Applications are open for the Women in Tech Accelerator 2026, a programme backed by the Standard Chartered Foundation and implemented by Village Capital to support women founders building tech-enabled startups across Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan.
The initiative is designed to help early-stage companies strengthen their business models, access funding opportunities, and expand their networks.
More than $600,000 in grant funding will be distributed across participating markets in the 2026 cohort, offering founders the opportunity to scale their businesses while addressing real-world challenges through technology.
Benefits for Participants
Selected founders will receive support designed to help strengthen their ventures and prepare them for growth.
- Access to grant funding: Participants will compete for a share of more than $600,000 in grants distributed across participating markets.
- Mentorship and industry connections: Founders will engage with mentors, investors, and sector experts while building relationships within a global entrepreneurial network.
- Investment readiness training: Participants will take part in training sessions focused on refining business models, improving market strategies, and preparing startups for investment.
- Personalised venture support: Each startup will receive tailored development plans designed to address specific growth needs and operational challenges.
Eligibility for Participation
The programme is open to startups that meet the following criteria:
- Startups must be led by women entrepreneurs building technology-driven businesses.
- Applicants should have a working product, pilot, or early traction demonstrating market potential.
- Solutions may span sectors such as fintech, healthtech, edtech, agritech, artificial intelligence, and digital services.
- Operating in eligible markets including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Botswana, Pakistan, UAE, Uganda, Zambia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, or South Africa.
How to Apply
Applications for the Women in Tech Accelerator 2026 will close on June 30, 2026. Interested founders are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline through the programme’s application portal.
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