Standard Chartered Foundation, Village Capital and Enterprise Development Centre Open Applications for This Year’s Women in Tech Accelerator in Nigeria

Why It Matters

Empowering women entrepreneurs accelerates inclusive economic growth and addresses gender gaps in Africa’s fast‑growing tech sector. The program’s proven track record shows that targeted funding and mentorship can translate into jobs, revenue, and community impact.

Key Takeaways

• $600k grant to support 12 African markets' women-led startups
• 2025 cohort added 16,000 customers and created 430 jobs
• Accelerator provides mentorship, training, and funding to scale businesses
• Applications close April 26, 2026; program runs June‑August 2026
• Standard Chartered partners with Village Capital and Pan‑Atlantic University

Pulse Analysis

The Women in Tech Accelerator, now in its seventh year, is a collaborative effort between Standard Chartered Foundation, Village Capital, and the Enterprise Development Centre at Pan‑Atlantic University. By focusing on women‑led, technology‑driven ventures, the program tackles a critical gap in emerging markets where ecosystems often favor rapid scaling over sustainable growth. The accelerator’s blend of catalytic grant funding, structured business training, and localized mentorship equips founders with the tools to build resilient, revenue‑generating enterprises that can withstand market volatility.

Impact data from the 2025 cohort underscores the accelerator’s effectiveness. Participants collectively attracted nearly 16,000 new customers, created more than 430 jobs, and added $2.7 million in revenue—a clear indicator that women entrepreneurs can drive substantial economic value when given the right support. The $600,000 grant pool for 2026 will be spread across 12 markets, reinforcing the program’s pan‑regional ambition and signaling confidence in the scalability of women‑led tech solutions across Africa and the Middle East.

Looking ahead, the accelerator’s upcoming cohort arrives at a pivotal moment for African tech ecosystems, which are witnessing heightened investor interest and rapid digital adoption. By nurturing a pipeline of female founders, the initiative not only diversifies the talent pool but also aligns with broader development goals such as job creation, inclusive growth, and social impact. As applications close on April 26, 2026, the program is poised to shape the next wave of innovative, community‑focused startups that can attract further capital and drive long‑term prosperity across the continent.