Her Startup Cohort 2.0 is a pan-African accelerator supporting women entrepreneurs running revenue-generating, technology-enabled businesses. The programme offers 12 weeks of training, monthly stipends, mentorship and the opportunity to pitch for up to US$5,000 in startup financing. Applications close on 26 October 2026.
Programme Overview
- Initiative: Her Startup Cohort 2.0 supports women-led technology businesses across Africa.
- Objective: Strengthen entrepreneurial skills, accelerate business growth and improve access to investment.
- Organizers: KSH Foundation, Tomorrow Foundation and EHA Impact Ventures.
- Format: A 12-week accelerator delivered through Founder Institute, combining training, stipends, mentorship and investment opportunities.
- Certification: Successful participants receive a completion certificate and become eligible to pitch for financing.
- Participant profile: Women entrepreneurs already operating revenue-generating businesses.
- Cohort size: Up to 10 founders.
Eligibility Requirements
- Gender and age: Women founders, co-founders or CEOs aged 18–35.
- Location: Businesses must be based in an African country.
- Technology: Applicants must operate technology-enabled businesses.
- Product stage: Have a minimum viable product (MVP) or an existing product in the market.
- Revenue: Generate at least US$500 monthly for six consecutive months.
- Business potential: Demonstrate market traction, a clear value proposition and growth potential.
- Languages: Applications are accepted in English and French.
- Commitment: Selected founders must dedicate at least 20 hours weekly to the accelerator.
Eligible Businesses and Sector Focus
- Eligible sectors: Sector-agnostic, provided businesses are technology-enabled. Examples include healthcare, financial services, education, agriculture and digital services.
- Business stage: Revenue-generating startups with an MVP or existing product. Idea-stage businesses are not eligible.
- Fintech cap: No more than 20% of selected startups may operate in fintech.
- Francophone Africa target: At least 15% of selected companies are expected to come from Francophone Africa.
What Selected Founders Receive
- Business Training: A 12-week Founder Institute accelerator covering business development, customer acquisition, growth strategy and investment readiness.
- Monthly Stipend: Financial support during training, with the amount not publicly specified.
- Funding Opportunity: A chance to pitch for up to US$5,000 in convertible revenue-based financing. Funding is competitive and not guaranteed.
- Mentorship: The Cohort 2.0 announcement describes 12 months of sector-specific mentorship, while the general programme website references six months for funded founders.
- Networking and Support: Access to industry experts, investor networks, co-working opportunities and additional business support.
Application Process and Deadline
- Required documents: Valid identification, a pitch deck of up to 15 slides, six months of revenue evidence and company registration documents.
- Preparation: Applicants should explain their business model, target market, revenue performance and growth plans.
- Participation conditions: Selected founders must accept the Founder Institute equity agreement.
- Application deadline: 26 October 2026. No specific closing time has been published.
- Application fee: Free.
Key Details at a Glance
- Programme: Her Startup Cohort 2.0
- Organizers: KSH Foundation, Tomorrow Foundation and EHA Impact Ventures
- Target applicants: Women founders, co-founders and CEOs aged 18–35
- Geographic eligibility: African countries
- Target sectors: Sector-agnostic (technology-enabled businesses)
- Target stage: Revenue-generating
- Revenue requirement: At least US$500 monthly for six months
- Training: 12-week accelerator
- Funding: Up to US$5,000 through convertible revenue-based financing
- Mentorship: Up to 12 months, subject to programme terms
- Cohort size: Up to 10 founders
- Deadline: 26 October 2026
- Application fee: Free
Her Startup Cohort 2.0 provides women-led technology startups across Africa with structured training, mentorship and potential financing to support business growth. Eligible founders are encouraged to apply before 26 October 2026.