Applications are now open for the AFRISE Challenge 2026, an exciting startup accelerator designed to support young African entrepreneurs building innovative solutions to address social and economic challenges across the continent.
The program is organized by Concordia University in partnership with Hindsight Ventures. It aims to empower youth-led startups by providing access to mentorship, technical support, and global exposure within the innovation ecosystem.
The AFRISE Challenge is designed to strengthen Africa’s growing startup landscape by supporting founders who are creating scalable ventures that can drive economic transformation. Selected startups will participate in a 4-week virtual accelerator program, gaining expert guidance and access to valuable resources that can help them scale their businesses.
At the end of the program, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their ventures during an International Virtual Demo Day, where they can pitch their ideas to investors, partners, and global stakeholders.
Program Benefits
Selected participants in the AFRISE Challenge 2026 will receive a range of benefits to support their startup growth and innovation journey.
These benefits include:
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Access to more than $600,000 in technology credits
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Participation in a 4-week intensive virtual accelerator program
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Mentorship from global founders, investors, and industry experts
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Exposure to international innovation ecosystems
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Opportunity to pitch solutions at a global Virtual Demo Day
The program provides early-stage entrepreneurs with the support needed to transform their ideas into scalable businesses capable of addressing real-world challenges.
Focus Areas
The AFRISE Challenge is seeking startups that are developing innovative solutions across key sectors that are essential to Africa’s development.
Eligible focus areas include:
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Financial technology and digital financial services
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Health innovation and health technologies
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Agriculture and agritech solutions
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Energy and climate innovation
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Education technology
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Environmental sustainability solutions
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Telecommunications and creative industries
Projects should demonstrate strong innovation, scalability, and the potential to create measurable social or economic impact.
Eligibility Criteria
The AFRISE Challenge 2026 is open to young African innovators and startup founders.
Applicants must:
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Be between the ages of 18 and 35
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Be an entrepreneur or part of a startup team developing a scalable solution
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Be building a solution that addresses social or economic challenges
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Be located in one of the eligible African countries
Applicants should demonstrate strong entrepreneurial potential, innovative thinking, and the capacity to scale their ventures.
Eligible Countries
Entrepreneurs from the following countries are eligible to apply:
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Nigeria
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Kenya
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Rwanda
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Ghana
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Senegal
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Morocco
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Uganda
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Côte d’Ivoire
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the AFRISE Challenge 2026 is:
March 27, 2026
Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials early and submit their applications before the deadline.
How to Apply
Applicants can submit their application through the official program link .
For more Fellowship/ startup accelerator opportunities from OFY, Visit Here.
