Women entrepreneurs across Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan now have an incredible opportunity to scale their businesses, access funding, and connect with global industry leaders through the Women in Tech Accelerator 2026.

Powered by the Standard Chartered Foundation in partnership with Village Capital and local implementing partners, this accelerator program is designed to support women-led, tech-enabled startups that are creating measurable social and economic impact in their communities.

The accelerator goes beyond traditional startup support by combining funding opportunities, mentorship, investment-readiness training, peer networking, and personalized business growth support. Since its launch, the initiative has already empowered dozens of women founders and distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to businesses solving real-world challenges.

For ambitious women entrepreneurs seeking to grow sustainable and impactful startups, the Women in Tech Accelerator 2026 represents a major opportunity to access both financial and strategic support.

About the Women in Tech Accelerator 2026

The Women in Tech Accelerator is a specialized entrepreneurship program focused on strengthening women-led startups that use technology to drive impact and innovation.

The program supports founders operating in sectors where technology can create meaningful solutions for communities, industries, and economies. Through expert guidance and market-specific support systems, participating startups receive the tools they need to scale sustainably and become investment-ready.

Village Capital works closely with local implementation partners in participating countries to ensure founders receive support tailored to their specific business environment and market realities.

The accelerator emphasizes:

• Business growth
• Leadership development
• Access to funding
• Investment readiness
• Market expansion
• Strategic networking

Impact of the Program So Far

The Women in Tech Accelerator has already demonstrated significant impact in its early years.

Achievements from Previous Cohorts

In its first year alone:

• More than USD 550,000 in grants was distributed
• 21 women-led startups received funding and support

The 2025 cohort collectively achieved:

• Nearly 16,000 new customers reached
• More than 430 jobs created
• Over USD 2.7 million in increased revenue

These results highlight the accelerator’s role in strengthening women entrepreneurship ecosystems while contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Funding Available in 2026

For the 2026 cohort, the program plans to distribute:

• More than USD 600,000 in grant funding

This funding will be shared across startups selected from 12 participating markets.

Eligible Countries for the 2026 Cohort

Women-led startups from the following countries are eligible to apply:

1. Bahrain
2. Botswana
3. Egypt
4. Ghana
5. Kenya
6. Nigeria
7. Pakistan
8. Saudi Arabia
9. South Africa
10. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
11. Uganda
12. Zambia

Special Funding Notes

Funding for startups in:

• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

is provided by the respective local Standard Chartered Banks rather than the Standard Chartered Foundation.

Who Should Apply?

The Women in Tech Accelerator is looking for:

• Women founders
• Women-led startups
• Tech-enabled businesses
• Startups creating measurable impact

Applicants should be operating businesses that use innovation and technology to address important economic, social, or environmental challenges.

The program is particularly suitable for founders seeking:

• Growth support
• Investment readiness
• Funding opportunities
• Regional and international exposure
• Strategic mentorship

Benefits of the Women in Tech Accelerator

Selected startups will gain access to a wide range of growth and development opportunities.

1. Grant Funding Opportunities

Participants may access portions of the:

• USD 600K+ annual grant funding pool

This funding can help startups:

• Expand operations
• Develop products
• Hire staff
• Enter new markets
• Improve technology infrastructure

2. Personalized Growth Support

Each startup receives:

• Tailored development plans
• Customized business support
• Strategic guidance based on specific needs and challenges

This personalized approach ensures founders receive practical assistance aligned with their stage of growth.

3. Investment Readiness Training

Participants will undergo training focused on:

• Strengthening business models
• Financial planning
• Pitch preparation
• Growth strategy development
• Investor engagement

This support helps founders become more competitive when seeking future investment opportunities.

4. Access to Mentors and Industry Leaders

The accelerator creates opportunities to connect with:

• Experienced entrepreneurs
• Sector experts
• Investors
• Business mentors
• Innovation leaders

These relationships can open doors to partnerships, funding, and long-term collaboration.

5. Strong Peer Networks

Participants become part of a broader community of:

• Women entrepreneurs
• Innovators
• Startup founders
• Ecosystem builders

Peer learning and collaboration are key aspects of the accelerator experience.

Local Implementation Partners

The Women in Tech Accelerator works with several local partners to deliver country-specific support and programming.

Some of the implementation partners include:

• INNOVentures Global
• Companies Creating Change (C3)
• Innovation Village
• BongoHive
• WomHub

These organizations help ensure that support is locally relevant and responsive to the needs of entrepreneurs in each market.

Why This Accelerator Matters

Women entrepreneurs continue to face barriers in accessing:

• Capital
• Business networks
• Mentorship
• Investment opportunities

The Women in Tech Accelerator addresses these challenges directly by creating a platform where women founders can gain the resources, confidence, and support needed to grow successful businesses.

By supporting women-led startups, the program also contributes to:

• Inclusive economic growth
• Job creation
• Innovation ecosystems
• Community development
• Sustainable impact

How to Apply

Interested founders should:

1. Visit the official website
2. Identify their local country partner
3. Review country-specific requirements
4. Complete and submit the application process

For more information and to apply, visit the official website

Applicants are encouraged to prepare:

• Business information
• Growth plans
• Impact metrics
• Startup details
• Founder profiles

Early application is strongly recommended.

Final Thoughts

The Women in Tech Accelerator 2026 is more than a startup program—it is a transformational platform for women innovators who are building businesses that create meaningful impact.

With access to grant funding, mentorship, investment-readiness training, and strategic networks, participating founders can significantly strengthen their businesses and position themselves for long-term success.

For women entrepreneurs ready to scale innovative solutions across Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan, this accelerator offers the support, visibility, and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s evolving business landscape.

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