MTN Nigeria has unveiled the first cohort of its highly anticipated Cloud Accelerator Programme, selecting 20 innovative Nigerian startups to drive Africa’s digital transformation.
Announced at the company’s headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos, the 12-week hybrid programme offers ₦100 million in grants, access to MTN’s robust cloud infrastructure, and strategic partnerships to help these startups scale across the continent.
The selected startups span fintech, healthtech, agritech, edtech, and cleantech, showcasing Nigeria’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Cloud Accelerator Programme is a cornerstone of MTN Nigeria’s commitment to fostering innovation. Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria, emphasised the programme’s significance during the announcement.
“Today is not just another launch. It is the beginning of a bold new chapter in Africa’s digital transformation story. It all began with a dream: to build a world-class data centre and launch MTN Cloud, a solution designed to deliver on world-class capabilities without the usual barriers. Building on that momentum, we made a promise: to create an Accelerator Program that would empower African startups to scale, thrive, and lead globally. And today, we have delivered.
For too long, our continent has been described as ‘emerging’. But what we see are markets already bursting with innovation, resilience, and grit. What African entrepreneurs lack is not ideas, but the right environment, partners, and tools to scale globally. And that is exactly what this programme provides.”
The programme builds on MTN’s investment in Africa’s tech infrastructure, including the launch of MTN Cloud, a world-class data centre designed to remove barriers for startups. By leveraging MTN’s APIs, cloud platforms, and Africa’s largest telecom network, the selected startups are poised to achieve global competitiveness.
Meet the first MTN Nigeria Cloud Accelerator Programme cohort
The 20 startups chosen for the 2025 cohort are tackling some of Africa’s most pressing challenges. Each has a minimum viable product (MVP) or live product, proven customer traction, and a focus on high-impact sectors. Below are highlights of some standout startups:
- DoktorConnect, led by Joseph Olowe, is revolutionising healthcare with FDA-certified IoT devices. The startup shifts the focus from reactive to preventive care, improving health outcomes across Nigeria.
- MYITURA, founded by Shina Arogundade, is building integrated digital health ecosystems. Its solutions aim to streamline healthcare delivery across Africa, particularly in underserved areas.
- Regxta, under Bello Rukayat’s leadership, uses AI-powered digital banking to target 600 million underserved Africans. The platform offers accessible financial services to communities often excluded from traditional banking.
- Creditchek, led by Kingsley Ibe, develops machine learning tools for credit assessment and fraud prevention. Its technology is enhancing trust in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
- Trashcoin Limited, founded by Olamide Phebe Ilesanmi, is Africa’s first eco-fintech platform. It digitises recycling, incentivising sustainable practices and creating economic opportunities.
- Scrapays Inc., led by Boluwatife Arewa, has built a decentralised recycling infrastructure. The startup has already impacted over 36,700 households, promoting a circular economy.
- Agrovesto, under Bayo Adewoye, boosts farmer incomes by 30–60%. Serving over 20,000 farmers, it leverages technology to enhance agricultural productivity.
- XChangeBOX, led by Abiola Jimoh, drives excellence in agro-commodity trading and exports. Its platform connects farmers to global markets, fostering economic growth.
These startups represent Nigeria’s diverse innovation landscape, addressing critical needs in rural and underserved communities. Their selection underscores MTN’s focus on solutions tailored to African challenges.
Programme structure and benefits
The MTN Cloud Accelerator Programme runs from September 6 to December 6, 2025. It combines virtual and in-person sessions, with two weeks of in-person activities in Lagos: the kickoff in Week 1 and Demo Day on November 18, 2025. During Demo Day, startups will pitch to investors, media, and potential partners, showcasing their solutions and growth potential.
Participants receive a robust support system, including:
₦100 million in grants: Each startup receives ₦5 million in equity-free funding to fuel growth, integration, and pilot readiness.
MTN platform integration: Access to MTN Cloud, MoMo, Chenosis APIs, and other tools to enhance product development.
Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from industry experts to refine business strategies.
Go-to-market support: Sales and marketing assistance from MTN teams to accelerate customer acquisition.
Investor opportunities: pitch coaching and warm introductions to venture capitalists.
Post-programme support: Potential pilots, commercial partnerships, or integration into MTN’s product stack.
The programme is fully sponsored, requiring no equity from participants.
The MTN Cloud Accelerator Programme aligns with MTN Nigeria’s broader mission to accelerate Africa’s digital economy.