Three programs relevant to African founders are approaching deadlines over the coming week. They span acceleration for scale-ups, a climate innovation challenge linked to an international funder, and a national incubation cohort.
Growth’Act+
WIKI START UP’s Growth’Act+ targets GreenTech, AI and BioTech startups aiming to scale internationally. The six-month program covers selection, capacity building and internationalization support, with tailored mentoring and investor access. Listings note average investment tickets of €750,000 and access to more than 300 experts, alongside backing from the New Era Fund implemented by UGFS North Africa, and support from Smart Capital and the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations Tunisie. Eligibility highlights include at least €50,000 in revenue and evidence of traction or a clear expansion plan. The program lists broad African coverage and a deadline of October 19, 2025.
UNICEF Climate Innovation Challenge
UNICEF Venture Fund invites early and growth-stage startups in emerging economies to propose child-centric climate solutions using frontier technologies such as AI, ML, data science, blockchain, XR or drones. Teams should be legally registered in a UNICEF programme country, have a working prototype or product, and show a credible path to scale. Women-led and youth-led teams are encouraged to apply. The challenge pathway connects to UNICEF’s Climate Innovation and Venture Fund activities and community. Benefits include ecosystem visibility, expert feedback and potential pathways to follow-on support.
Pépinière Nationale Pilote d’Entreprises (PNPE) d’Edéa
Cameroon’s Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts seeks 40 entrepreneurs for the fifth PNPE Edéa cohort. The incubation spans approximately 20 weeks of technical, managerial and business development support. Target participants include early-stage entrepreneurs, project holders and startups established less than three years ago. Priority sectors listed are agro-industry, wood and non-timber forest products, cotton-textile-leather, and digital and technological innovation. The program location is Edéa, Cameroon, with the listing showing a deadline of October 23, 2025, and a cohort size of 40. The call underscores the government’s goal to strengthen entrepreneurship and SME emergence in strategic sectors.
Each of these initiatives underscores the diversity and depth of opportunities available to founders across Africa. Whether scaling a frontier-tech startup, developing climate resilience tools, or entering structured incubation, the continent’s innovation pipeline continues to widen. As application windows close, founders positioned for growth should act quickly to align with programs that match their stage, sector, and ambitions.