Women Led Startups Get New Call

Who can apply.
TheCable reports that Her Startup is now accepting applications for its accelerator programme, and the call is open to women led technology businesses. The programme is designed for women founders or chief executives aged 18 to 35 who are building tech enabled companies. To qualify, the business should have been running for at least six months and should already be earning at least $500 in monthly gross revenue. Founders from Francophone African countries are also encouraged to apply. The team is looking for early-stage businesses with real traction, not just ideas, so applicants should be ready to show what they have built, who they serve and how they make money.

What support the programme offers.
Selected founders will receive practical help to grow. Her Startup will cover the cost of a 12 week training programme, so participants do not have to pay training fees. Founders will also get a monthly stipend to help them take part without added financial pressure. Each participant will be matched with mentors for 12 months, with guidance tailored to their sector. At the end of the programme, founders will pitch to the investment committee for funding through convertible, revenue-based financing. They will also join Founder Institute’s global network, which gives them access to other founders, advisers and opportunities beyond Nigeria.

Why this matters
The funding gap for women in African tech remains wide. Women make up about 58 per cent of the continent’s self-employed population, yet they secured less than one per cent of the more than $2 billion raised by African startups in 2025. Programmes like Her Startup matter because they help women founders become investment-ready and connect them to capital, mentorship and networks that are often harder for them to reach. Applications close on October 26. Interested founders should check TheCable and the programme’s official page for full eligibility details and how to apply