The World Bank has launched L’Afrique Excelle – a six-month business acceleration program designed to support the 20 most promising growth stage technology start-ups operating in Francophone Africa.
The successful applicants will be exposed to world class mentoring through a tailor-made curriculum that will assist in linking up with investors and expand their brands.
L’Afrique Excelle , which is organized by XL Africa, will attract early stage capital between $250,000 and $5 million.
How it works
Mentees will have structured access to Francophone Africa-focused investors throughout the program and at a Venture Showcase at VivaTech in Paris.
The programme will also feature mentoring from two successful entrepreneurs or investors (international and local) to develop accurate company valuations, financial forecasts, risk management and customer acquisition strategies.
Access to other expertise is provided based on specific needs.
There will be an opportunity to engage with investors, domain experts, and corporate partners as well as peers at two all-expenses-paid residencies – in Mali and in France.
The curated content is designed to teach successful applicants everything about marketing, financing and market expansion.
Who is it for?
The world bank set up the programme to target start-ups for profit and registered, with a team of at least three people.
The start-ups are expected to have digital or tech product/service currently available in the following Francophone Africa markets: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, DRC, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, and Togo.
The mentorship programme will be concentrated on Agribusiness, Business services, Clean technology and energy, Construction and manufacturing, Creative, media and entertainment, Education, Financial services, Healthcare, ICT, Leisure and travel, Retail and wholesale, Transport and logistics, Water, sanitation and hygiene.
The deadline for application is January 14, 2019.