Win Up to $20K to Reimagine African Manufacturing

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, has officially launched the ManuTech Hub in Addis Ababa. This initiative aims to support startups across Africa in developing scalable solutions to transform the continent's manufacturing sector.

The ManuTech Hub will host a hybrid boot camp and acceleration program in early 2025, designed for technology-focused startups that are innovating within the manufacturing technology space. The program will be available both in-person in Addis Ababa and virtually, allowing for broader participation from aspiring entrepreneurs. 

The hub is seeking innovative startups that demonstrate high scalability and a unique approach to solving manufacturing problems. Areas of interest include robotics and automation, AI and machine learning, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), and maintenance management systems.

Eligible applicants must be African citizens aged between 18 and 35, with a minimum viable product that leverages technology to address challenges in the manufacturing sector.

Benefits include mentorship by industry experts, equity-free funding of up to $20,000, and access to extensive networking opportunities with potential partners and investors. Additionally, startups will gain membership in the Timbuktoo ecosystem, which provides resources and support for growth and impact.

The application process runs from November 2024 through late December, with the boot camp scheduled for February 2025 and incubation set to begin in March 2025.