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Reckitt Catalyst, MTN, Samsung & More: Africa Startup Calls – Aug 2025

Apply now for Reckitt Catalyst Program , MTN Cloud Accelerator, Samsung EEIP, QUBIC Labs, and Catapult Call before they close.

8/8/2025
Anass Baddou
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August 2025 presents a wave of high-stakes opportunities for African startups and entrepreneurs, with applications now open across accelerators, boot camps, and global pitch platforms. From fintech and clean energy to cloud infrastructure and sports innovation, this month’s lineup features programs offering funding, mentorship, global exposure, and deep industry access. If your venture is ready to scale or gain validation, now is the time to dive in, explore the details, and apply before deadlines close.


Reckitt Catalyst Accelerator Program 2025

  • Deadline: August 10, 2025
  • Type: Accelerator
  • Target Region: Africa, Asia, LATAM (U.S. applications rolling)
  • Target Stage: Seed, Pre-Series A, Series A
  • Organizer: Reckitt Benckiser

Overview

A 6-month global accelerator supporting underrepresented founders solving health, hygiene, and WASH challenges in underserved communities. Startups receive tailored mentorship, strategic support, and equity investment up to $30,000.

Program Structure

  • Duration: October 2025 – April 2026 (6 months)
  • Format: Virtual with two half-day online bootcamps
  • Support: Weekly coaching (~5 hrs/week), expert mentorship, investor intros

Focus Sectors

HealthTech · CleanTech · WASH · Community Health · Hygiene Behavior

Why Apply

  • Equity funding up to $30,000 via SAFE
  • Mentorship from Reckitt executives and global experts
  • Strategic support and business coaching
  • Post-program investor visibility
  • Potential alignment with Reckitt brands

Eligibility Snapshot

  • Registered, for-profit company
  • Headquartered in: Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, or the U.S.
  • At least $5,000/month in revenue
  • Focused on health or hygiene challenges
  • Led by diverse or underrepresented founders

How to Apply

Apply at the Program Website by August 10, 2025, if based in Africa, Asia, or LATAM. U.S. applicants may apply on a rolling basis.

MTN Cloud Accelerator Program

Deadline: August 15, 2025Type: AcceleratorTarget Region: AfricaTarget Stage: Seed, Pre-seedOrganizer: MTN Cloud

Overview

A 12-week accelerator for African startups focused on integrating with MTN Cloud infrastructure and scaling their digital solutions. The program offers mentorship, cloud services, and a $67,000 grant pool.

Program Structure

  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • Format: Virtual + in-person components
  • Support: MTN Cloud APIs, business development, investor readiness

Focus Sectors

FinTech · HealthTech · EdTech · AgriTech · Retail · E-commerce · AI · Cybersecurity · Digital Infrastructure

Why Apply

  • Up to $67,000 in grant funding
  • Integration into the MTN Cloud marketplace
  • Technical mentorship and investor visibility
  • Expansion support across MTN’s African footprint

Eligibility Snapshot

  • African growth-stage startup (Seed or Series A)
  • Operates in at least one priority sector
  • Ability to integrate with MTN Cloud
  • Demonstrated traction

How to Apply

Apply at mtnaccelerate.com by August 15, 2025.

Samsung EEIP Enterprise Development Program 2025

  • Deadline: August 15, 2025
  • Type: Accelerator
  • Target Region: South Africa
  • Target Stage: Pre-Series A
  • Organizer: Samsung South Africa

Overview

Part of Samsung’s Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), this initiative supports black-owned South African SMEs in electronics repair and ICT with grants, mentorship, and access to Samsung’s service ecosystem.

Program Structure

  • Grant + business development
  • Full support from set-up through growth
  • Integration into Samsung’s national repair network

Focus Sectors

ICT · Electronics

Why Apply

  • Capital to open/expand service centers
  • Access to Samsung branding and spare parts
  • Business mentorship and procurement guidance
  • Visibility within Samsung’s retail ecosystem

Eligibility Snapshot

  • SA-registered, 51%+ black-owned business
  • Min. 1-year trading history in electronics/ICT
  • Turnover under $2.84 million
  • Certified and technically qualified team

How to Apply

Apply via the online portal by August 15, 2025. Include CIPC docs, certifications, and financials.

QUBIC Labs Accelerator Cohort 2

  • Deadline: August 16, 2025
  • Type: Accelerator
  • Target Region: Global
  • Target Stage: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
  • Organizer: QUBIC Labs

Overview

A 12-week hybrid accelerator for high-potential startups in Blockchain, FinTech, Web3, and AI. With remote collaboration and an in-person finale in Boston, the program offers over $100,000 in benefits, access to top mentors, and investor exposure, including a $25,000 non-dilutive grant option.

Program Structure

  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • Format: Hybrid (10 weeks virtual, 2 weeks in Boston)
  • Support: Weekly investor pitches, technical mentoring, business development, post-program coaching

Focus Sectors

FinTech · Blockchain · Artificial Intelligence · Web3 · Digital Infrastructure

Why Apply

  • $100,000+ in partner perks and program value
  • Up to $25,000 non-dilutive grant via R&D Innovation Program
  • Access to 40+ elite mentors from Coinbase, Solana, MIT, and more
  • In-person Demo Day and Investor Brunch in Boston
  • 3-month post-program mentoring

Eligibility Snapshot

  • Pre-seed, Seed, or Series A stage
  • MVP or working prototype
  • U.S. incorporation or willingness to incorporate
  • Demonstrated traction and full-time founder commitment

How to Apply

Apply via F6S Platform by August 16, 2025. Optionally apply for the R&D Innovation Program grant through a separate process.

Catapult: Inclusion Africa – 8th Edition (2025)

  • Deadline: August 10, 2025
  • Type: Bootcamp
  • Target Region: Africa
  • Target Stage: Pre-seed, Seed
  • Organizer: Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT)

Overview

A fully-funded, week-long fintech bootcamp in Nairobi designed to accelerate companies driving financial inclusion across underserved African communities. Held during African Finance Week, the program promotes business growth, impact, and access to investment.

Event Details

  • When: October 13–17, 2025
  • Where: Nairobi, Kenya
  • Format: In-person, immersive bootcamp
  • Language: English
  • Sponsored by: Luxembourg Government

Focus Sectors

FinTech · AgriTech · InsurTech · RegTech · AI · Blockchain · Mobile Payments · Lending · Financial Wellness · Cybersecurity · Digital ID · Core Banking

Why Apply

  • $2,300 in reimbursed travel costs
  • Accommodation, meals, and program materials covered
  • Training, mentorship, and investor exposure
  • Access to European Microfinance Week
  • Networking with regulators, MFIs, and global partners

Eligibility Snapshot

  • Operate in Africa, regardless of HQ
  • Pre-seed or Seed with at least MVP
  • Focused on financial inclusion
  • English proficiency
  • Founding team member (e.g., CEO) must attend
  • 3-year post-program reporting commitment

How to Apply

Visit the program portal and apply before August 10, 2025.


With application deadlines fast approaching, founders should act quickly to secure a spot in these competitive programs. Each initiative offers more than capital—it’s a chance to build networks, test your product in real-world settings, and elevate your brand on international stages. Whether you're early-stage or scaling, these platforms can be game-changers. Stay sharp, stay ready, and take that next big leap forward.