Established financial institutions (MFIs, banks, fintechs) with existing MSME client bases that need capital and technical support to digitize operations and expand reach. Strong governance, regulatory standing, and a clear digital transformation roadmap are essential.

Grassroots and frontline organizations fighting for human rights in the digital age, particularly those amplifying marginalized voices online or improving digital security for at-risk communities.

Projects initiated and led by disabled persons' organizations that promote economic empowerment, human rights, or vocational training. Strong preference for projects led by disabled women and those with clear, measurable outcomes within modest budgets.

Early-stage African entrepreneurs building scalable, tech-enabled businesses. ABAN's network values strong founding teams, clear market opportunity, and potential for meaningful impact. The network is sector-agnostic but has increasing focus on fintech, agritech, healthtech, and the newly launched sports & creative industries vertical.

Tech-enabled startups addressing large underserved markets in Africa, particularly in financial inclusion, healthcare, education, and SME enablement. Values strong founding teams with demonstrated product progress and willingness to commit to intensive program formats.

Early-stage African entrepreneurs with scalable tech-enabled businesses who want physical community and structured support. Strong preference for South African founders, but pan-African teams welcome for specific programs. Values founder commitment to being present on campus.

UNICEF's equity-free investment fund for open-source tech benefiting children. $50-100K investments. 100+ startups funded. Must be open-source. Focus on frontier tech (AI, blockchain, drones, VR) for development.

Revenue-generating African businesses ready to scale. Repayment is tied to a percentage of monthly revenue — flexible, founder-friendly, and non-dilutive. Specifically targets the 'missing middle' — businesses too big for microfinance but too small or unconventional for traditional bank loans or VC. Focus on food, agriculture, trade, logistics, and climate resilience sectors.

Organizations advancing women's economic rights, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and economic participation in Africa. CSOs working on peacebuilding and women's empowerment.

Nonprofits and NGOs using communications technology to drive social impact. In 2024, the Impact Fund awarded $4.8M+ in grants and donations to 40+ organizations. Grant rounds are currently by invitation only — organizations can sign up to be notified about future cycles.

Africa's first comprehensive startup legislation (Law No. 2018-20, April 17, 2018). The Startup Act provides a legal framework with 20 incentive measures for innovative startups in Tunisia. Over 1,165 startups have been awarded the label, achieving $300M+ in cumulative sales. Updated with Startup Act 2.0 in 2023 focusing on internationalization. Model legislation that inspired Nigeria's Startup Act and others.

Organizations and entrepreneurs improving youth employment, financial inclusion, agriculture, and education in Africa. The Foundation's Young Africa Works strategy aims to enable 30 million young people — particularly young women — to access dignified work by 2030. They partner with visionary organizations rather than accepting unsolicited proposals for large grants.

Coachable founders with a clear vision. Team quality above all. They evaluate founder-market fit and ability to execute quickly.

Global accelerator network (50+ programs worldwide). Multiple Africa-relevant programs including Techstars Lagos, Social Impact programs, and corporate-sponsored programs. $120K standard deal. 3-month intensive. 10,000+ alumni network. Techstars Africa programs growing.

Tearfund works through local churches in 22+ African countries to establish self-help groups (39,000+ SHGs with ~800,000 members in sub-Saharan Africa). They do NOT offer open grant applications to startups or entrepreneurs. Funding flows through their church partner networks using the Church and Community Transformation (CCT) model, where communities identify and carry out their own development projects using local resources.

Global microfinance debt fund (1999). $1.5B+ invested across emerging markets. Pioneered impact debt in microfinance. Support for FX-vulnerable emerging market institutions.

Sweden's DFI for sustainable development. SEK 15B+ portfolio (~$1.4B). Invests in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Three focus areas: energy/climate, health, financial inclusion. Fund-of-funds investor in African VC/PE. Direct investments in growth-stage companies. Strong Swedish development cooperation backing.

Student-led startups using tech, engineering, healthcare, or innovation to solve Nigerian challenges

Community-based organizations and social enterprises focused on youth development in South Africa — specifically early childhood development (ECD), schooling quality improvement, and post-schooling work readiness. Pioneer of impact bonds and innovative social finance instruments in SA.

Development projects aligned with Spain's cooperation priorities, particularly in agriculture, water, governance, and migration. Strong preference for projects in AECID priority countries in Africa with clear development outcomes and sustainability plans.