2024 UNDP’s Acceleration Pilot Program For African AI Startups for Course

Eligibility Criteria

• Be based in one of the nine pilot countries outlined in the Italy-Africa Mattei Plan: Algeria, Republic of the Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Côte D’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, or Tunisia.
• Develop or be aspiring to develop AI solutions addressing one or more SDGs, focusing on Education and Training, Energy, Health, Agriculture, Water, and Infrastructure (both physical and digital).
• Contribute to the AI Hub’s pillars:
  • Compute distribution and affordability
  • Talent development and orchestration
  • Data quality, accessibility, and digitization
• Commit to responsible and sustainable AI  development and deployment practices.
• Have professional-level proficiency in English (required for at least one team member, who will also be expected to participate in the in-person activities of the programme).

Offered Benefits

Selected startups will participate in an ecosystem-building event hosted by INNOVIT and the Italian G7 Presidency in San Francisco, California, USA, on 12 – 14 November 2024, where they can showcase their solutions, attract investment, and network with Silicon Valley AI leaders.

Application Process

The Call for Applications will run from 19 July to 5 August 2024.

All materials must be submitted on or before the deadline. Only complete applications received by this deadline will be considered.

We particularly encourage: joint applications from existing startups collaborating on projects including with research organizations, other established private sector organizations, universities, accelerator networks nationally or regionally, that meet the programme’s criteria.

For any questions regarding this opportunity, please don't hesitate to email   for further information.

Required Documents:

Applicants must submit:

• A completed application form addressing eligibility, project details, and motivation.
• A concise company profile document (maximum 2 pages), providing an overview of the startup(s), mission, and key team members
• A PDF or PowerPoint pitch deck (maximum 15 slides) detailing the AI solution, its impact, and vision for growth.