The AfDB-CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa Acceleration Program 2026 is a unique opportunity for Fintech startups in Africa, offering a chance to accelerate their growth and make a meaningful impact in the financial inclusion sector. With a deadline of May 10, 2026, interested applicants are encouraged to start their application process as soon as possible. This program is a collaborative effort between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Digital Financial Inclusion Facility (ADFI), and is designed to support the development of innovative financial solutions in Africa.
About the Opportunity
The AfDB-CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa Acceleration Program 2026 is a comprehensive initiative that aims to promote financial inclusion in Africa by supporting Fintech startups. The program is a result of a partnership between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Digital Financial Inclusion Facility (ADFI), and is designed to provide a platform for Fintech startups to access funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The program is particularly significant for Africans, as it addresses the pressing issue of financial exclusion, which affects millions of people across the continent.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is a multilateral development finance institution that is dedicated to promoting economic development and social progress in Africa. The bank has a strong focus on supporting the development of the private sector, and has implemented various initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa. The African Digital Financial Inclusion Facility (ADFI), on the other hand, is a specialized facility that is dedicated to promoting digital financial inclusion in Africa. The facility provides funding and technical assistance to Fintech startups and other organizations that are working to promote digital financial inclusion in Africa.
The partnership between the AfDB and the ADFI is a significant one, as it brings together two organizations that have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the African financial sector. The partnership is expected to have a positive impact on the development of Fintech in Africa, and is likely to lead to the creation of new and innovative financial solutions that will benefit millions of people across the continent. By supporting Fintech startups, the AfDB-CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa Acceleration Program 2026 is helping to promote financial inclusion, reduce poverty, and promote economic growth and development in Africa.
Who Can Apply
The AfDB-CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa Acceleration Program 2026 is open to Fintech startups that are based in Africa and are working to promote financial inclusion. To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Fintech startup that is based in Africa
- Have a strong focus on promoting financial inclusion
- Have a innovative solution that addresses a specific challenge in the financial sector
- Have a strong team with a proven track record of success
- Be willing to participate in a one-week bootcamp in Côte d’Ivoire and a week in Luxembourg
What You Will Gain
The AfDB-CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa Acceleration Program 2026 offers a range of benefits to successful applicants, including:
- Direct access to financial institutions, regulators, and key partners in inclusive finance
- Individual mentoring from sector experts
- Visibility among impact investors and influential decision-makers
- A final pitch at IF2026, the leading annual event in Luxembourg
- 100% of costs covered by the LHoFT, with no equity stake required
Application Deadline
Do not miss this opportunity. Deadline: May 10, 2026. Start your application early to ensure that you have enough time to complete the process and submit your application before the deadline.
How to Apply for AfDB-CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa Acceleration Program 2026 for Fintech startups
To apply for the AfDB-CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa Acceleration Program 2026, follow these steps: review the eligibility criteria to ensure that you meet the requirements, prepare a strong application package that includes a detailed business plan and a pitch deck, submit your application through the official website, and wait for the selection committee to review your application. If you are selected, you will be invited to participate in the one-week bootcamp in Côte d’Ivoire and the week in Luxembourg.
Apply directly here: Click here to apply
Final Thoughts
The AfDB-CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa Acceleration Program 2026 is a unique opportunity for Fintech startups in Africa to accelerate their growth and make a meaningful impact in the financial inclusion sector. We encourage all eligible startups to apply for this program and take advantage of the benefits that it offers. Do not miss this chance to transform your business and contribute to the development of the African financial sector – apply now and take the first step towards achieving your goals.
