The VilCap Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Africa Program is back for its second phase, focusing on strengthening climate innovation across several African countries.

This program, launched for 2025, aims to empower startups in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania by offering a platform for sustainable, tech-driven solutions to tackle some of the continent’s most pressing climate challenges.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to for-profit entities that meet the following eligibility criteria:

The company must be legally incorporated and operate in at least one of the five participating countries (Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania) or plan to expand into these regions.
The startup must have a market-based tech solution addressing one of the following challenges: Climate Adaptation, Renewable Energy, Blue Economy, or Food Security.
Compliance with local fiscal and business laws is essential.
The company should have at least two full-time founders based in one of the five countries.
A minimum viable product (MVP) is required, and the startup must have raised less than USD 1M in equity.
Demonstrated customer or business validation is important, which can include successful pilot studies, user numbers, or strategic partnerships, in addition to revenue.

Program Categories

Blue Economy

This category includes startups focusing on industries such as fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology, marine conservation, eco-tourism, and marine litter management.

Climate Adaptation

Startups in this category are developing technologies such as early warning systems, risk mapping tools, meteorological data technologies, carbon capture solutions, green infrastructure, and water management technologies.

Food Security

This includes innovations in precision agriculture, enhanced irrigation systems, supply chain management, transportation logistics, and cold-chain technologies to ensure food security across the continent.

Renewable Energy

Startups focusing on microgrid technologies, clean cooking solutions, solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro power, energy management software, and energy payment platforms are also encouraged to apply.

Program Benefits

Expert Advice

Participants will have access to a virtual investor forum and mock board meetings with industry leaders, financial institutions, and experienced entrepreneurs, offering invaluable insights on scaling their solutions.

Continued Learning

Through live and asynchronous virtual sessions, startups will have the opportunity to identify key milestones and prepare for the next stages of funding or expansion.

Financial Analysis

Startups will benefit from one-on-one coaching with an investment analyst, who will assist in building a solid financial model, understanding unit economics, and using financial metrics to drive both business success and investor confidence.

Media Exposure

Startups will gain exposure on Village Capital’s program website and other communications channels, showcasing their innovations to a broader audience.

Mentorship

Participants will have the chance to meet and receive mentorship from prominent investors, potential strategic partners, customers, and other funders.

Networking

The program offers access to an extensive network of mentors and funders, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and support.

Key Dates and Timeline

March 10, 2025: Applications open
April 30, 2025: Application deadline
Mid-May 2025: Announcement of the pre-accelerator cohort
September 2025: Announcement of the investment-readiness cohort
Pre-accelerator Workshops:
- Cohort 1: May 19 – July 11, 2025
- Cohort 2: June 20 – August 15, 2025
Investment-readiness Program Workshops:
- Cohort 1: September 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Cohort 2: February 1, 2026 – June 1, 2026
June 2026: Program Summit

How to Apply

Startups should apply based on their country of operation.

The deadline for applications is April 30, 2025.

For more details, click HERE to apply.