The Challenger Digital and Green Accelerator Program (Challenger D&G) for Early-Stage Southern African Startups 2026 is now accepting applications. Interested candidates are urged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and to apply.
About The Challenger Digital and Green Accelerator Programme (Challenger D&G) for Early- Stage Southern African Startups
Opportunity Details
The Challenger Digital and Green Accelerator Programme (Challenger D&G) is an innovative, multi-country initiative dedicated to fostering impactful digital, green, and circular solutions for sustainability across Southern Africa. The programme directly addresses urgent regional and global challenges - climate change, food and water security, ecosystem resilience, energy transition, green mobility, smart built environments, waste management, and environmental data capacity.
Benefits of The Challenger Digital and Green Accelerator Programme (Challenger D&G) for Early- Stage Southern African Startups
- Virtual acceleration (Nov 2025–May 2026) focused on business model refinement, scaling strategies, and leadership training
- One-on-one and peer mentorship from Africa/Europe’s top entrepreneurs, investors, and technical experts
- Training to perfect fundraising strategy and pitch; direct links to venture funders and corporate partners
- Market visibility via events (Latitude59 in Nairobi and Estonia), global platforms, media and partner networks
- Cohort community access to a like-minded network of startups, shared learning, regional and international connections
Competitive benefits:
- Up to 25 startups selected for tailored acceleration
- Top 3–6 startups will attend Latitude59 in Nairobi (Dec 2025); top 3 will go to Latitude59 Estonia (May 2026)
- €15,000 (Euro) grant prize pool awarded to the top 3 startups at programme end
The Challenger Digital and Green Accelerator Programme (Challenger D&G) for Early- Stage Southern African Startups Requirements
- Early-stage startups (≤ 5 years old), registered in South Africa, Namibia, or Botswana
- Strong preference for youth, female, and/or black-owned enterprises
- Solutions must fit at least one Challenger D&G focus area and be ready for advanced pilot or market entry (TRL 4–7 minimum)
- Detailed problem statement, solution outline, competitor analysis, business model, route-to-market/sustainability plan, team bios, risk analysis, and pitch video required
- Mandatory documents: CIPC registration, shareholding structure (if applicable), company profile, tax certificate, ID for main contact, concise team CVs
Application Date and Process
Submit full proposals (including pitch video and required docs) via the F6S portal: https://www.f6s.com/digital-green-tech-innovation-ap/about
For queries: [email protected]
Application Deadline
14 November, 2025
Scholarship Application Portal
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The Challenger Digital and Green Accelerator Programme (Challenger D&G) for Early- Stage Southern African Startups
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