Opportunities
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
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US$10,000 catalytic funding per startup (ShelterTech accelerator)
ShelterTech is Habitat for Humanity's accelerator platform for affordable housing innovation in sub-Saharan Africa. Selected startups receive US$10,000 in catalytic funding and a 6-month program of mentorship, business development support, and access to Habitat's global network. The program is run through the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter.
Catalytic Funding
US$10,000 in non-dilutive catalytic funds
Mentorship Program
6-month structured program with business development and technical mentorship
Global Network Access
Connection to Habitat's network across 70+ countries, including potential distribution partnerships
Capacity Building
Support to refine business model and scale operations
Housing Finance
Microfinance products, mortgage alternatives, and savings mechanisms for low-income households
Construction Innovation
Affordable building materials, modular construction, and climate-resilient housing technologies
Energy & WASH
Clean energy and water/sanitation solutions integrated into affordable housing
Housing entrepreneurs building scalable, affordable solutions for low-income families in sub-Saharan Africa. Strong emphasis on market-based approaches — products that can be commercially sustainable while serving the base of the pyramid. Solutions spanning housing finance, construction tech, energy, and WASH are all in scope.
6-month accelerator program with mentorship, business development coaching, peer learning network, and access to Habitat's global partner ecosystem. Top performers may receive follow-on support or introductions to Habitat's MicroBuild Fund and Terwilliger Center partners.
ShelterTech cohorts are periodic — no open rolling application. Confirm whether a new cohort has been announced before applying.; The $10K catalytic fund is small — real value is in the network and mentorship.
ShelterTech alumni estimate they have collectively benefitted over 500,000 low-income individuals and mobilized over $8M. Frame your application around measurable housing impact metrics. Habitat values on-the-ground market knowledge and evidence of customer traction over polished pitch decks.
2017
Active Since
Yes
Deploying
10 startups selected for sub-Saharan Africa ShelterTech accelerator (2022 cohort); 70+ startups partnered globally through ShelterTech since 2017