African startups and digital solution providers working in education, training, and skills development are invited to apply for the UNDP timbuktoo EdTech Hub — a pan-African incubation programme launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support innovative, scalable EdTech solutions capable of contributing to the transformation of education systems across the continent.
UNDP particularly encourages applications from startups led by women, originating from rural areas, and integrating local languages or accessibility solutions.
About the Programme
With more than 100 million young Africans in need of inclusive, quality education adapted to local realities, technological innovation represents a critical lever for the future of African education systems. The timbuktoo EdTech Hub seeks to strengthen African educational technology solutions, stimulate their institutional adoption, catalyse investment in the sector, generate evidence of impact, and contribute to sustainable educational transformation across the continent.
Selected startups join the timbuktoo Launchpad — a distributed ecosystem of accredited African incubators, mentors, investors, and innovation partners working together to support startup growth across Africa.
Who Can Apply:
- Startups based in Africa
- Offering a solution related to education, training, or skills development
- With a prototype that can be tested or deployed in a local context
- With a committed team available to participate in the incubation programme
What Selected Startups Receive:
- Structured incubation delivered by leading African incubators
- Access to experienced mentors, entrepreneurs, and sector experts
- Participation in a pan-African network of founders, incubators, and ecosystem partners
- Access to the SIGMA digital platform for startup development and progress tracking
- Investment readiness support including pitch development and investor engagement
- Access to acceleration programmes and early-stage investment opportunities
Applications open on a rolling basis.