AfCFTA, Korea Launch Startup Acceleration Programme For 30 African Startups

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Startup Acceleration and Partnership Programme 2026 for 30 African startups in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Korea-Africa Foundation (KAF).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the initiative was launched by the AfCFTA Secretariat to strengthen economic cooperation, trade, innovation and private-sector partnerships between African countries and Korea under the AfCFTA framework.

According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the programme will support about 30 African startups operating in strategic sectors, including fintech, digital commerce, manufacturing, logistics and agricultural value chains.

The statement noted that selected startups would benefit from business acceleration support, mentorship opportunities, capacity-building programmes, market exposure and investment networking opportunities in the Republic of Korea.

The Ministry encouraged qualified Nigerian entrepreneurs and startups with scalable and innovative business models to apply for the programme and leverage the opportunity to promote Africa-Korea commercial engagement and sustainable economic development.

It advised interested applicants to visit the official AfCFTA website for detailed eligibility criteria, programme guidelines, and application procedures, adding that the application deadline was fixed for May 31, 2026.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates Nigeria’s commitment to supporting continental economic integration, youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic international partnerships that advance national and regional development objectives,” Ebienfa stated.