce, and infrastructure development.
Programme Benefits
Selected entrepreneurs will receive:
- Enterprise development training delivered by the African Management Institute (AMI)
- Mentorship and networking opportunities with global ecosystem stakeholders
- Increased brand visibility and investment potential
- Invitation to attend the 12th African Diaspora Investment Symposium (participants cover their own travel and participation costs)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be:
- Founders or executives of early-stage enterprises driving development impact in Africa
- Operating a legally registered venture that has been active for at least six months
- Able to demonstrate early traction such as user growth, revenue, or successful project implementation
- Building an innovative solution tailored to African socio-economic and cultural contexts
- Available to attend monthly virtual enterprise training sessions and onboarding activities
- Able to participate in a virtual Pitch Day at the end of the programme