Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital open 2026 Women in Tech Accelerator applications
Updated
Updated · msmeafricaonline.com · May 4
Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital open 2026 Women in Tech Accelerator applications
8 articles · Updated · msmeafricaonline.com · May 4
The programme targets women-led, tech-enabled startups across Africa and other emerging markets, with limited cohort slots and no clearly stated deadline as applications may close once filled.
Selected founders will receive growth and investment-readiness training, mentorship, investor access and links to global partners, aimed at helping early- to growth-stage ventures scale beyond survival mode.
The accelerator focuses on sectors including fintech, healthtech, edtech and climate tech, positioning itself as a tailored response to persistent funding barriers and network gaps facing female founders.
With Dangote planning massive industrial projects, can accelerator programs truly close the gender funding gap for African women in tech?
As AI accelerates both Nigerian education and malware, who is ultimately responsible for securing the country's digital future?
Bridging the Gender Funding Gap: How the 2026 Women in Tech Accelerator Drives $600K+ in Equity-Free Grants Across 12 Markets
Overview
The 2026 Women in Tech Accelerator has expanded to 12 global markets, offering over $600,000 in equity-free funding to support early-stage, women-led tech businesses. Key deadlines include May 15 for the UAE and May 31 for Nigeria, where past cohorts have created thousands of jobs and millions in revenue. The program emphasizes inclusivity, especially for women founders with disabilities, and provides comprehensive support like mentorship, business training, and investor access. Driven by partners like Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital, it aims to bridge the historic funding gap faced by women entrepreneurs, contribute to economic diversification, and foster sustainable growth aligned with global development goals.