FULLY FUNDED: Apply For The AfCFTA Startup Acceleration & Partnership Program 2026

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FULLY FUNDED: Apply For The AfCFTA Startup Acceleration & Partnership Program 2026

Applications are open for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Startup Acceleration & Partnership Program 2026. This flagship initiative is being implemented by the AfCFTA Secretariat in partnership with the Korea-Africa Foundation (KAF) to support innovative African startups with high growth potential. The programme is designed to strengthen startup ecosystems across Africa by helping entrepreneurs improve their business capabilities, scale their operations, and access international markets including South Korea and other global business ecosystems.

The acceleration programme seeks to identify startups that are contributing to intra-African trade, digital transformation, innovation, manufacturing, fintech, logistics, e-commerce, and other sectors aligned with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Selected startups will participate in mentorship sessions, training programmes, strategic networking opportunities, and market expansion activities aimed at helping them become globally competitive enterprises.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link to apply.

Host Institution

Hosted by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in partnership with the Korea-Africa Foundation (KAF).

Program Type

Fully Funded

Program Benefits

Selected participants will receive extensive business development support including mentorship, strategic advisory services, capacity-building workshops, and market readiness training. The programme is structured to help startups strengthen their operations, improve competitiveness, and prepare for international expansion opportunities.

Participants will also gain access to networking opportunities with investors, policymakers, corporate leaders, and strategic partners from Africa and South Korea. In addition, startups may benefit from exposure to global markets, cross-border collaboration opportunities, and international trade facilitation support.

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to startups from African countries that demonstrate innovative and scalable business models capable of supporting economic growth and regional integration across the continent. Applicants should have startups with strong potential for expansion into international markets and should be interested in building partnerships beyond Africa, particularly within the Korean business ecosystem.

Startups operating in sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, digital platforms, manufacturing, agri-tech, logistics, and trade-enabling technologies are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants are expected to show evidence of innovation, market readiness, and the ability to scale their business solutions across borders.

Eligible Countries

The opportunity is open to startups from African countries participating in the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

Application Procedure

Click the official link below to apply for this opportunity

Official Link

https://au-afcfta.org/afcfta-startup-acceleration-partnership-program-2026/