Catapult: Inclusion Africa is a week-long, intensive bootcamp designed to accelerate fintech companies committed to delivering financial services to underserved and unbanked populations across Africa.
The program focuses on three core pillars:
- Impact – Enhancing societal and community-level outcomes
- Scaling – Supporting business growth and expansion
- Funding – Improving access to investment and strategic partnerships
The initiative brings together selected fintechs for expert-led sessions, peer learning, investor meetings, and hands-on training, all within the framework of African Finance Week.
Key Program Details
- Dates: October 13–17, 2025
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Application Deadline: August 10, 2025
- Language of Instruction: English
- Program Format: In-person, immersive bootcamp
- Program Sponsor: Luxembourg Government
Who Can Apply
The Catapult: Inclusion Africa 2025 program is open to fintech companies that meet the following conditions:
- Geographic Scope:
Operates in any African country, regardless of where the company is headquartered. - Stage of Development:
Must have at least a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and typically be in the pre-seed to seed funding stage. - Focus Area:
The company must be actively working in the financial inclusion space, aiming to deliver financial products and services to underserved or unbanked populations. - Business Sectors of Interest:
Startups operating in the following fields are encouraged to apply:- Mobile payments & money transfers
- Microfinance & microbanking
- Lending platforms (including P2P & embedded lending)
- AgriTech, InsurTech, and RegTech
- Digital & financial services
- AI, big data, cybersecurity, and authentication
- Blockchain and cryptocurrency services
- Savings & credit services, financial wellness, and wealthtech
- Core banking and consumer finance solutions
- Team Commitment:
A founding team member, typically the CEO, must attend the program in person for its full duration. - Language Requirement:
Participants must be fluent in English, as the bootcamp will be conducted in English. - Post-Program Obligation:
Selected companies must agree to provide performance and business updates to LHoFT for three years after completing the program, to support impact assessment and program evaluation. - Compliance Requirements:
Companies will be required to submit information regarding their business model, team, and ownership for compliance checks during the application process.
What the Program Offers
- Cost Coverage:
- Up to €2,000 in reimbursed travel costs per company
- Full accommodation in Nairobi for one representative
- Breakfast and lunch during the program week
- Program Features:
- Classroom-based training and mentoring
- Pitching sessions and investor exposure
- Networking with microfinance institutions, regulators, and inclusion advocates
- Access to the European Microfinance Week for global visibility.
The Catapult: Inclusion Africa – 8th Edition offers a powerful launchpad for fintech companies aiming to close the financial access gap across Africa. With its hands-on support, global networks, and full funding, the program provides both early-stage validation and growth-stage acceleration to startups working at the forefront of inclusive finance. Interested companies are encouraged to apply by August 10, 2025, for a chance to join this impactful initiative in Nairobi.