Nigeria’s technology ecosystem has taken another bold step forward as MTN Nigeria officially unveiled its much-anticipated Cloud Accelerator Program, selecting 20 innovative startups for the inaugural cohort. The initiative, which officially kicks off on September 6, 2025, is designed to empower growth-stage African startups with financial support, access to cutting-edge technology, mentorship, and market opportunities.
The program arrives at a crucial moment for Nigeria’s startup scene, which has often been hampered by limited infrastructure, high operating costs, and inadequate funding. By leveraging its massive network, data centre infrastructure, and cloud technology, MTN is signaling its commitment to shaping the future of digital innovation across Africa.
A New Era for African Startups
MTN describes the Cloud Accelerator Program as a 12-week hybrid accelerator, combining virtual sessions with in-person engagements. Applications opened in July 2025, with over a thousand submissions pouring in from across Nigeria and Africa. After rigorous screening, only 20 startups made it into the final cohort, each selected for their scalability, innovation, and potential to impact communities.
The program will run until December 6, 2025, with a Demo Day scheduled for November 18. On that day, the startups will showcase their solutions to potential investors, venture capitalists, and corporate partners.
What sets MTN’s accelerator apart is its non-equity model. Instead of taking ownership stakes, MTN is providing ₦5 million in grant funding per startup—amounting to ₦100 million in total for this first cohort. In addition to funding, participants will receive access to MTN’s extensive APIs, including its MoMo fintech services, SMS/USSD infrastructure, Chenosis API hub, and Cloud solutions. They will also benefit from mentorship, technical guidance, and one-on-one coaching sessions with seasoned industry experts.
Why It Matters
For years, Nigerian startups have struggled to scale beyond pilot phases. Infrastructure gaps—particularly in reliable cloud hosting, cybersecurity, and access to enterprise-level APIs—have stunted growth. MTN’s recent $235 million investment in the Dabengwa Sifiso Data Centre and its tier-3 cloud infrastructure have provided a foundation for this new program. The accelerator is not just a funding initiative; it is a platform to help startups build, test, and scale in an environment that rivals global standards.
By lowering barriers and removing the equity clause, MTN is also addressing a major pain point for African founders who often have to give up large equity stakes early in their journeys. Instead, the Cloud Accelerator leaves ownership intact, while still offering exposure to MTN’s 77 million subscribers in Nigeria and its continental footprint.
Meet the First Cohort
The 20 selected startups represent some of the most dynamic sectors shaping Africa’s digital economy, from fintech to agritech, healthtech, and sustainability. Here are some standouts:
- DoktorConnect – Founded by Joseph Olowe, this healthtech startup uses FDA-certified IoT devices to deliver preventive care and remote health monitoring.
- MYITURA – An integrated health platform by Shina Arogundade, focusing on creating a connected digital health ecosystem.
- Regxta – Founded by Bello Rukayat, Regxta provides AI-powered digital banking solutions to underserved populations, bringing financial inclusion to the grassroots.
- Creditchek – Led by Kingsley Ibe, this startup leverages machine learning tools to improve credit assessment and prevent fraud in financial services.
- Trashcoin Ltd. – Founded by Olamide Phebe Ilesanmi, Trashcoin turns recycling into a fintech opportunity, enabling people to earn rewards while keeping communities clean.
- Scrapays Inc. – A decentralized recycling platform, Scrapays has already reached over 36,700 households and is building infrastructure to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
- Agrovesto – An agritech company founded by Bayo Adewoye, Agrovesto has raised the income of over 20,000 farmers by between 30 and 60 percent through data-driven agricultural solutions.
- XChangeBOX – Led by Abiola Jimoh, this startup seeks to modernize Nigeria’s agro-commodity trading system and improve export potential.
Together, these companies showcase the diversity of Nigerian innovation. From health and finance to the environment and food systems, the cohort reflects the continent’s pressing challenges—and the homegrown solutions rising to meet them.
Beyond Funding: Building an Ecosystem
MTN’s Cloud Accelerator is not just about writing cheques; it is about creating an ecosystem for long-term success. Startups will gain direct exposure to investors and access to go-to-market support, strategic partnerships, and even potential mergers or acquisitions in the future.
According to MTN executives, the program is designed with a “From Africa, For Africa” philosophy, ensuring that startups are not only solving local problems but are also scalable across the continent. By the end of the 12 weeks, participants will have refined business models, strengthened technical foundations, and clearer paths to expansion.
The choice of sectors is also telling. By focusing on fintech, healthtech, agritech, sustainability, AI, and edtech, MTN is aligning the program with the key drivers of Africa’s digital economy. These industries not only offer financial returns but also deliver social impact—addressing poverty, health gaps, education, and environmental degradation.
A Signal to Global Investors
The unveiling of MTN’s Cloud Accelerator is also a powerful signal to the global investment community. Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, already Africa’s largest by volume of deals, has struggled with funding slowdowns in recent years. This program, backed by one of Africa’s largest telecoms, could reignite investor confidence and showcase Nigeria as a hub of innovation worth backing.
Conclusion
The launch of the MTN Cloud Accelerator Program marks a new chapter for Nigerian and African startups. With its blend of funding, technical resources, mentorship, and access to infrastructure, MTN is offering more than just support—it is offering a pathway to scale.
For the 20 startups in this first cohort, the journey from September to December 2025 will be intense, transformative, and potentially game-changing. For Nigeria, the accelerator represents a bold investment in the future of innovation, signaling that the country is ready not just to consume technology but to build and export it.
If successful, this program could serve as a blueprint for how corporate giants can work hand in hand with startups to unlock Africa’s digital future.
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