Cairo, Egypt – African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has unveiled the top eight startups selected for the first cohort of its flagship Afreximbank Accelerator Program. Scheduled to launch in March 2026, the three-month initiative aims to support Africa’s most promising startups in driving innovation within intra-continental trade. The program will provide participants with funding, mentorship, and market access to scale their businesses and contribute to regional industrialisation.
Competitive Selection Highlights Africa’s Entrepreneurial Talent
The eight finalists were chosen from a pool of over 1,600 applications, reflecting the continent’s burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem. Selection involved rigorous business evaluations, pitch sessions, and interviews conducted by Afreximbank trade specialists alongside external venture capital and innovation experts. The startups represent diverse sectors, including agriculture, e-commerce, supply chain solutions, financial technology, and manufacturing, highlighting the program’s focus on addressing critical trade challenges.
Driving Intra-African Trade and Industrialisation
Afreximbank’s Accelerator Program aligns with the Bank’s mission to enhance intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The selected startups are designed to generate tangible improvements in trade flows, market access, and industrialisation, benefiting both local and diaspora markets. By fostering solutions from Seed to Series A stages, the program emphasizes scalable innovation that strengthens Africa’s trade ecosystem.
Comprehensive Support for Startups
Finalists will receive equity investment of up to US$250,000 through Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), subject to selection criteria. In addition, startups will gain access to mentorship from industry leaders, investors, and trade specialists, helping them refine strategies and accelerate market entry. Participants will also benefit from Afreximbank’s extensive pan-African network, unlocking exclusive opportunities for partnerships, funding, and regulatory support.
Immersive Program Structure
The accelerator combines virtual learning modules, hands-on workshops, and in-person sessions across regional hubs, including Abuja, Nairobi, and Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo. The program will culminate in a high-profile ‘Demo Day,’ providing startups with a platform to present their solutions to investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. This immersive approach is designed to equip participants with the skills, insights, and connections necessary to scale effectively.
Leadership Perspective
Haytham Elmaayergi, Executive Vice President of Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank, emphasized the program’s transformative potential. He stated that the Accelerator reflects the Bank’s commitment to harnessing innovation to drive intra- and global African trade. “This inaugural cohort represents the future of African enterprise, and we are proud to invest in them from vision to scale,” he added, highlighting the initiative’s alignment with AfCFTA objectives.
Commitment to Africa’s Trade-Led Growth
The Afreximbank Accelerator Program underscores the Bank’s dedication to nurturing homegrown solutions that tackle pressing trade challenges. By combining funding, expertise, and market access, the program seeks to unlock Africa’s economic potential and foster sustainable growth across the continent. Through this initiative, Afreximbank continues to reinforce its role as a catalyst for trade, industrialisation, and regional integration.
The first cohort of the Afreximbank Accelerator Program marks a significant step in advancing Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. With its focus on innovative solutions and inclusive growth, the program is poised to strengthen the continent’s position in global trade. For more information and to view the full list of finalists, visit Afreximbank Accelerator Program.