African startups solving the continent’s toughest challenges now have a unique opportunity to scale their solutions with the support of Africa’s largest telecommunications provider. MTN Nigeria has opened applications for the 2025 MTN Cloud Accelerator Program, a fully sponsored, 12-week hybrid programme designed to accelerate startups with funding, deep product integration, and access to MTN’s platforms, APIs, and cloud infrastructure.
Whether your startup is advancing fintech, transforming rural health systems, or revolutionising digital identity, the MTN Cloud Accelerator Program offers tailored support to grow faster, reach wider, and unlock real impact.
Host Country
Nigeria (hybrid programme — virtual + 2 in-person weeks in Lagos)
Application Deadline
15 August 2025
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to African startups that meet the following criteria:
- A live product or minimum viable product (MVP)
- Proven customer traction or early growth
- A team with deep insight into the market they serve
- A clear focus on one or more of the following sectors:
- Fintech and Digital Payments
- HealthTech
- EdTech
- AgriTech
- AI and Data Infrastructure
- Cybersecurity and Digital Identity
- Retail and E-commerce
- Startups addressing the needs of underserved or rural communities
- Startups do not need to be MTN customers to apply
Renew Venture Lab Investment and Training Opportunity for African Startups
Programme Structure
The MTN Cloud Accelerator will run from 6 September to 6 December 2025, with activities broken into three phases:
- Onboarding (Sep 1, 2025): Announcement of selected startups
- Programme Duration (Sep 6 – Dec 6, 2025): Virtual sessions, hands-on support, and expert mentorship
- In-person sessions: Two required travel weeks in Lagos (Week 1 Kickoff and Week 12 Demo Day)
- Demo Day (Nov 18, 2025): Showcase to investors, MTN leadership, and media partners
Startups will receive training in go-to-market strategies, technical integration, cloud deployment, and investor readiness.
Core Benefits
- ₦5 million grant funding per startup, from a total of ₦100 million disbursed per cohort
- Full access to MTN’s suite of APIs, including MoMo, MTN Cloud, and Chenosis
- Sales and go-to-market (GTM) support through MTN’s internal teams
- Investor pitch coaching, demo preparation, and introductions to active VCs
- One-on-one mentorship with seasoned experts and advisors
- Access to cloud credits and technical advisory services
- Continued support for pilot projects, strategic partnerships, and possible mergers or acquisitions after the programme
There is no cost to participate, and MTN will not take equity in the selected startups.
Expected Outcome
- Deploy pilot integrations with MTN’s platforms or partners
- Refine business models for scale
- Gain high-level visibility through Demo Day
- Connect with investors and explore funding opportunities
- Become eligible for long-term collaboration with MTN
How to Apply
Interested startups should apply by completing the online application form available on the MTN Cloud Accelerator platform.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 August 2025
- Cohort Announcement: 1 September 2025
- Programme Duration: 6 September – 6 December 2025
- Demo Day: 18 November 2025
APPLY FOR THE MTN CLOUD ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
Discover more from Leaving Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
