GIZ
Giz Foundation

Make-IT Accelerator

Through a 9-month program, founders received expert mentorship, business development support, and access to investors and corporate partners to help scale their innovations and drive impact across Africa.

January 01, 2018 - Aug. 31, 2018

In partnership with GIZ, the Make-IT Accelerator program was designed to support entrepreneurs building tech-driven businesses across Africa. The program was implemented in four countries—Mozambique, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Through a 9-month accelerator program, founders gained access to expert mentors, knowledge, B2B connections and financing partners, and strategic opportunities to support successful business growth.

The Make-IT Accelerator, was structured into three core phases:

  1. Inspire – Achieve the capacity for growth:
    Cohort-based training and capacity development, including individualized needs assessments, scaling plans, and regular meetings with experienced mentors to support business development and growth.
  2. Corporate partnership and investment opportunities:
    Founders were equipped with the skills and confidence to negotiate successful partnerships and investment deals. The program also provided structured matchmaking opportunities with a network of investors and corporate partners.
  3. Develop – From investment readiness to investment:
    Support from finance and investment experts to prepare startups for investment, including deal negotiation training, investment readiness preparation, and pitch coaching for a final Demo Day.

Impact

  • 190 applications received from aspiring tech entrepreneurs
  • 30 entrepreneurs trained to build and scale their businesses
  • $660,000 invested in accelerating the growth of tech startups