Applications are open for the Pan-African Incubation Programme for AgriTech Startups, an initiative by the United Nations Development Programme supporting founders building innovative solutions to transform agriculture across Africa.
The programme is delivered through the timbuktoo Pan-African Incubation Network and the timbuktoo AgriTech Hub hosted in Ghana, with support from the Government of Japan.
It aims to identify and support promising startups developing technology-driven solutions that improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food systems, increase farmer incomes, and build climate-resilient agriculture.
Selected startups will join a continental ecosystem of incubators, mentors, investors, and founders working to scale innovation across Africa’s agricultural value chains.
Programme Benefits
Participating startups will receive:
- Structured incubation support from accredited African incubators
- Access to experienced mentors, entrepreneurs, and sector experts
- Participation in a pan-African founder and ecosystem network
- Access to the SIGMA digital platform for startup development and learning
- Investment readiness support including pitch development
- Opportunities to participate in demo days and ecosystem events
- Potential pathways to acceleration programmes and early-stage funding
Eligibility Criteria
Startups must:
- Be based in Africa or targeting African agricultural markets
- Have a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Have a committed founding team
- Address a clear challenge within the agricultural value chain
- Demonstrate potential for growth and scalability
Solutions may focus on areas such as climate-smart agriculture, agri-finance, market access, agricultural data and analytics, supply chain innovation, food processing, or sustainable inputs.
The programme encourages applications from women-led startups, youth entrepreneurs, and founders working in underserved or rural communities.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with startups admitted in quarterly cohorts. The first cohort will begin in May 2026, followed by additional cohorts every three months.
