Timbuktoo, the UNDP-backed innovation engine for Africa, is opening a major new opportunity for incubators across the continent.

Applications are now open for the timbuktoo Pan-African Incubation Network, a long-term alliance designed to professionalise, strengthen, and connect incubators across Africa.

The Pan-African Incubation Network will bring together selected incubators to co-design and deliver incubation programmes across Africa. The goal is to create a unified, world-class support system that helps founders move seamlessly from idea to scale.

By joining, incubators become long-term partners of timbuktoo, gaining access to global expertise, shared infrastructure, and thematic innovation hubs located across Africa.

What Selected Incubators Will Gain

✔ Collaboration with timbuktoo hubs to design and deliver incubation programmes
✔ Access to a shared digital platform for tools, playbooks, templates, and operational resources
✔ Mentorship network featuring African and global experts
✔ Market access pathways for the startups you support
✔ Funding pathway visibility for incubated ventures
✔ Strengthened incubation model, operations, and efficiency
✔ Greater continental visibility as a national ecosystem leader
✔ Long-term partnership status as part of the pan-African entrepreneurial infrastructure

Why This Matters

This initiative is designed to:

• Build a consistent startup journey from idea to scale across Africa
• Create stronger, more professional incubation practices
• Increase opportunities for African founders to access markets, mentors, and funding
• Position incubators as key players in national and regional innovation ecosystems

For incubators seeking more structure, tools, partners, and high-quality support systems, this alliance presents rare strategic value.

Eligibility & Who Should Apply

This opportunity is open to incubators that:

• Support startups at early or growth stages
• Operate in any African country
• Have experience delivering training, mentorship, or founder support
• Are interested in long-term collaboration with continental partners
• Are committed to strengthening incubation standards and impact

Both established incubators and emerging but structured incubation organisations are encouraged to apply.

Application Timeline

📅 Opens: December 1, 2025
📅 Closes: January 10, 2026 (23:59 UTC)

Only selected organisations will be contacted for the next steps.

How to Apply

Submit your application via the official Airtable link:

👉 Apply here:
https://airtable.com/appYbpSCCV1VosC1M/pagGcLcVT6PXqCzMS/form