In a significant stride towards fostering innovation and digital transformation across Africa, MTN Nigeria has announced the first cohort of its groundbreaking Cloud Accelerator Programme.
This initiative, which brings together twenty startups from diverse sectors such as fintech, healthtech, agritech, edtech and cleantech, marks a pivotal moment in the continent’s entrepreneurial landscape.
DoktorConnect, led by Joseph Olowe, is revolutionising healthcare with FDA-certified IoT devices. The startup shifts the focus from reactive to preventive care, improving health outcomes across Nigeria.
MYITURA, founded by Shina Arogundade, is building integrated digital health ecosystems. Its solutions aim to streamline healthcare delivery across Africa, particularly in underserved areas.
Regxta, under Bello Rukayat’s leadership, uses AI-powered digital banking to target 600 million underserved Africans. The platform offers accessible financial services to communities often excluded from traditional banking.
Creditchek, led by Kingsley Ibe, develops machine learning tools for credit assessment and fraud prevention. Its technology is enhancing trust in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
Trashcoin Limited, founded by Olamide Phebe Ilesanmi, is Africa’s first eco-fintech platform. It digitises recycling, incentivising sustainable practices and creating economic opportunities.
Scrapays Inc., led by Boluwatife Arewa, has built a decentralised recycling infrastructure. The startup has already impacted over 36,700 households, promoting a circular economy.
Agrovesto, under Bayo Adewoye, boosts farmer incomes by 30–60%. Serving over 20,000 farmers, it leverages technology to enhance agricultural productivity.
XChangeBOX, led by Abiola Jimoh, drives excellence in agro-commodity trading and exports. Its platform connects farmers to global markets, fostering economic growth.
Over a 12-week hybrid format, backed by a substantial ₦100 million in grants, these startups are set to gain the tools, mentorship and resources necessary to accelerate their growth and scale their impact across Africa and beyond.
A Vision Rooted in Digital Transformation
Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria, articulated the visionary purpose behind this initiative during the program’s announcement.
She said: “Today is not just another launch. It is the beginning of a bold new chapter in Africa’s digital transformation story. It all began with a dream: to build a world-class data centre and launch MTN Cloud, a solution designed to deliver on world-class capabilities without the usual barriers.
“Building on that momentum, we made a promise: to create an Accelerator Program that would empower African startups to scale, thrive, and lead globally. And today, we have delivered.”
This program encapsulates MTN’s broader goal of fostering an ecosystem where startups can thrive by leveraging robust cloud infrastructure, strategic mentorship and market access.
It underscores an understanding that empowering startups is vital for building resilient, scalable and sustainable digital economies in Africa.
A Tailored Support System for Startup Growth
One of the key factors that distinguish the MTN Cloud Accelerator from other programs is its integrated approach to support.
The 12-week hybrid format combines physical interactions with virtual engagement, allowing startups to access mentorship, technical support and investor engagement regardless of their geographical location.
Startups benefit from deep integration with MTN’s APIs and cloud infrastructure, enabling them to develop and scale their solutions on a resilient, scalable platform that is already embedded within Africa’s largest telecom network.
Moreover, the program offers personalized mentorship from industry leaders who understand the nuances of the African market.
These mentors provide strategic guidance on product development, market entry, and customer acquisition, helping startups navigate the complexities of scaling in diverse environments.
The program also facilitates go-to-market support, assisting startups in refining their value propositions and connecting them to potential clients and partners. Importantly, the initiative provides opportunities for startups to pitch to investors, opening doors to further funding and strategic partnerships that are critical for sustained growth.
Diverse Startups, United Vision
The selection of startups across sectors reflects MTN Nigeria’s recognition of the diverse opportunities within the African startup ecosystem. Fintech startups are leveraging the program to develop innovative payment solutions, digital banking platforms, and financial inclusion tools tailored for underserved populations.
Healthtech startups are working on telemedicine platforms, health data management, and affordable diagnostic tools, aiming to improve healthcare access and outcomes. Agritech entrepreneurs are innovating in areas such as precision farming, supply chain management, and market linkages, addressing the continent’s food security challenges.
Edtech startups are focused on transforming education through digital learning platforms, affordable devices, and customized learning experiences that reach remote and underserved communities.
Cleantech innovators are developing sustainable energy solutions, waste management technologies, and water purification systems that align with Africa’s urgent environmental needs.
This sectoral diversity not only showcases the breadth of innovation across Africa but also highlights MTN’s commitment to nurturing solutions that address real-world challenges.
Transformative Impact on Startup Trajectories
The empowerment derived from this initiative is poised to significantly accelerate the trajectories of these startups.
Access to MTN’s extensive telecom infrastructure provides them with an unprecedented reach to millions of potential users, enabling rapid deployment and scaling of their solutions.
The mentorship component ensures that startups are not only technologically sound but also commercially viable, with a clear understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and regulatory landscapes.
Financial backing through the ₦100 million grants offers startups the capital infusion needed for product refinement, market expansion, and team building. This funding acts as a catalyst, reducing financial barriers that often hinder early-stage startups from scaling quickly and sustainably.
Furthermore, the visibility gained through the program’s investor pitch opportunities can attract additional funding, strategic partnerships, and media attention, all crucial factors that can propel these startups into regional and global markets.
Building a Sustainable Ecosystem for the Future
By empowering these twenty startups, MTN Nigeria is laying the groundwork for a vibrant, sustainable startup ecosystem that can drive economic growth and technological advancement across Africa.
The program fosters an environment where innovation is nurtured, and startups are equipped not just to survive but to thrive and lead in their respective sectors.
The initiative also sets a precedent for corporate-led ecosystem development, demonstrating how strategic partnerships between telecom giants and startups can create a multiplier effect, where successful startups inspire new entrants, attract investors, and foster a culture of innovation.
Over time, this can lead to a more resilient, diversified, and inclusive digital economy that benefits all segments of society.
A Catalyst for Africa’s Digital Future
The selection and empowerment of these twenty startups through MTN Nigeria’s Cloud Accelerator Programme symbolize more than just individual success stories; it exemplifies a collective step forward in Africa’s digital evolution.
these startups grow and scale, they will not only create jobs and stimulate economic activity but also develop solutions tailored to the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities.
This initiative underscores the importance of strategic support, investment, and mentorship in transforming innovative ideas into impactful solutions.
With the backing of MTN Nigeria’s extensive infrastructure, resources and network, these startups are well-positioned to become pioneers in their fields, setting benchmarks for excellence and inspiring a new wave of African entrepreneurs.
In conclusion, MTN Nigeria’s first cohort of the Cloud Accelerator Programme embodies a bold vision for Africa’s digital future.
Through comprehensive support across technical, financial and strategic domains, these twenty startups are being empowered to change the narrative by driving growth, innovation and inclusion across the continent for generations to come.
