The UNDP timbuktoo EdTech Accelerator Program 2026 is now open for applications from young African founders and startups building education technology solutions that tackle learning challenges across Africa. This accelerator is designed to help EdTech ventures grow, refine their products, and scale impact across education systems in the region.
The timbuktoo EdTech Accelerator — implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) — is a cohort-based support programme for early-stage EdTech ventures. It provides a combination of capacity building, mentorship, strategic growth support, and ecosystem connections tailored to the needs of education technology innovators.The programme aims to accelerate solutions that improve access, quality, equity, and inclusion in learning — including digital learning platforms, tools for educators, assessment technologies, language literacy tech, and other innovations relevant to African education contexts.
This opportunity is open to: African EdTech founders or co-founders
Startups and early-stage companies with a working prototype, MVP, or early user traction
Solutions addressing education challenges at any level — from basic education to skills development and lifelong learning
Teams passionate about scaling impact, improving learning outcomes, and driving systemic change
There are no strict age or country restrictions so long as the venture is African-led and impact-focused.
Selected participants in the 2026 EdTech Accelerator will receive:
Expert guidance on product strategy, go-to-market planning, user research, and technology development.
Coaching on scaling strategies, operational best practices, and building sustainable business models.
Access to founders, educators, investors, and partners within the African EdTech ecosystem.
Opportunities to present your venture at virtual or in-person showcase events with potential funders and institutional partners.
Interactive sessions on key topics such as growth hacking, impact measurement, learner engagement, and distribution strategies.This accelerator does not take equity in participating startups — support is focused on capacity, opportunity, and ecosystem integration.
Applications are conducted fully online.Whether you’re building a classroom engagement app, adaptive learning system, teacher support tools, or workforce skills platform, this program offers structured acceleration and ecosystem access to help you grow your venture.