Africa’s innovation ecosystem is heating up this July, with major accelerators and competitions entering their final days for applications. Whether you're an early-stage founder, a FinTech disruptor, or a tech builder working at the frontier of AI and energy, this week’s roundup highlights five high-value opportunities set to expire before the month ends.
From pan-African startup showcases to globally connected tourism programs, these initiatives offer mentorship, funding, exposure, and access to transformative industry networks. Don’t miss your chance to secure a spot before the deadlines close.
1. South Africa Innovest Ignite Accelerator – Cohort 4
- Deadline: July 29, 2025
- Type: Accelerator
- Target Region: South Africa
- Target Sector: All sectors aligned with at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
- Target Stage: Pre-seed and Seed
Eligibility:
Open to African-founded startups with more than one founder, operating in any sector that contributes to a UN Sustainable Development Goal. Startups must be early-stage (pre-seed or seed), coachable, and collaborative.
How to apply:
Applications can be submitted through the Innovest Afrika website. There is no fee to participate. Apply by July 29 to be considered for the eight-week remote program and $50,000 in equity funding opportunities.
2. QFTH Wave 7 Pre-Acceleration Program
- Deadline: July 30, 2025
- Type: Accelerator
- Target Region: Africa
- Target Sector: FinTech, Debt Management, InsurTech
- Target Stage: Stage Agnostic
Eligibility:
Open to African startups in the FinTech space, including those in early-stage, MVP, growth, or even Series-funded stages. Startups must be interested in scaling across the MENA region and willing to engage in regulatory and business development processes in Qatar.
How to apply:
Applications must be submitted through the QFTH application portal before July 30. Visit qfth.com or contact fintech@qdb.qa to apply and access full program details.
3. The Extreme Tech Challenge AI Energy Innovation Startup Showcase
- Deadline: July 30, 2025
- Type: Competition
- Target Region: Africa
- Target Sector: Energy, Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, CleanTech
- Target Stage: Pre-seed, Seed
Eligibility:
Open to early-stage startups from any country with at least a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Founders must be available to pitch in person at the Palo Alto showcase and operate within the event's energy and AI themes. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and present a valid photo ID.
How to apply:
Apply via the Extreme Tech Challenge website by submitting a 2-minute founder-recorded video pitch (no animations). The deadline is July 30. No fees or equity commitments required.
4. DTTT Accelerate Founders Programme
- Deadline: July 31, 2025
- Type: Accelerator
- Target Region: Global
- Target Sector: Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Technology, Digital & Interactive, Tourism Innovation, Spatial Computing
- Target Stage: Stage Agnostic
Eligibility:
Tourism tech startups of all sizes and stages are welcome—incorporated or not, pre-revenue or generating revenue, with or without funding. The program is open to startups from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
How to apply:
Founders should express their interest by filling out the form on the DTTT website. Selected participants will be contacted directly to co-develop the program from July to November 2025.
5. The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing
- Deadline: July 31, 2025
- Type: Competition
- Target Region: Africa
- Target Sector: Manufacturing
- Target Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D, Series E, Series F
Eligibility:
Applicants must be legally operating within Africa’s manufacturing sector for at least two years and have raised Series A funding or later. Companies must demonstrate strong AI integration and impact on job creation and operational efficiency.
How to apply:
Submit your application and proposal via the official Milken-Motsepe Prize platform by July 31. The process includes technical evaluations and a multi-phase judging process, with finalists selected for pitch events and a total of $2 million in prizes.
Each of these fast-approaching opportunities combines capital, credibility, and ecosystem access—critical ingredients for startups ready to scale. Whether your focus is FinTech, AI, tourism, energy, or manufacturing, now is the time to take action.
Don’t let these deadlines pass you by. Apply now, and explore more live opportunities for African innovators on our Opportunities Radar page.