Are you an incubator or accelerator in Africa ready to scale your impact? We invite you to apply to join timbuktoo’s Incubator Network, a pan-African platform uniting top incubators across the continent under UNDP’s flagship innovation initiative. timbuktoo aims to revolutionize Africa’s startup ecosystem by mobilizing $1 billion to support 10,000 startups and scale 1,000+ startups within a decade.
As a network partner, you will work hand-in-hand with timbuktoo’s thematic Hubs to co-incubate startups across key sectors, fueling Africa’s next generation of successful ventures. Joining timbuktoo means plugging into a continent-wide alliance dedicated to entrepreneurship and inclusive growth – together, we’ll unlock Africa’s innovation potential!
Why Join the timbuktoo Network?
By becoming a timbuktoo Network Incubator, your organization gains access to a powerful platform and support system to amplify your reach and results. Here’s what’s in it for you:
- Pan‑African Visibility & Collaboration: Connect with a continental network of incubators and Hubs in the timbuktoo initiative, positioning your organization at the heart of Africa’s innovation ecosystem
- Capacity Building & Best Practices: Sharpen your edge through regular training sessions, workshops and webinars provided by timbuktoo. Learn global best practices in incubation, program design, startup evaluation and more.
- Access to Resources, Mentors & Community: Unlock exclusive resources on timbuktoo’s digital platform, including extensive mentor network of local and global industry experts, community of forward-looking African incubators, cohort management tools, data tracking dashboards and a rich library of case studies and templates.
- Partner with Thematic Hubs: Selected incubators will work closely with timbuktoo Hubs in your sector or region. This close Hub collaboration ensures your startups get specialized domain support and a direct pathway to advanced programs and funding.
- Streamlined Digital Platform: All network partners get full access to timbuktoo’s integrated platform for startup support. Manage your cohorts, track KPIs, and coordinate mentor interactions all in one place.
- Funding Opportunities: Being part of timbuktoo opens doors to partnerships with our global investors and donors, strengthening your funding pipeline for programs and startups alike.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for ambitious, impact-driven incubators and accelerators based in any African country to join this network. You should consider applying if your organization meets the following eligibility criteria:
- Africa-based incubator/accelerator: You are headquartered on the African continent and primarily serve African startups.
- Established track record: You have experience running startup incubation or acceleration programs, with demonstrated results. We seek organizations with proven success in nurturing startups and a track record of fostering innovation.
- Experienced team & mentors: You have a dedicated program team and access to a network of mentors or industry experts with capabilities in managing programs and interfacing with the timbuktoo platform.
- Sector focus: We welcome incubators across all thematic sectors – whether you focus on tech startups broadly or specialize in areas like agriculture, health, fintech, climate, education, manufacturing, creative industries, and more. timbuktoo’s Hubs span multiple themes, so no matter your niche, there’s a place for you.
- Commitment to diversity and impact: Your mission should align with inclusive and sustainable growth. timbuktoo is about empowering diverse innovators (including women, youth, and underserved communities) to drive the SDGs and economic development.
- Growth mindset and collaboration: You are eager to learn, share, and collaborate. As a network partner, you’ll be adopting some new tools/methodologies and contributing to a collective effort.