Are you a fintech startup founder in Africa working to help unbanked people access financial services? The Catapult Inclusion Africa 2026 program offers a chance to grow your business with expert support and global connections. This ninth edition targets companies focused on financial inclusion across the continent.
Program Overview
Catapult Inclusion Africa 2026 is a two-week acceleration program backed by Luxembourg’s Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Action. It partners with FIT and ADA to help fintech startups expand their reach. The goal is to boost startups that serve underserved communities in Africa with better financial tools.
Startups in areas like AgriTech, AI, banking, blockchain, credit services, insurtech, payments, and microfinance can join. Companies must have a working minimum viable product and be at the pre-seed or Series A funding stage. A founder, often the CEO, needs to attend the full program.
Key Dates and Locations
The program splits into two parts:
- Week 1: June 29 to July 3, 2026, in Côte d’Ivoire.
- Week 2: November 9 to 13, 2026, in Luxembourg.
These locations let participants network with leaders in inclusive finance from Africa and Europe. Travel and stay details make it easier for selected teams to focus on learning and growth.
Benefits for Participants
Selected startups get strong support. The LHoFT covers up to €2,000 for a return economy class ticket to Côte d’Ivoire, including VAT. The same applies for the Luxembourg week. A second team member can join but pays their own way.
Housing comes in a hotel picked by the organizers. Breakfast and lunch are provided each day. Beyond logistics, the program connects you to top players in the field. It also requires sharing performance data for three years to track impact.
Who Can Apply
Your business must target financial inclusion for unbanked or underserved Africans. Examples include mobile payments, remittances, savings apps, green finance, or regtech tools. The company needs to share details on its project, founders, and shareholders for a background check.
Key rules include:
- At least one MVP ready to show.
- Pre-seed to Series A stage.
- CEO or founder commits to both weeks.
- All participants must speak French fluently.
This ensures the program fits serious teams ready to scale.
How to Apply
The deadline is May 10, 2026, so act fast. Submit your application through the official form. Provide all required info on your business and team.
For full details, check the program page on the LHoFT site. This is your shot to level up your fintech and make a real difference in African communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Catapult Inclusion Africa 2026?
It is a two-week acceleration program for fintech startups focused on financial inclusion in Africa. The program offers expert support, global connections, and networking with leaders in inclusive finance.
What are the program dates and locations?
Week 1 runs from June 29 to July 3, 2026, in Côte d’Ivoire. Week 2 is November 9 to 13, 2026, in Luxembourg.
Who can apply to the program?
Startups in fintech areas like payments, insurtech, or microfinance targeting unbanked Africans qualify if they have an MVP, are at pre-seed or Series A stage, and participants speak fluent French.
What is the application deadline and how do I apply?
The deadline is May 10, 2026. Submit your application through the official form on the LHoFT site with details on your business and team.
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