The United Nations Development Programme, UNDP and Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy (MICDE) have opened applications for the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub Accelerator Programme. The programme will be based at Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s flagship smart city.
Startups from all 54 African nations can apply. The initiative will provide mentorship, investment, and partnerships to scale innovative solutions addressing Africa’s pressing energy challenges.
“Millions of Africans still lack access to affordable and reliable electricity. The timbuktoo GreenTech Hub is designed to support startups developing groundbreaking solutions in renewable energy,” said Anthony Ngororano, Resident Representative, UNDP Kenya.
The focus will be on startups working in critical areas such as Energy Access Technologies, Digital Energy Solutions, Energy Efficiency, Low Carbon Technologies, Smart Grids, and more.
Startups chosen for the accelerator will gain global mentorship, technical support, funding, and connections to a network of international investors.
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UNDP Aiming to Scale 1,000 Startups Over the Next Decade
The timbuktoo GreenTech Hub is part of a larger initiative powered by UNDP. Over the next ten years, this project aims to mobilize USD 1 billion to support 10,000 startups. The goal is to scale over 1,000 of them and positively impact 100 million lives across Africa.
The accelerator programme seeks to unlock Africa’s green energy potential by connecting startups to pan-African climate financing opportunities. “The Hub will empower Africa’s youth by harnessing technology and innovation,” said Ngororano. Participating startups will also benefit from expert mentorship, advocacy support, and access to a global investor network.
The initiative will prioritize renewable energy, climate change adaptation, and waste management technologies. The accelerator programme will launch later this year, marking the first step in the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub’s mission to drive green industrialization in Africa.