About Accelerate Africa
Accelerate Africa (AA) is a leading continental organization dedicated to fostering economic growth, social development, and sustainable job creation across Africa. With a steadfast focus on empowering startup founders, emerging SMEs and entrepreneurs.
Through strategic programmes, partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives, Accelerate Africa is building a resilient and competitive African private sector—contributing to the realization of “The Africa We Want.”
A private sector focus platform to support the Africa Union Agenda 2063 and the successful implementation of the AfCFTA to achieve the Africa We Want:
Our Mission
To accelerate Africa’s economic transformation and build a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem with focus on innovation, investment, and enterprise development towards industrialisation — creating sustainable jobs and inclusive prosperity across Africa.
Our Vision
Build an Africa where every entrepreneur has the opportunity, resources, and connections to build world-class businesses that transform lives and economies — and shape a future where Africa is recognized as the world’s fastest-growing hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable investment.
What We Do
Our Key Focus Areas
Policy & Strategic Engagement
Capacity Building & Training
Business Support & Scaling
Partnerships & Ecosystem Development
Trade, Market Access & AfCFTA
Investment and Access to Finance
Driving Africa’s Entrepreneurial Growth
Accelerate Africa fosters a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem that empowers startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs to thrive across the continent. By connecting businesses to opportunities in investment, market access, and capacity development, the platform supports sustainable growth and long-term impact.
Through strategic partnerships and a strong focus on innovation, Accelerate Africa enables enterprises to scale beyond borders, leverage AfCFTA opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s economic transformation.
What We Offer
Our Flagship Programmes
AASAP
Accelerate Africa Startup Acceleration Programme
A 6-month hybrid bootcamp for early-stage, growth-driven companies — mentorship, investor access, and market opportunities, ending in a Pitch and Demo Day.
AAB
Accelerate Africa Bootcamp
A continental training bringing 100+ founders and SMEs together to sharpen business strategy, investment readiness, and AfCFTA opportunities.
AAS
Accelerate Africa Summit
A 300-delegate summit uniting entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors to advance finance, industrialization, and digital transformation across Africa.
ASC
Africa Startup Congress
Africa’s premier startup gathering — 2,000+ delegates shaping the Africa Startup Act and Innovation Fund to accelerate job creation continent-wide.
Pitch Competition
The Accelerate Africa Pitch Competition
Sector-focused pitch competitions in agribusiness, tech, renewable energy, and creative industries — identifying and accelerating Africa’s highest-potential startups.
AAA
Accelerate Africa Award
The Accelerate Africa Awards (AAA), “100 Accelerating Africa,” recognizes outstanding leaders whose work is creating lasting impact across the continent by building businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable development.
Who We Are
Our Leadership Team
Meet the people driving Accelerate Africa’s mission — guiding strategy, coordinating across regions, and delivering our programmes on the ground.
Advisory Board Members
Strategic guidance from experienced leaders shaping Accelerate Africa’s direction and long-term vision.
Strategic Team
On-the-ground leadership connecting Accelerate Africa’s mission across the continent’s regions.
Operations Management
Day-to-day execution driving our flagship programmes, events, and partnerships forward.
Our Network
Our Current & Previous Partners
Working alongside governments, international organizations, and the private sector to accelerate Africa’s startup ecosystem.
Accelerate Africa
Main: (+237) 621 144 101
Kigali Office: (+250) 781 722 859
Email: africa@accelerate-africa.org
Head Office
Continental Secretariat
Rue / Av. 1771, Bastos
Yaoundé, Cameroon
8am – 5pm daily