MTN Nigeria has opened applications for its cloud accelerator programme designed to help African startups scale faster by leveraging its products, platforms, and partners.
Announcing the initiative on its website, MTN said the application, which opened July 7, will close on August 15, 2025.
According to the telco, the programme will run from September 6 to December 6, 2025, with the cohort announcement set for September 1.
The company added that the programme will include a demo day, which will hold on November 18, where startups will pitch to investors, and the media.
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“Whether you’re scaling digital payments, transforming healthcare, or reimagining agriculture — we’ll give you the tools, funding, and network to go further,” the company said.
“Those eligible to apply include growth-stage startups with MVPs or live products, founders with deep customer insight and traction, teams solving African problems in fintech and payments, healthtech, edtech, agritech, AI and data infrastructure, cybersecurity and digital ID, retail and e-commerce; and startups serving rural or underserved communities.
“MTN is offering a comprehensive support package that includes N100 million in grant funding per cohort, sales and go-to-market (GTM) support from MTN’s internal teams, and access to MTN APIs including Cloud, MoMo, and Chenosis.
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“Other benefits include cloud credits and technical advisory, 1-on-1 mentorship with industry experts, showcase opportunities at demo day with investors and media, and post-programme support, including pilot opportunities, partnerships, and M&A readiness.”
In its frequently asked questions (FAQs), MTN said the programme is open to any African startup that meets the eligibility criteria, regardless of whether they are existing MTN customers.
Addressing questions around investment in startups companies, the teleco said it will not be taking equity in participating startups but will provide N100 million in total grant funding — N5 million per startup — to support growth, integration, and pilot readiness.
“If selected, participation is fully sponsored by MTN. Each startup receives N5 million in grant funding, as well as mentorship, technical support, and access to MTN platforms.” the firm said.
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The company also noted that travel will only be required for two key weeks of the programme — week 1 (kickoff) and week 12 (demo day) — both of which will be held in Lagos, adding that all other sessions will be conducted virtually.
