The first cohort of high-potential startups selected for the newly launched Cloud Accelerator Programme of MTN Nigeria has officially commenced.
The accelerator is designed to help founders overcome growth bottlenecks by refining their business models, improving their operational efficiency, and creating investor-ready pitches.
The small firms were chosen from across Nigeria and other African markets through a rigorous selection process for their bold ideas and proven traction in addressing key challenges across fintech, health tech, agritech, edtech, AI, and cybersecurity.
The selected companies will embark on a 12-week journey of mentorship, technical integrations, and funding opportunities, powered by MTN’s expansive ecosystem and cloud infrastructure.
In addition to technical support, startups will receive access to funding networks and exposure to key investors, policy-makers, and ecosystem leaders.
Over the course of the programme, the selected startups will participate in intensive workshops led by industry experts, one-on-one mentorship sessions with leaders in the African tech and venture ecosystem, and hands-on support integrating MTN’s cloud APIs into their platforms.
The programme will culminate in a high-profile Demo Day in December 2025, where participants will pitch their refined solutions to an audience of investors, industry executives, and policy leaders.
This event is expected to attract significant interest from local and international venture firms looking to back scalable African tech ventures.
The Demo Day is not just a pitch event, but a showcase of Africa’s capacity to innovate and create solutions that resonate beyond our borders.
“This cohort embodies the resilience, creativity, and ambition of Africa’s tech ecosystem. By providing access to mentorship, cloud technology, and go-to-market support, we are positioning these startups to compete globally while solving uniquely African problems,” the Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Nigeria, Ms Lynda Saint-Nwafor, said.
She described the MTN Cloud Accelerator as “a unique blend of infrastructure and opportunity,” noting that, “By hosting this programme locally, supported by the state-of-the-art Sifiso Dabengwa Data Centre, we are demonstrating our commitment to strengthening Africa’s digital backbone.”
Ms Saint-Nwafor also said, “The future of African innovation will be written by founders who are supported with the right infrastructure and networks,” adding that, “With the Cloud Accelerator, MTN is helping to create that future today.”
Applications for the next cohort of the MTN Cloud Accelerator are expected to open in early 2026, signalling MTN’s long-term commitment to building a robust pipeline of African tech companies equipped to thrive globally.