MTN is backing African founders solving real-world challenges with ₦100M and zero equity taken

MTN Cloud Accelerator 2025, an initiative by MTN Group, has officially opened applications for African founders building bold, scalable cloud-native solutions. The accelerator offering selected startups access to a ₦100 million (approximately $130,000) non-equity grant pool, free access to MTN’s digital infrastructure, direct API integration, and tailored mentorship, all wrapped in a high-impact 12-week hybrid programme.

In an ecosystem where many accelerators take equity in exchange for vague “support,” MTN’s offering is refreshingly clear: build with us, grow with us and yes, keep your equity.

But what makes MTN Cloud Accelerator 2025 truly stand out is MTN Group`s positioning as more than just a telecom provider. Over the years, the group has evolved into a digital transformation engine, investing in pan-African innovation and platforms through initiatives like Chenosis, ayoba, and the Ambition 2025 strategy. The Cloud Accelerator is another bold move to back African founders building for the next billion users.

Why it matters now

If you’re a startup founder in Africa, you already know that access to patient capital, reliable cloud infrastructure, and enterprise partnerships can feel like pulling teeth. MTN Cloud Accelerator 2025 attempts to tackle all three.

Here’s what makes this opportunity particularly relevant right now:

• Capital without dilution: The ₦100 million (~$130k) funding is grant-based, meaning founders don’t have to trade ownership for capital, a rare offer in today’s funding climate.
• Technical muscle: MTN is offering cloud credits, API access, and direct integration with its infrastructure, allowing startups to build robust, scalable products without worrying about dev costs.
• Credibility + Visibility: Getting selected by MTN offers startups legitimacy in the eyes of investors, customers, and corporate partners. It’s an ecosystem signal that opens doors.

And with Africa’s tech scene experiencing a funding winter, where global venture capital has slowed and startups are being forced to prove traction earlier, a non-dilutive accelerator like this is not just timely; it’s essential.

What MTN Cloud Accelerator 2025 offers

MTN Cloud Accelerator 2025 is structured to help early-to-growth stage startups accelerate product development, unlock distribution at scale, and position for investment-readiness.

Here’s what selected participants will receive:

• Technical Resources: Cloud computing credits, data bundles, and sandbox access to MTN’s telco-grade APIs
• Product Integration Support: Access to MTN’s dev teams and cloud engineers to help integrate your solution into its platforms
• Strategic Mentorship: Industry-specific mentorship from tech leaders, ex-founders, and domain experts
• 12-Week Hybrid Bootcamp: A mix of remote workshops, product sprints, and physical immersion events culminating in a Demo Day
• Demo Day Showcase: Finalists pitch to MTN executives, ecosystem partners, and potential investors in Lagos, Nigeria

The program is designed to culminate in real outcomes: startup-MTN product integrations, proof-of-concept pilot launches, and potentially long-term procurement deals.

Who should apply?

The MTN Cloud Accelerator is open to startups operating across Africa, but there’s a clear preference for ventures with a product in market, some level of traction, and a clear use case for cloud or telco infrastructure.

You’re an ideal candidate if:

• You’re the founder or co-founder of a registered African startup
• Your company has an MVP or live product with user traction
• You’re building in sectors like healthtech, edtech, agritech, logistics, or fintech
• Your solution is cloud-native or benefits from telco partnerships
• You’re prepared to scale across MTN’s operational markets
• Your team can commit to a 12-week program (hybrid)

Bonus points if your startup already has active users or pilot clients in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, or South Africa, regions where MTN’s digital services are most dominant.

As stated on the programme website:

The MTN Cloud Accelerator 2025, is a 12-week program designed to help African startups grow faster by leveraging MTN’s products, platforms, and partners. Whether you’re scaling digital payments, transforming healthcare, or reimagining agriculture — we’ll give you the tools, funding, and network to go further.

However, MTN’s accelerator isn’t casting a wide net. It’s looking for precision builders. The focus is on growth-stage startups with working products and a clear understanding of their users. Ideal applicants are tackling persistent, often overlooked challenges in fintech, health, education, agriculture, or digital infrastructure, from cybersecurity to AI and e-commerce. Startups working in or for underserved and rural communities stand out, as the program leans into scalable solutions that go beyond surface innovation and dig into systemic African problems.

Key programme dates

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are strongly encouraged.

 How to apply

Startups can apply by filling out the application form on the official MTN Cloud Accelerator page. You’ll need to submit:

• A short founder bio
• Business overview (problem, solution, market)
• Pitch deck or product demo link
• Clear explanation of how MTN’s tools will support your growth

Past learnings, future proof

While MTN has run startup-facing initiatives before, this is the first time the company is publicly anchoring a cloud-first, infrastructure-backed, non-equity accelerator that explicitly targets digital product builders.

From fintech APIs to IoT and USSD integrations, MTN’s digital toolkits are already being used in the background of many African apps. MTN Cloud Accelerator 2025 is a programme designed to bring those partnerships to the forefront and put the spotlight on scalable African innovation.“This Is MTN’s Call for Co-Builders”. What’s clear is that MTN isn’t just offering resources, it’s searching for co-builders who can help shape the future of African digital infrastructure.

For founders, this is more than just a funding opportunity. It’s a chance to build with a giant, integrate into a powerful ecosystem, and emerge with both credibility and capital. In a space where most accelerators give founders pitch decks and PDFs, MTN is offering actual pipes, real infrastructure, distribution, and muscle. That’s what makes this accelerator an opportunity worth taking.

Final call

If you’re building for Africa and believe your startup deserves a bigger stage, don’t sleep on this. Apply to be one of MTN Cloud Accelerator 2025 cohort before the deadline on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Know a founder who needs this? Share this article with them immediately.

Do you have an innovative business (small, mid-scale business or startup) that adds value, creates opportunities or solves bold problems? Then you`ve got a story worth telling? Shoot us an email with SUBJECT “Story Worth Telling (+Name of Business)” to [email protected]