The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has opened applications for its new pan-African EdTech incubation initiative, Get Ready 4 Timbuktoo, aimed at supporting early-stage startups across the continent, the agency announced on Thursday.
The three-month online programme targets African EdTech companies with working prototypes, offering up to 50 selected startups tailored diagnostics, specialised training, weekly mentoring, and access to grant funding. Participants will also gain entry into the Timbuktoo network, a continental platform connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and education innovators.
“The Get Ready 4 Timbuktoo programme is designed to equip African EdTech startups with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to scale and succeed,” UNDP said in a statement. “By supporting the next generation of education technology innovators, we aim to advance digital learning and inclusive education across Africa.”
Applications for the programme are open across Africa until February 18, 2026, and will be assessed on the viability of the prototype, the scalability of the solution, and its potential impact on education in African contexts.
UNDP noted that Africa’s EdTech sector has witnessed rapid growth over the past five years, fueled by increasing internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and demand for innovative solutions to educational challenges. Despite this growth, many startups face structural barriers including limited access to funding, mentorship, and regional networks. The Timbuktoo initiative seeks to bridge these gaps.
The programme will provide participating startups with a diagnostic assessment of their business model, highlighting areas for improvement and strategies for scaling. Specialised training modules will cover product development, go-to-market strategies, financial planning, and impact measurement. Weekly mentoring sessions will connect startups with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and education sector experts.
In addition to technical support, the programme offers access to grant funding, enabling startups to enhance their products, expand operations, or pilot solutions in new markets. Entry into the Timbuktoo network will also provide participants with exposure to potential investors, corporate partners, and regional policymakers, further supporting market entry and business growth.
“The goal is to accelerate Africa’s digital learning ecosystem while creating viable business opportunities,” said a UNDP spokesperson. “By supporting startups with innovative solutions, we aim to improve access to quality education for children and young people, particularly in underserved and remote areas.”
Experts say initiatives like Get Ready 4 Timbuktoo are critical for addressing the education gap across Africa. According to UNESCO, more than 100 million school-age children in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to quality learning, while teacher shortages and limited infrastructure further compound the challenge. EdTech solutions, including online learning platforms, AI-driven tutoring, and mobile education tools, have the potential to transform access and quality of education across the continent.
Previous UNDP-led incubation programmes in other sectors have helped African startups scale rapidly, secure investment, and expand across borders. By focusing specifically on EdTech, the agency hopes to nurture a cohort of startups capable of delivering innovative, locally relevant solutions that can be replicated across multiple countries.
Selected startups will begin the three-month programme in March 2026, participating in virtual workshops and mentorship sessions. The programme will culminate in a showcase event, where startups will pitch their solutions to investors, development partners, and policymakers, potentially unlocking further funding and expansion opportunities.
UNDP emphasized that the initiative aligns with broader continental priorities, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and digital transformation strategies, by enabling startups to build scalable, cross-border education solutions.
For interested startups, applications are open until February 18, 2026, and can be submitted via the official UNDP Timbuktoo platform.
