The African startup ecosystem is brimming with innovation, and the evidence is in the numbers. Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya are leading the way in terms of startup numbers. Nigeria reportedly has over 3,360 startups. Egypt and Kenya are also significant hubs, with approximately 2,112 and 1,000 startups respectively.
From breakthrough fintech platforms to transformative health tech solutions, founders across the continent are reimagining industries and solving deeply rooted challenges. But while energy and ambition are undeniable, many of these ventures hit a ceiling when it comes to scaling their solutions for mass adoption.
Recognising this gap, MTN Nigeria recently launched the MTN Cloud Accelerator, a bold 12-week programme created to propel African startups into their next phase of growth. Designed for growth-stage companies with live products or MVPs, the accelerator provides a unique opportunity for founders to leverage MTN’s extensive ecosystem, global partnerships, and cutting-edge cloud infrastructure to scale faster and more sustainably.
This programme is a commitment to building Africa’s digital future. From Lagos to Nairobi and beyond, the goal is to empower African founders with the tools, networks, and strategies they need to take their innovations from local solutions to global benchmarks.
“This is a platform for Africa’s innovators to create, scale, and redefine industries,” says Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Nigeria. “We are giving founders access to world-class infrastructure and mentorship because we believe in their power to transform communities and economies.”
Applications for the programme opened on July 7, 2025, and selected startups will join a cohort designed to address Africa’s unique challenges across fintech, healthcare, agriculture, education, cybersecurity, and more.
Over twelve weeks, these founders will receive mentorship from some of the most experienced minds in Africa’s tech landscape, access to funding opportunities, and technical integrations into MTN’s platforms.
By the end of the programme, participants will have refined their go-to-market strategies, scaled their user base, and positioned their businesses for long-term growth in a rapidly digitising economy.
As Africa’s largest telecoms and technology company, MTN understands the role local infrastructure plays in unlocking innovation. The Cloud Accelerator underscores this belief and sets the stage for a future where African startups not only survive but thrive on the global stage.
Applications close on August 15, 2025. Founders ready to take their innovations further can visit www.mtnaccelerate.com to apply.
