Qualcomm Selects 10 African Startups for 2026 Program

Ten African startups just earned a powerful launchpad for their innovations, selected from over 1,200 applications for Qualcomm's 2026 Make in Africa Mentorship Program.

The tech giant's fourth annual initiative demonstrates the explosive growth of Africa's startup scene. More than 45 countries submitted proposals, with the final cohort representing solutions that tackle some of the continent's most pressing challenges.

Two Nigerian companies made the cut. Anatsor Ltd created a digital system that helps poultry farmers manage their operations more efficiently, while D-Olivette Labs uses data intelligence to boost agricultural productivity through smart farming insights.

The other eight startups span the continent with equally ambitious missions. Amperra Charging Company from Namibia is building clean energy infrastructure, while Tanzania's SafeSip focuses on health solutions. Ghana's Sesi Technologies Ltd and Uganda's TWave Ltd round out a diverse group working across energy, health, agriculture, and digital technology sectors.

The numbers tell a compelling story about Africa's tech evolution. Wassim Chourbaji, Qualcomm's President for Middle East and Africa, noted the applications showed remarkable maturity and scalability potential. The startups aren't just solving local problems; they're building solutions that could compete globally.

The program goes beyond basic mentorship. Participants receive technical training specific to their industries, support in protecting their intellectual property, and connections to potential investors. For deep-technology startups, where specialized expertise and funding remain scarce, this combination could prove transformative.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends far beyond these 10 companies. Each startup selected represents jobs created, communities served, and proof that African innovation can compete on the world stage.

When a Zambian company like QualiKeeper Investments or a Kenyan venture like Zerobionic receives world-class mentorship, they become blueprints for thousands of other entrepreneurs watching closely. The success stories from previous cohorts are already inspiring new applications and bolder ideas.

Programs like this address a critical gap in Africa's startup ecosystem. While the continent overflows with creative solutions and entrepreneurial energy, the bridge between brilliant idea and scalable business often lacks crucial support structures. Qualcomm's initiative provides exactly that missing infrastructure.

For consumers and businesses across Africa, these startups could soon deliver tangible improvements. Better agricultural productivity means more food security. Cleaner energy solutions mean more reliable power. Digital health platforms mean better access to care in remote areas.

The Republic of the Congo's MVUTU and Zimbabwe's Mindora Corporation join this mission alongside their cohort peers, each bringing unique solutions to shared challenges.

As Africa's startup ecosystem matures, the emphasis on mentorship and capacity building signals a shift from simply funding ideas to nurturing sustainable businesses. The continent isn't just participating in the global innovation economy anymore; it's actively shaping it with homegrown solutions built for African realities that could scale worldwide.

These 10 startups now have the tools to turn their innovations into lasting impact.