African Accelerators: Join the timbuktoo Pan African Incubator Network

UNDP’s flagship innovation initiative, timbuktoo, has opened applications for its Pan-African Incubator Network, inviting Africa-based incubators and accelerators to join a continent-wide platform aimed at scaling inclusive entrepreneurship.

The initiative is part of UNDP’s long-term ambition to mobilize USD 1 billion to support 10,000 startups and scale more than 1,000 ventures over the next decade. Selected partners will co-incubate startups through timbuktoo’s thematic hubs, spanning sectors such as fintech, agritech, health, education, and climate innovation.

Eligibility 

The 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 active mentor network
• Demonstrate sector expertise (any thematic focus is welcome)
• Show commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Are open to collaboration, experimentation, and shared tools

Benefits 

• Pan-African and global visibility through the UNDP ecosystem
• Capacity-building support, including trainings and shared 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 prioritizes proven impact (startups supported, revenue growth, investments raised), organizational capacity and readiness, mentorship depth, mission alignment, geographic/sector diversity, and scalability potential. Strong evidence of alumni success and robust processes stand out.