GRID 01, a cross-border startup initiative developed by AXON Accelerator and the Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park, officially launched in Lagos on September 1, 2026. The programme is designed to help entrepreneurs enter new markets, build commercial relationships, and connect with investors. Its first activation brought together founders, investors, corporate leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders in the Nigerian business environment.
A Practical Cross-Border Model
Nigeria is serving as the first market for GRID 01, with AXON Accelerator providing on-the-ground support to founders seeking to understand and operate within the country. AUB iPark contributes its venture-building experience, startup network, and international connections to the collaboration. The partnership is intended to address a core challenge for growing startups, namely entering unfamiliar markets without sufficient local knowledge, business contacts, or customer access.
Support for Market Entry and Commercialisation
Participating entrepreneurs are expected to receive support in market entry, commercialisation, mentorship, investor connections, and introductions to potential corporate partners. The model is built around practical access rather than a standalone announcement, allowing founders to spend less time navigating a new ecosystem from outside. By working directly with local actors, participants can test assumptions with people who understand the Nigerian market.
Engaging Founders Directly in Lagos
GRID 01 launches with entrepreneurs supported through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Entrepreneurship Fund at AUB, with ventures from across Africa and Lebanon taking part in the Lagos activation. These founders are engaging with Nigerian investors, operators, mentors, corporate leaders, and ecosystem partners through market-entry sessions, advisory clinics, and introductions. The dialogue is expected to continue at GITEX Nigeria 2026, extending the launch conversations into the wider market.
Local Knowledge and Investment Ambition
Rabie Jarmakani, founder and chief executive officer of AXON Accelerator Limited, said Nigeria was selected because of its importance within Africa’s business and startup landscape. He noted that AXON intends to use its more than 30 years of operating experience in Nigeria to connect entrepreneurs with real business-to-business opportunities. Jarmakani also indicated that the organisation plans to develop an investment fund to support Nigerian and other African startups alongside its accelerator activities.
A Bridge to Global Markets
Maha Zouwayhed, director of the Zein AUB Innovation Park and Digital Accessibility at the American University of Beirut, described GRID 01 as a platform intended to connect entrepreneurs with markets, capital, and strategic industry relationships. She explained that Nigeria was chosen because it is one of Africa’s biggest startup ecosystems, with Lagos accounting for a significant share of continental activity. The partnership is leveraging AUB’s connections in the United States and Europe to create opportunities for startups targeting African markets.
Entrepreneurship and a Broader African Mandate
Raya Kalash, associate director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB, said the programme supports GRID 01 by providing scholars with resources, networks, and market access needed to build sustainable ventures. She added that the initiative aligns with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young Africans, particularly young women, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. AXON is the exclusive implementation partner for GRID 01 across Africa, with Nigeria acting as the opening market for a broader cross-border mandate.
The launch of GRID 01 in Lagos signals a practical effort to help startups overcome the barriers of entering unfamiliar markets through local partnership and global connection. By combining AXON’s Nigerian operating experience with AUB iPark’s international ecosystem, the initiative aims to turn market exposure into useful relationships and opportunities. Its future expansion will depend on the value demonstrated in Nigeria, but the foundation has been set for stronger links between African entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystems beyond the continent.