The Timbuktoo Launchpad is a startup support platform that covers the whole continent, run by the United Nations Development Programme as part of their bigger Timbuktoo initiative. It was created to solve one of the biggest problems African founders face: not having equal access to resources, mentorship, and networks. Instead of being a single accelerator in one place, it works through a network of incubators and innovation hubs across Africa.
This gives startups local support and also connects them to a larger network of mentors and investors across the continent. What's unique about this opportunity is its flexible timing - it's not just a one-time annual deadline. Applications are open all year round, and new groups of startups are admitted every quarter. This means you can apply at any time and still have a chance to be part of the program. The platform is designed to provide hands-on support to startups, while also giving them access to a wider ecosystem of resources and connections.
By doing so, it aims to level the playing field for African founders and give them the tools they need to succeed. With its decentralized network and flexible application process, the Timbuktoo Launchpad is an exciting opportunity for startups looking to make a impact in Africa.
Key Details
There's no specific deadline to apply, so you can submit your application at any time. They review and accept applications throughout the year, and they have new groups of startups joining them every quarter. This way, you can apply when your startup is ready, without having to worry about missing a specific cutoff date.
Eligibility Requirements
The Launchpad is looking for startups that use technology and are based in Africa, or have solutions that are specifically for African markets.
To be eligible, these startups usually need to have a prototype or a Minimum Viable Product that's already up and running, a team of founders who are fully committed, and a clear solution to a real problem that has the potential to grow and expand.
This opportunity isn't for founders who just have an idea and haven't built anything yet - having something concrete to show is important here.
The startups should have a tangible product or service that addresses a meaningful problem, and the potential to scale and make a significant impact.
The program particularly welcomes startups working in FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, ClimateTech, EdTech, CreativeTech, MineTech, and ManuTech, a fairly broad sweep of Africa's growing tech sectors rather than one narrow vertical.
What It Covers
Startups that are chosen get help from local partners who are experts in their field. They also get access to a digital platform that provides guidance, mentorship, and tools to improve their business. This platform is powered by Seedstars' SIGMA.
The good thing about this setup is that founders get support from people in their own area, while also being connected to a bigger network of mentors and investors from all over Africa. This network is something they might not have been able to reach on their own. The local support helps them stay grounded, while the bigger network gives them more opportunities.
Required Documents
To make the most of this application, it's a good idea to get everything ready beforehand. You'll need to have your pitch deck and company logo ready to go, along with a bunch of other detailed information. This includes basic stuff like contact info and founder details, as well as more specific things like what kind of business you are, when you were incorporated, and what area of tech you're focused on.
You'll also need to come up with a short and sweet elevator pitch that sums up your company in just a few sentences.
Additionally, you should be prepared to talk about who your target customers are, and provide info about your team, including how many co-founders you have, the gender breakdown, and whether anyone on your team has founded a company before.
It's also a good idea to have the LinkedIn profiles for your founders and top executives ready to share. By getting all this together ahead of time, you'll be able to fill out the application quickly and easily, and make a strong impression on the people reviewing it.
The application goes beyond just basic team and company information. It actually looks at real performance data, like how many years the company has been operating, which countries it's in, and how many customers are active and paying each month.
It also shows the company's actual monthly revenue and expenses in US dollars. There's a whole section on funding too, with details on how much capital has been raised, who owns what percentage of the company, and if it's been part of any accelerator programs before. Plus, it's currently fundraising or not.
And then there's a policy section that asks about the biggest regulatory hurdle the business is facing and which institution is most involved in that issue. This gives a pretty complete picture of the company's situation.
To apply, you first need to do a VIRAL assessment on the Abaca website, which is run by Village Capital. You can find it at my.abaca.app/auth/sign-up. This assessment covers a few key areas: your team, the problem you're trying to solve, your vision, the value your product offers, the market you're targeting, your business model, and how you plan to scale. Once you've completed the assessment, you'll need to include a screenshot of your results as part of your application. This gives a clear overview of your project in several important areas.
Application Process
- Take the VIRAL assessment on Abaca by Village Capital before the deadline, as you'll need to submit a screenshot of your results.
- Prepare your pitch deck, company logo, and founder LinkedIn profiles
- Gather your performance data, revenue, expenses, customer numbers, and funding history
- Think through your answers to the policy and impact measurement sections, these go well beyond a standard pitch
- Complete the full online application form
- You can apply anytime your startup is really ready, there's no specific deadline to worry about. Once you apply, you'll be considered for the next group of startups that we'll be working with, which happens every quarter.
Major Considerations
This application is really detailed and a lot more work than what you'd normally expect from an incubator form. So, it's a good idea to plan ahead and not get caught off guard halfway through.
Also, since you need to do the VIRAL assessment first, you should set aside some real time for that before you even start filling out the main form - it's not something you can rush through in one sitting with the rest of the application.
This program seems to be more focused on investments than just education. It asks for a lot of detailed financial and operational information, like actual revenue figures, funding history, and ownership percentages.
This makes it tough for founders who don't have a solid product or traction yet to answer some sections in a meaningful way.
As a result, it's more suited for founders who are a bit further along in their journey, rather than those still trying to validate their idea.
On the bright side, since applications are accepted quarterly, startups that aren't quite ready now have a chance to apply soon once they've addressed key issues or gaps in their team. This gives them a clear goal to work towards and a chance to get back on track.
Should You Apply?
A strong fit for African tech founders with a working MVP, a committed founding team, and at least some real market traction or revenue to point to, particularly those in FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, ClimateTech, or similar sectors. Less suited for idea-stage founders without a built product yet, given how much of the application depends on real operational and financial data rather than projections alone.
Disclaimer: Youth Gateway Africa shares these scholarships, fellowships, and grants for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with, nor do we represent or owe any obligations on behalf of these external organizations. While we strive for accuracy, opportunities can change. Please exercise caution, verify details independently, and take full responsibility for your applications.
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