A new regional initiative is giving African startups the support they need to build sustainable solutions for the future. The Digital and Green Innovation Acceleration Programme, co-funded by the European Commission and Team Europe partners, has opened applications for early-stage entrepreneurs in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda.
This programme, delivered by Civitta in collaboration with GrowthAfrica, mLab Southern Africa, Latitude59, and Startup Wise Guys, is designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs who are using technology to improve lives, protect the environment and strengthen local economies. The initiative aims to help these innovators grow stronger businesses by giving them access to mentorship, investment opportunities and international visibility.
Supporting Bold Entrepreneurs Driving Change
The Digital and Green Innovation Acceleration Programme is looking for entrepreneurs who see opportunity where others see challenge. These are founders using technology to make a positive impact on communities and the planet. However, turning innovative ideas into sustainable businesses is not easy. Many young entrepreneurs face barriers such as limited funding, lack of mentorship and few connections to the right partners or investors. This programme seeks to remove those barriers and help them thrive.
Through the seven to nine-month acceleration journey, participants will receive practical business support, expert mentorship, investor readiness training and market visibility opportunities. They will also have a chance to access seed funding and gain international exposure to help them reach the next level.
One of the programme’s most exciting incentives is that three selected startups will attend Latitude59 in Estonia, a global tech and innovation conference, where they will receive a small grant and the opportunity to pitch to international investors. This exposure can open doors to global partnerships and markets, something many early-stage African startups struggle to access.
To qualify, startups must be for-profit, registered and operational in one of the three participating countries and led by at least two active co-founders. They should already have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or be generating early revenue, showing clear market traction and growth potential. Preference will be given to youth- and women-led enterprises that demonstrate inclusivity and innovation.
The programme focuses on a wide range of innovation areas that combine technology and sustainability. These include climate-smart agriculture and food systems, renewable energy and clean technologies, circular economy and waste management, water conservation, green mobility and logistics, digital financial inclusion, green finance and environmental data and citizen engagement.
Building a Sustainable Future Through Innovation
What makes the Digital and Green Innovation Acceleration Programme stand out is its focus on combining digital transformation with environmental responsibility. By empowering startups in these key sectors, the programme aims to create long-term impact that goes beyond profit, encouraging entrepreneurship that supports both people and the planet.
Participants will have the opportunity to strengthen their business models, connect with investors and corporate partners, and learn from local and international mentors who understand the realities of building sustainable businesses in Africa. In addition, startups will benefit from regional and global visibility, helping them reach wider audiences and attract new growth opportunities.
Applications for the programme are open until 10 November 2025, with the acceleration process set to begin in early December. Over the following months, selected entrepreneurs will work closely with industry experts and peers to refine their solutions, improve their operations and scale their impact.
By the end of the programme, participants are expected to emerge more confident, investment-ready and connected to a growing network of African innovators who share the same vision, to build a greener, smarter and more inclusive continent.
The Digital and Green Innovation Acceleration Programme is more than just a business opportunity; it is a chance for African startups to lead the global sustainability movement. For young innovators in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda, this initiative offers the support, visibility and partnerships needed to transform ideas into lasting impact.
