Are you an incubator or accelerator in Africa ready to scale your impact? We invite you to apply to join timbuktoo’s Incubator Network, a pan-African platform uniting top incubators across the continent under UNDP’s flagship innovation initiative. timbuktoo aims to revolutionize Africa’s startup ecosystem by mobilizing $1 billion to support 10,000 startups and scale 1,000+ startups within a decade.
As a network partner, you will work hand-in-hand with timbuktoo’s thematic Hubs to co-incubate startups across key sectors, fueling Africa’s next generation of successful ventures. Joining timbuktoo means plugging into a continent-wide alliance dedicated to entrepreneurship and inclusive growth – together, we’ll unlock Africa’s innovation potential!
Why Join the timbuktoo Network?
By becoming a timbuktoo Network Incubator, your organization gains access to a powerful platform and support system to amplify your reach and results. Here’s what’s in it for you:
Pan‑African Visibility & Collaboration: Connect with a continental network of incubators and Hubs in the timbuktoo initiative, positioning your organization at the heart of Africa’s innovation ecosystem
Capacity Building & Best Practices: Sharpen your edge through regular training sessions, workshops and webinars provided by timbuktoo. Learn global best practices in incubation, program design, startup evaluation and more.
Access to Resources, Mentors & Community: Unlock exclusive resources on timbuktoo’s digital platform, including extensive mentor network of local and global industry experts, community of forward-looking African incubators, cohort management tools, data tracking dashboards and a rich library of case studies and templates.
Partner with Thematic Hubs: Selected incubators will work closely with timbuktoo Hubs in your sector or region. This close Hub collaboration ensures your startups get specialized domain support and a direct pathway to advanced programs and funding.
Streamlined Digital Platform: All network partners get full access to timbuktoo’s integrated platform for startup support. Manage your cohorts, track KPIs, and coordinate mentor interactions all in one place.
Funding Opportunities: Being part of timbuktoo opens doors to partnerships with our global investors and donors, strengthening your funding pipeline for programs and startups alike.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for ambitious, impact-driven incubators and accelerators based in any African country to join this network. You should consider applying if your organization meets the following eligibility criteria:
Africa-based incubator/accelerator: You are headquartered on the African continent and primarily serve African startups.
Established track record: You have experience running startup incubation or acceleration programs, with demonstrated results. We seek organizations with proven success in nurturing startups and a track record of fostering innovation.
Experienced team & mentors: You have a dedicated program team and access to a network of mentors or industry experts with capabilities in managing programs and interfacing with the timbuktoo platform.
Sector focus: We welcome incubators across all thematic sectors – whether you focus on tech startups broadly or specialize in areas like agriculture, health, fintech, climate, education, manufacturing, creative industries, and more. timbuktoo’s Hubs span multiple themes, so no matter your niche, there’s a place for you.
Commitment to diversity and impact: Your mission should align with inclusive and sustainable growth. timbuktoo is about empowering diverse innovators (including women, youth, and underserved communities) to drive the SDGs and economic development.
Growth mindset and collaboration: You are eager to learn, share, and collaborate. As a network partner, you’ll be adopting some new tools/methodologies and contributing to a collective effort.
Selection Criteria
Meeting the minimum eligibility allows you to apply; selection will be competitive. A review committee will evaluate applications based on key criteria, including:
Track record of impact: The number of startups supported and the outcomes achieved. We’ll look at your portfolio’s successes (revenue growth, investments raised, user adoption, and more.) and how your support contributed. Strong candidates have proven success in supporting startups, evidenced by alumni traction or awards.
Capacity and readiness: Your organizational ability to participate fully in the timbuktoo network. This includes having skilled staff, program managers, and resources to run incubation activities and engage with our digital platform. We’ll assess the robustness of your program design, curriculum, and mentorship model. Established operational processes and the ability to handle an influx of startups (post-selection) are a plus.
Mentorship & expertise: Access to experienced mentors or industry partners who can guide startups is a key quality marker. We’ll consider the depth and diversity of your mentor pool, and how you involve experts in your programs.
Alignment with timbuktoo’s mission: We want partners who share our vision of sustainable, inclusive innovation across Africa. Your application should convey why you want to join this pan-African platform and how your goals align with timbuktoo’s.
Geographic and sector representation: An incubator’s local context and the ecosystem gap it fills will be considered – for instance, bringing on partners from underrepresented countries or sectors is valuable to us.
Scalability and sustainability: Your vision for growth – both for your startups and your own organization. We seek partners that can effectively leverage timbuktoo’s platform to accelerate their own growth and sustainability, thereby reaching more entrepreneurs over time.
Ready to Transform Africa’s Startup Ecosystem? Apply Now!
We encourage you to prepare early and put your best foot forward. This is a competitive opportunity to join a select group of incubators shaping Africa’s future. If you have the passion and track record, we want to hear from you.
Apply by January 10, 2026: timbuktoo Pan-African Incubator Network Application Form