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Deadline: June 30, 2026

Explore Opportunities in West Africa

Berlin, Germany | July 8, 2026

Join German Accelerator and AiDiA for a focused one-day program exploring how you can expand into fast-growing West African markets through local partnerships, ecosystem access, and market-driven growth strategies.

The Global Mindset Activation: West Africa

West Africa is rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic startup and growth regions globally. Markets such as Nigeria and Ghana are seeing strong momentum across sectors including fintech, climate, mobility, AI, healthcare, and digital infrastructure.

Kickstart Scaling & Growth: West Africa brings together founders, investors, and ecosystem experts with hands-on regional experience to help startups understand what it actually takes to build and scale in the region - from navigating cultural business dynamics to identifying market opportunities, fundraising pathways, and trusted local partners.

Cohort Partner

What You Gain

Actionable Feedback & Expansion Clarity

Leave with clearer insights into whether West Africa is a strategic fit for your company, and what steps to prioritize next.

Better understand where your solution fits, what partnerships matter, and how to approach the market realistically.

Practical Market Entry Insights

Learn how startups approach expansion, partnerships, fundraising, and business development across West Africa.

Walk away with a clearer understanding of how to navigate the region in practice.

Curated Networking & Ecosystem Exposure

Join focused networking sessions designed to connect you with relevant founders, investors, and ecosystem players.

Use the event to explore opportunities, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections.

Direct Access to Investors & Ecosystem Experts

Connect with experienced operators, investors, and ecosystem builders with hands-on regional expertise.

Build relationships with people actively shaping innovation across West Africa.

Walk Away with Clear Outcomes:

A clearer understanding of market opportunities across Nigeria, Ghana, and the wider West African ecosystem

Practical insights into partnerships, fundraising, and business culture in the region

Real-world founder lessons and perspectives from operators actively scaling in West Africa

A curated set of ecosystem contacts across founders, investors, and regional stakeholders

Get expert mentoring for your next growth step

Is This Program Right for You?

You need to be based in Germany.
Having a German legal entity is beneficial, but not required (e.g. EXIST-funded startups that are still in the process of forming a GmbH are welcome to apply).

Pre-seed stage or beyond, with first signs of validation

You have ambitions to scale and eventually expand into global markets

Program Details

Location:

Berlin, Germany

Program Dates:

July 8, 2026

Application Deadline:

June 30, 2026

Format:

Interactive Sessions, Presentations, Ecosystem Event, 1-on-1 Mentoring (post-program)

Cost:

Free for eligible startups

Cohort Partner

Test

Meet all Startup Stories

"I would say one of the things that really impressed me was the high profile of the experts that they German Accelerator introduced us to."

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Trinh Le-Fiedler
CEO & Co-Founder

"When it comes to choosing a startup accelerator for international expansion, Kellermann is clear: “In my opinion, I highly recommend German Accelerator,” he said."

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Julian Kellermann
Managing Director

"A ten-minute in-person meeting saved a lot of paperwork. Being physically present in Asia made all the difference."

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Otto Klemke
Co-Founder and CEO

"With our market plans to expand into the U.S., the mentors immensely helped us by giving deep insights on how to improve our pitch, our market focus and segmentation, our approach, and our communication and branding."

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Dr. Arne Kruse
Co-Founder

"It’s all about meeting the right people, so the German Accelerator network was most relevant to our success,” said Pentenrieder. “I’m excited to continue collaborating with that network."

Read Story
Martin Pentenrieder
Co-Founder
Testimonials

What Previous Program Participants Say

01

Submit Your Application

Submit your pitch deck along with answers to key questions about your business, including your vision, market-fit, and current growth stage. This information will help assess your company’s potential for success and eligibility for the German Accelerator program.

02

Selection Process

Our team will carefully evaluate your application, reviewing all provided materials including your pitch deck and company details. If your startup is selected and meets the eligibility criteria, you will be notified of the next steps.

03

Time to Roll Up Your Sleeves

Participate in the program and start working on the basics for international expansion via 1:1 mentor sessions, workshops, and fireside chats with our expert mentors.

04

Ready, Set, Go!

With a stronger pitch, clearer positioning, and a concrete action plan, you can start working on next steps for your global expansion. Check out other Kickstart Programs or the German Accelerator Market Discovery offerings.

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