The timbuktoo Pan-African Incubation Network is now accepting applications from incubation hubs across the continent for its inaugural cohort. This initiative invites incubators to join a long-term pan-African alliance committed to strengthening and professionalising incubation support across Africa.
Selected incubators will work closely with timbuktoo’s thematic hubs to co-design and implement incubation programmes, gaining access to a shared digital platform, standardized playbooks, tools, and expert mentors. This collaboration aims to streamline startup support, boost the quality of incubation services, and create a more consistent pathway for founders from idea stage to scale.
Through this partnership, participating incubators will enhance their visibility, expand opportunities for the entrepreneurs they serve, and contribute to a continental infrastructure for startup growth. This includes mentorship, market access, funding pathways, and tailored ecosystem support.
Applications for the first cohort are open from 1 December 2025 to 10 January 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Eligibility and Application Criteria
The call is open to incubators based in any African country, including independent hubs, university-affiliated incubators, corporate-backed programmes, and public sector incubators. Applicants should demonstrate a track record of supporting startups, operational capacity, and commitment to advancing entrepreneurial ecosystems.
How to Apply
Apply here.
Applicants will be asked to provide information on:
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Institutional profile: legal status, location, mission, founding date
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Programmes and track record: alumni successes, impact metrics, operating model
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Services offered: coaching, mentorship, workspace, funding support, events, and more
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Team capacity: staffing, languages, mentor networks
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Infrastructure and resources: facilities, equipment, digital tools
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Funding model and operational sustainability
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Motivation for joining the timbuktoo network and alignment with its approach
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Strengths or expertise that would contribute to the pan-African alliance
Supporting documents — such as registration proofs, organizational profiles, and optional materials — will accompany the application.
Selection and Expectations
Selected incubators will commit to working within timbuktoo’s shared frameworks and tools, participating in training sessions, and adopting best practices that strengthen incubation standards across the continent. The partnership does not include operational funding, but aims to enable greater opportunities for founders through coordinated support systems.
Applicants must designate a primary contact person and ensure readiness for a multi-year partnership focused on ecosystem building, knowledge-sharing, and startup support excellence.
Applications close on 10 January 2026 at midnight UTC.
Applications are open for the timbuktoo Pan-African Incubation Network, a new initiative bringing together incubators across Africa to build a long-term continental alliance for startup support. Selected partners will collaborate with timbuktoo’s hubs to co-design incubation programmes, access shared tools and mentors, and strengthen the pathway from idea to scale for African startups. The call is open from 1 December 2025 to 10 January 2026 and invites incubators with demonstrated track records, operational capacity, and commitment to ecosystem development. Applicants must provide organizational details, programme evidence, impact metrics, and motivation for joining the network.
For more opportunities, click here.
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