Apply Now: Grow Your Startup with MTN Cloud Accelerator 2025

Applications are now open for the MTN Cloud Startup Accelerator 2025, a 12-week hybrid program offering ₦100M in grants, mentorship, API integration, and growth support for African startups.

Overview

Are you an African startup ready to scale? The MTN Cloud Accelerator Program 2025 is your opportunity to join a powerful growth journey designed to support homegrown innovation. Powered by MTN, Africa’s largest telecom operator, this 12-week hybrid accelerator is offering ₦100 million in non-equity grant funding, access to MTN’s cloud infrastructure and APIs, mentorship from industry leaders, and the chance to showcase your work at a Demo Day attended by top investors and media.

MTN’s goal is simple: Support African startups, for Africa, from Africa. Whether you’re in fintech, healthtech, edtech, agritech, or another frontier industry, this is your chance to grow faster by tapping into MTN’s robust tech stack, networks, and market reach.

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What is the MTN Cloud Accelerator?

The MTN Cloud Accelerator is a 12-week hybrid program (mostly virtual) designed for growth-stage African startups with live products or MVPs that solve real-world problems using digital technology. The program begins in September 2025 and culminates in a Demo Day in November 2025.

Selected startups receive not only grant funding of ₦5 million each, but also tailored mentorship, technical support, and deep product integration opportunities with MTN’s platforms — including MoMo, Chenosis, and MTN Cloud APIs.

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Timeline

• Applications Open: July 7, 2025

• Applications Close: August 15, 2025

• Cohort Announced: September 1, 2025

• Program Duration: September 6 – December 6, 2025

• Demo Day: November 18, 2025

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Who Should Apply?

MTN is seeking startups across Africa that meet the following criteria:

• Have a live product or MVP

• Are growth-stage with some traction and customer insight

• Have a strong team solving real African problems

• Are focused on one of the following sectors:

  • Fintech & Payments

  • HealthTech

  • EdTech

  • AgriTech

  • AI & Data Infrastructure

  • Cybersecurity & Digital ID

  • Retail & E-commerce

• Are serving underserved or rural communities

You do not need to be an MTN customer to apply.

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Program Benefits

Startups selected for the MTN Cloud Accelerator will receive:

• ₦5 million in grant funding per startup (₦100 million total for the cohort)

• Access to MTN platforms: MTN Cloud, MoMo, Chenosis APIs, and more

• Sales and go-to-market support from MTN teams

• Cloud credits and technical advisory

• 1-on-1 mentorship with industry leaders

• Investor pitch coaching and warm VC introductions

• A chance to showcase at Demo Day in Lagos

• Post-program support including pilot partnerships and M&A readiness

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Is There a Cost to Join?

No. The program is completely free for selected startups. Participation is fully sponsored by MTN, and no equity is taken. This is a non-dilutive grant-based opportunity.

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Do I Need to Travel?

Yes — for two weeks only:

• Week 1 (Kickoff)

• Week 12 (Demo Day)

Both will be held in Lagos, Nigeria, and all other sessions will take place virtually.

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What Happens After the Program?

Startups will continue to receive support post-program and may become eligible for:

• Commercial pilots with MTN

• Long-term platform integrations

• Strategic partnerships

• Further investment introductions

• Alumni network perks

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How to Apply

Applications are now open and will close on August 15, 2025.

Apply Now

For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.