The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the launch of the AfCFTA Startup Acceleration and Partnership Programme 2026 for African entrepreneurs, innovators, and startup enterprises.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, informing qualified Nigerian startups to apply for the initiative launched by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Korea-Africa Foundation (KAF).
According to the Ministry, the programme is aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, trade, innovation, and private-sector partnerships between African countries and the Republic of Korea within the framework of AfCFTA.
The initiative is expected to support about 30 selected African startups operating in strategic sectors such as fintech, digital commerce, manufacturing, logistics, and agricultural value chains.
According to the statement, successful participants will benefit from business acceleration support, mentorship opportunities, capacity-building programmes, market exposure, and investment networking opportunities in the Republic of Korea.
The Ministry encouraged qualified Nigerian startups and entrepreneurs with innovative and scalable business models to take advantage of the programme to deepen Africa-Korea commercial engagement and promote sustainable economic development across the continent.
The programme is open to African startups operating within key sectors including fintech, digital commerce, manufacturing, logistics, and agricultural value chains.
The Ministry noted that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to supporting continental economic integration, youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic international partnerships.
Applications for the programme will close on May 31, 2026.
How to apply
Interested applicants are required to visit the official AfCFTA website for detailed eligibility criteria, programme guidelines, and application procedures.
Applicants can apply through the official programme portal below:
- For additional enquiries, interested participants may contact Abibata.Mahama@au-afcfta.org or SME.Support@au-afcfta.org.
