Nigeria’s tech ecosystem just received a major boost as MTN Nigeria unveiled its Cloud Accelerator Programme, a 12-week hybrid initiative designed to empower innovators across fintech, healthtech, agritech, edtech and cleantech. With 20 startups selected to take part, the programme offers mentorship, technical support, market access and cloud infrastructure worth over N100 million.
Running from September 6 to December 6, 2025, the accelerator represents a commitment to fostering homegrown innovation and equipping Nigerian entrepreneurs with the resources to compete on global stages. For the startups, it is more than just financial support; it is an opportunity to plug into MTN’s extensive telecom network and technological backbone.
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Why the Cloud Accelerator Matters
For many Nigerian startups, the journey from idea to scale is often blocked by the same challenges: lack of infrastructure, limited funding, and insufficient mentorship. MTN’s initiative addresses these gaps directly.
- Technology access: Startups will integrate MTN’s APIs and cloud services, allowing them to build scalable, secure and reliable solutions.
- Expert mentorship: Participants will benefit from guidance by seasoned professionals across technology, finance and business strategy.
- Market entry support: MTN is offering access to its large customer base and platforms, giving startups visibility and distribution power.
- Pitch showcase: At the end of the programme in December, the startups will present to investors and potential partners — a rare opportunity in Nigeria’s crowded tech space.
According to Lynda Saint-Nwafor, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, the accelerator is about breaking barriers. “Africa does not lack ideas. What our innovators need is the right infrastructure and environment to scale. The Cloud Accelerator is part of our commitment to making that possible,” she said.
The Startups to Watch
The 20 startups chosen cut across different industries, each addressing a unique challenge. Some of the standouts include:
Fintech Innovators
- Regxta: Building AI-powered digital banking systems to serve Africa’s vast unbanked population.
- Creditchek: Using machine learning to strengthen credit assessments and combat fraud.
Healthtech Disruptors
- DoktorConnect: Combining FDA-certified IoT devices with healthcare delivery, focusing on preventive care.
- Myitura: Founded by Shina Arogundade, this startup is working to create a digital health ecosystem spanning African countries.
Cleantech & Sustainability Ventures
- Trashcoin Limited: An eco-fintech that digitises recycling, bringing transparency to the waste sector.
- Scrapays Inc.: Driving decentralised recycling solutions already used by thousands of households.
Agritech Solutions
- Agrovesto: Helping farmers increase their incomes by as much as 60% through financial and market interventions.
- XChangeBOX: Connecting producers to wider markets by simplifying agro-commodity trading and exports.
The diversity of these startups underlines a key point: innovation in Nigeria is not confined to one sector. From finance to healthcare, agriculture to sustainability, these entrepreneurs are tackling some of the country’s most pressing challenges.
Wider Impact on Nigeria’s Economy
The accelerator’s influence extends far beyond the selected startups. If successful, it could change the trajectory of Nigeria’s digital economy.
- Scaling innovation: By providing infrastructure, MTN is enabling startups to overcome one of their toughest hurdles — the ability to expand services reliably and at scale.
- Digital transformation: Cloud adoption is central to Nigeria’s broader digital journey. By hosting solutions locally and encouraging cloud-first models, the programme reduces reliance on foreign platforms.
- Investment magnet: The December pitch showcase will connect startups with investors, potentially unlocking millions in venture funding for early-stage ideas that might otherwise remain unseen.
- Job creation and inclusion: Startups in agritech, fintech and healthtech have ripple effects across society — from improving farmer livelihoods to expanding financial inclusion and delivering affordable healthcare.
The Roadblocks Still Ahead
While the MTN Cloud Accelerator is a step forward, challenges remain.
- Sustainability after 12 weeks: Many accelerators face the problem of “what next?” after graduation. Startups need ongoing support, follow-on funding, and mentorship to avoid stagnation.
- Policy environment: Sectors like fintech and healthtech are highly regulated. If Nigeria’s regulatory frameworks remain unpredictable, even the most innovative ideas can stall.
- Infrastructure limits: Nigeria still struggles with inconsistent electricity and internet access outside major cities. Startups in rural areas may not benefit equally.
- Measuring true impact: Success must go beyond profit. For cleantech and healthtech startups, the real measure is social and environmental impact, which requires proper monitoring.
Looking to the Future
Nigeria has long been a hub of entrepreneurial energy, but ideas alone do not transform economies. Programmes like MTN’s Cloud Accelerator provide the missing links: infrastructure, mentorship, and access to markets.
The real test will come after December, when startups leave the structured programme and face the market independently. If MTN continues to support them with partnerships, and if regulators create enabling policies, this could mark the beginning of a new wave of African tech champions.
For now, the 20 startups are on a journey that could change not only their futures, but also the landscape of fintech, healthtech, and cleantech in Nigeria. The world will be watching as they showcase their progress in December — and possibly set the tone for Africa’s next generation of innovators.
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