Deadline: 15 June 2025
Submissions are now open for the Startup Africa Roadtrip Program to support top entrepreneurs and innovators in East Africa.
The program is specifically looking for startups and innovators who are working on ideas with the potential for scalable impact. They are seeking solutions that not only address local challenges but also have the capacity to expand globally and drive meaningful change.
Focus Areas
- This initiative seeks to identify business ideas and startups, tackling challenges in various areas, including (but not limited to):
- Education
- Startups dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and fostering innovative learning techniques
- Health & Well-Being
- Startups committed to enhancing physical and mental health through well-being programs and health innovations
- ICT & Fintech
- Startups aimed at transforming financial services and promoting digital financial inclusion
- Agritech
- Ventures focused on improving agricultural methods and promoting sustainable farming practices
- Climate & Environment
- Innovators dedicated to addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Startups focused on enriching travel experiences and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
- Blue Economy
- Startups committed to sustainable utilization of ocean resources and promoting marine conservation
- Logistics & Port Management
- Ventures focused on optimizing logistics processes and promoting efficient port operations
- Education
Benefits
- If your startup is chosen to join the bootcamp week you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in intensive training sessions designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to grow your startup. You will meet with key local and Italian stakeholders, including industry experts, investors, and ecosystem partners, who will provide valuable insights and guidance tailored to your specific needs. In addition to learning from experienced mentors, you will also have the chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, sharing ideas, challenges, and opportunities.
- What to Expect During the Bootcamp Week:
- Training and Learning: Participants will immerse themselves in intensive training sessions designed to equip them with essential skills and knowledge to grow their startups.
- Networking with Key Stakeholders: They will have the opportunity to network with mentors, potential investors, partners, and other key stakeholders, gaining valuable insights and making important connections.
- Personalized Mentorship: Startups will refine their early business features with personalized mentorship, working with experts to maximize their projects’ potential.
- Pitching and Storytelling: Participants will enhance their storytelling skills and develop compelling pitches to effectively communicate their ideas, through different pitch rehearsals.
- Investor Presentations: Startups will have the chance to present their ideas to the local investor network and other influential individuals, fostering meaningful conversations and potential collaborations.
- Community Building: All participating startups will become part of their vibrant community of professionals and innovators who share similar passions and ambitions, creating opportunities for ongoing support and collaboration.
- On Demo Day, a panel of judges from Tanzania’s innovation ecosystem will evaluate the pitches and select the top 4 startups. These finalists will be awarded a fully funded trip to Italy to connect with the Italian innovation ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria
- The program is open to established entities, as well as individual candidates or teams with members over the age of 18. The idea/startup must operate within the East African territory. Startups must promote social and sustainable innovation within their business projects. The presence of diversity within the team will be positively evaluated.
Application Requirements
- To apply, they’ll need detailed information about your team, your project, and your startup, including insights into your revenues, customers, and overall vision. This is your chance to showcase your startup’s potential and set the stage for what’s to come.
- What You Need:
- Pitch Deck (mandatory)
- Business Plan (optional)
For more information, visit BeEntrepreneurs.