The Empower Africa Business Platform is Now Live !!!
Global venture capital firm 500 Global has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to introduce its first founder-focused programs in Nairobi.
The initiative marks a major step in strengthening Africa’s startup ecosystem by providing entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and access to global networks.
The collaboration will see Nairobi host three programs this year, each tailored to different stages of a startup’s journey.
The first, called the Pre-Acceleration Academy, is designed for early-stage founders who are just beginning to shape their businesses.
The academy will run in person from October 6 to 12, offering guidance and foundational skills to help participants refine their ideas and prepare for growth.
The second program, known as the Sustainable Innovation Seed Accelerator, will support seed-stage companies working on solutions that address sustainability challenges.
By focusing on innovations that tackle environmental and social needs, the accelerator aims to equip startups with the tools to attract investment and scale their impact.
The third program is a Bootcamp for Accelerator Managers, targeting leaders of incubators and innovation hubs.
This training effort is linked to UNDP’s timbuktoo initiative, a pan-African program that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.
The bootcamp will focus on upskilling managers so they can better support founders and expand Africa’s innovation capacity.
According to 500 Global Partner Mareme Dieng, the launch of these programs demonstrates the firm’s commitment to working more closely with African entrepreneurs.
“We are excited to deepen our work with African founders and to provide the infrastructure needed for long-term innovation and growth,” she said.
UNDP Africa Director Ahunna Eziakonwa emphasized that the partnership combines the agency’s development expertise with 500 Global’s investment track record.
She noted that such collaborations can empower innovators to contribute to sustainable development while creating opportunities for inclusive growth across the continent.
500 Global has been active in Africa since 2011, investing in companies such as Chipper Cash, Smile Identity, Stitch, Money Fellows, and Asaak. Beyond funding, the firm has also partnered with institutions including Egypt’s ITIDA and Germany’s GIZ to strengthen local startup ecosystems.
Globally, it manages around $2.1 billion in assets and has supported more than 3,000 companies across 80 countries.
For UNDP, the programs build on its broader mission to reduce poverty, fight inequality, and address climate change through innovation. Its timbuktoo initiative has already been working with African startups to provide mentorship, access to finance, and global exposure.
Applications are now open for the Pre-Acceleration Academy and the Sustainable Innovation Seed Accelerator, giving founders across Africa a chance to benefit from tailored training and international networks.
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