Safaricom, in collaboration with M-PESA Africa and Sumitomo Corporation, has introduced the application process for the second phase of the Spark Accelerator program. This initiative aims to support early-stage startups in Kenya by providing them with resources, mentorship, and access to markets and funding.
The Spark Accelerator Programme is designed to help propel early-stage startups towards expansion and scalability. Participants can benefit from various advantages, including access to product and technology support such as Daraja and M-PESA Open APIs, AWS Activate credits of up to $25,000, technical guidance, and business development support. Moreover, startups will have the opportunity to leverage Safaricom’s extensive customer base of over 30 million, attend networking events, and potentially secure funding from Safaricom and prominent venture capital firms.
Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering innovation: “At Safaricom, we believe technology serves as a catalyst for change and solutions, which is why we incentivize and support innovative startups with the necessary tools to elevate their operations. Through the Spark Accelerator Programme, we are investing in our future leaders and contributing to significant societal transformation and economic advancement.”
The program is open to Kenyan startups, particularly those focusing on embedded financial services, content, and related sectors. Eligible applicants should have a developed product, be generating revenue, and demonstrate strong growth potential. Startups with diverse leadership, especially those with female founders or leaders, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Following the success of the first cohort, which recently participated in an investor demo day to showcase their innovations to potential investors, the second phase aims to continue nurturing startups and fostering connections within the investment ecosystem. Applications for the Spark Accelerator Programme will be accepted from April 1 to May 15, 2025.
Startups interested in applying for the program can find more information and submit their applications through the official website. Stay informed about the latest updates on tech, startups, and venture capital across Africa by joining the WhatsApp Channel provided by TechInAfrica. Be the first to know, stay informed, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
