Applications open for Ihifix AfriScale Business Fund 2025. Get $1,000+ to kickstart your business
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa can now apply for the Ihifix AfriScale Business Fund 2025, an international programme designed to combine funding support with digital skills and business development training.
Across Africa, entrepreneurs face familiar hurdles: limited access to finance, weak business structures, and a lack of sustainable growth strategies. The Ihifix initiative aims to close that gap by equipping founders not only with capital but also with the knowledge and tools to scale their businesses sustainably.
MSMEs account for over 90% of businesses in Africa, but often fail to scale beyond early stages due to structural gaps. By combining capital with structured learning, the AfriScale programme aims to create resilient businesses that are capable of expanding into new markets and adopting digital tools for increased efficiency.
What the programme offers
The AfriScale Business Fund blends training, mentorship, and funding in a two-month virtual experience. Key components include:
- Kickoff workshop (3–4 hours, live webinar): Founders will participate in an interactive session with expert trainers, exploring business model innovation, financial planning, digital marketing, and tech-driven growth strategies.
- Self-paced courses (via Google & HP platforms): Participants gain access to curated modules covering social media advertising, strategy, ICT tools, and cybersecurity, complete with certification.
- Mentorship phase: Industry mentors will provide personalised guidance, helping founders apply lessons directly to their businesses.
- Hackathon + Pitch competition: To close the programme, participants develop growth projects using digital tools. Selected teams will pitch for recognition, business toolkits, and grants.
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Benefits for participants
Ihifix AfriScale Business Fund 2025 goes beyond training to deliver tangible outcomes:
- Funding support: up to $3,000 in grants and a business support package valued at ₦600,000
- Digital empowerment: hands-on skills in e-commerce, social media marketing, cloud tools, and data analytics
- Smarter growth strategies: training in financial management, strategic planning, and sustainability practices
- Mentorship & peer network: access to experts and a supportive community of entrepreneurs across Africa
Who can apply
- Entrepreneurs operating micro, small, or medium-sized businesses in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa
- Businesses across diverse sectors, from retail and services to tech-enabled startups
- Founders committed to completing the two-month virtual programme
How to apply
Applications are now open through the official application portal. Interested founders will be required to share details about their business, including sector, size, and location and confirm availability for the two-month programme. Shortlisted applicants for the Ihifix AfriScale Business Fund 2025 will then join the live kickoff workshop, complete self-paced courses, and take part in the mentorship phase, hackathon, and final pitch competition.
Although a deadline has not yet been announced, early application is strongly advised to avoid the last-minute “fire-brigade” rush.
Successful participants will graduate with funding, certification, and practical strategies to strengthen their businesses for long-term growth.
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]
