Timbuktoo MineTech Accelerator Programme Announces Call For Applications From Mining-Tech Startups from Across Africa

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The timbuktoo MineTech Accelerator Programme, an initiative of the timbuktoo MineTech Hub designed to drive innovation in mining technology, empower start-ups, and scale transformative technologies in the African mining sector has announced a call for applications.

The timbuktoo MineTech Accelerator Programme is held in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, and National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR).

According to James Wakiaga, Resident Representative of UNDP Zambia,“The timbuktoo MineTech Accelerator Programme reflects our dedication to addressing critical challenges in Africa’s mining sector while empowering local talent. This initiative not only fosters innovation but also provides vital financial and mentorship support for start-ups that will shape the future of sustainable mining.”

Key Funding and Call for Applications

The timbuktoo MineTech Accelerator Programme aims to identify and support innovative mining-tech start-ups from across Africa. The selected start-ups will receive access to mentorship, funding, and link to global networks, enabling them to scale and implement cutting-edge solutions that address critical challenges in the sector. For the second phase of the programme, the selected start-ups will each receive $25,000 in equity-free funding, enabling them to refine their solutions and scale their businesses.

Applications for this opportunity open from January 9, 2025, and close on February 13, 2025.

The MineTech Accelerator Programme seeks to promote innovation in mining, support and scale startups building mining technology, enhance their capacity, foster collaboration among industry leaders, investors, regulators, and academia and drive economic growth.

The Chief Executive Officer of NISIR, Dr. Henry Kambafwile, further emphasised the transformative potential of the MineTech Accelerator programme, noting “This programme is more than just an opportunity for start-ups—it’s a catalyst for reshaping Africa’s mining sector with technology and innovation at its core. By empowering Africa’s brightest minds, we are positioning the continent as a leader in sustainable and ethical mining practices.”

The initiative will have Recruitment and Bootcamp where startups from across Africa will be selected via outreach, partnerships, and community engagement. The 4-week bootcamp broken down as 2-weeks in person and 2-weeks virtual will include problem definition exercises, prototype development and personas, business modelling and market validation and pitch development workshops.

    Start-ups will refine problem statements, map target markets, and align their solutions with industry needs.

    1. Acceleration Phase: After the bootcamp, the selected start-ups will advance to a tailored acceleration phase, with the opportunity to be awarded $25,000 in equity-free funding. Participants will gain access to mentorship, market opportunities, product refinement, and strategic guidance.
    1. timbuktoo MineTech Hub: The Hub hosted at NISIR will facilitate collaboration with regulators, mining corporations, and innovation hubs across Africa. Outreach activities will engage a wide range of stakeholders through webinars, social media campaigns, and curated events.
    1. Post-Grant Support: The programme will offer post-grant support to ensure start-ups have the resources and guidance they need to continue growing, scale their solutions, and drive impact.

    To enter the programme, founders must be nationals of an African Union member state and be domiciled in Africa, startups must address mining industry challenges using technology-based solutions, the programme strongly encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised groups.

    Focus areas for the MineTech Accelerator include waste management and efficient mineral recovery, data visualization and interpretation, drone applications and surveying and sustainability-focused mining innovations.

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