AFRISE Challenge 2026
4-week virtual accelerator for African youth (18-35) with International Demo Day. Over USD 600,000 in tech credits from AWS, IBM, Microsoft, Zoho, Canva and others.
English, French, Portuguese or Arabic, machine translated, with the original kept beside it.
Apply NowOpens on the funder site
Assess my chancesABA'AI reads this notice, then asks you only what we do not already hold
Keeps its status, your notes and a checklist on your tracker, and it can be shared with the people bidding with you.
Keeps it on your saved list, and its closing date on your deadline calendar. No status, no checklist and nobody else sees it.
About this Program
The AFRISE Challenge 2026 is organised by Concordia University in partnership with Hindsight Ventures. The programme empowers youth-led African startups creating scalable ventures to address social and economic challenges. Selected startups participate in a 4-week virtual accelerator with mentorship, technical support, and global exposure. Top-15 entrepreneurs present at a Virtual International Demo Day to early-stage venture investors and ESOs. Each startup receives over USD 600,000 in technology credits from partners including AWS, Zoho, IBM, Microsoft, Canva, DigitalOcean, FreshWorks. Open to applicants from Nigeria, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Senegal.
Benefits & What You Get
4-week virtual accelerator, mentorship, over USD 600,000 in technology credits per startup (AWS, IBM, Microsoft, Zoho, Canva, DigitalOcean, FreshWorks), International Virtual Demo Day to investors and ESOs, access to grant + equity-based funding opportunities.
Eligibility
African youth aged 18-35 from Nigeria, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, or Senegal. Must have a scalable idea to solve a mass challenge. Strong entrepreneurial potential and innovative thinking.
Equity Terms
Zero Equity (programme support)