Nigeria Women Tech Accelerator Opens with $600K in Grants

Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria now have a powerful new opportunity to transform their tech startups into thriving businesses. The Women in Tech Accelerator, a collaboration between Standard Chartered Foundation, Village Capital, and Enterprise Development Centre at Pan-Atlantic University, just opened applications for its seventh year with over $600,000 in grants available across 12 countries.

The program tackles a critical gap in how emerging markets support women founders. While female entrepreneurs launch innovative solutions that serve their communities, many face ecosystems built for rapid growth rather than sustainable development. This leaves talented founders without the resources to build lasting businesses that create quality jobs and real impact.

The accelerator offers what women-led startups need most: grant funding, structured business training, and personalized mentorship. The three-month program runs from June through August 2026 and equips founders with practical tools, strong networks, and confidence to scale sustainably.

Last year's results prove the model works. The 2025 cohort collectively served nearly 16,000 new customers, generated more than 430 jobs, and increased revenues by $2.7 million across various markets.

Chinwendu Augustina Nweke, founder of Bridge Merchant in Nigeria, experienced this transformation firsthand. "The Women in Tech Accelerator transformed the future of our business, far beyond my hopes and expectations," she shared. "While the funding was important in enabling us to scale, it is the wrap-around support that has given my team and myself the confidence we needed to thrive."

The Ripple Effect

When women entrepreneurs succeed, entire communities benefit. The 430 jobs created by last year's cohort mean 430 families with new income and opportunities. The 16,000 new customers gained access to solutions designed specifically for their needs by founders who understand their challenges.

Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director of Enterprise Development Centre, emphasized this broader impact. "Women do not just participate in the tech ecosystem, they lead it," she said. "We are more committed than ever to finding and supporting the next generation of women founders who will drive innovation and lasting impact across Nigeria and beyond."

The program addresses persistent inequalities that limit women-led businesses throughout the region. Research shows that empowering women entrepreneurs drives economic growth and prosperity for entire communities, making initiatives like this essential for Nigeria's future.

Applications close April 26, 2026, giving Nigerian women startup founders just weeks to apply. The accelerator operates in 12 markets total, including Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Egypt, and Pakistan, creating a network of supported founders across emerging economies.

Women ready to scale their tech-enabled businesses can now access the resources they need to turn ambitious visions into sustainable reality.