Application Deadline: Varies by Country
The Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech Accelerator 2026 is a transformative initiative designed to empower women-led, tech-enabled startups that are driving social and economic impact across Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan.
This highly competitive program is part of Standard Chartered Foundation’s broader mission to promote financial inclusion, innovation, and gender equality by supporting female entrepreneurs with the tools, funding, and networks they need to scale sustainable businesses.
The accelerator is implemented in partnership with Village Capital, a global organization that works with local ecosystem partners in each participating country. Through this collaboration, founders receive context-specific support, strategic mentorship, and technical guidance, ensuring that each startup benefits from both global expertise and local market insights.
Program Focus
The Women in Tech Accelerator targets startups that:
- Are women-led or co-founded by women
- Use technology as a core part of their business model
- Are creating measurable social or environmental impact
- Have strong potential for growth and scalability
Eligible Countries
Startups must be operating in one of the following countries:
- Bahrain
- Botswana
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Uganda
- Zambia
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the program, applicants must:
- Be a female founder, co-founder, or leader of the startup
- Run a tech-enabled business (digital platform, innovation-driven solution, etc.)
- Demonstrate clear impact potential (social, environmental, or economic)
- Operate within any of the eligible countries listed above
- Be committed to participating fully in the accelerator program
Program Benefits
Peer Connections
Participants will join a vibrant community of like-minded female founders, gaining access to:
- Industry experts
- Experienced mentors
- Investors and ecosystem leaders
This network provides valuable opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and long-term support.
Also read: She Code Africa Laptop Scholarship 2026: Free Laptops for African Women and Girls in Tech
Funding Opportunities
The program offers access to over USD $600,000 in grant funding, distributed annually across participating countries.
Top-performing startups will have the opportunity to:
- Secure non-dilutive grants
- Gain exposure to investors and funding partners
- Improve their chances of raising additional capital
Business Growth & Development
Each startup receives a personalized growth plan tailored to its unique needs, helping founders:
- Identify key growth opportunities
- Strengthen operational efficiency
- Scale sustainably in competitive markets
Training & Investment Readiness
Participants will benefit from intensive training designed to:
- Refine business models and value propositions
- Improve financial planning and strategy
- Enhance pitching and fundraising skills
By the end of the program, founders will be investment-ready and better positioned for scaling.
Also read: African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) 2026 for Young Africans (Fully Funded)
Available Country Programs & Partners
The accelerator is delivered through trusted local partners in each country:
- Botswana: The Dream Factory
- Egypt: (Local partner varies)
- Ghana: Ghana Climate Innovation Center (GCIC)
- Kenya: (Local partner varies)
- Nigeria: Enterprise Development Centre (EDC)
- South Africa: WomHub
- Uganda: Innovation Village
- Zambia: BongoHive
Each partner ensures localized support and market-specific expertise.
Why You Should Apply
The Women in Tech Accelerator is more than just a program—it’s a launchpad for ambitious female entrepreneurs looking to:
- Scale their startups globally
- Access funding without giving up equity
- Build strong networks and partnerships
- Gain world-class training and mentorship
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official program page:
https://vilcap.com/programs/women-in-tech-accelerator-2026
If you are a female entrepreneur building a tech-driven solution and looking for funding, mentorship, and global exposure, this accelerator offers a powerful opportunity to take your business to the next level.
Don’t miss your chance to join a growing community of impact-driven women transforming industries across emerging markets.