Francophone African Incubator

About the Francophone African Incubator

Created in 2018, the French-speaking African incubator (IFA) supports young African entrepreneurs in the creation and development of their innovative social startup projects. It is aimed at students or new graduates from an AUF member higher education institution in Africa. Intended for project leaders in the ideation phase, the two-month program aims to provide personalized support to initiate the creation of organizations with a strong social and/or environmental impact. It deploys all the steps allowing the launch of an entrepreneurial dynamic: from the analysis of the need generating the ideation to the construction of the business model as an integrating tool, through prototyping and market tests. Each year, the IFA welcomes a cohort of 20 to 30 selected project leaders, rigorously. To date, more than 90 entrepreneurs have benefited from collective and individual support.

Program benefits

Listed below are some of the benefits you will get being part of the program

12 acceleration sprints

Support in 12 intense sprints over 3 months. Our teams will be at your disposal and attentive throughout the development of your project.

Group training

Collective training on topics such as digital marketing, sustainable development, business model canvas, go to market strategy, etc.

Individual coaching

One to one coaching sessions will be assigned to you in order to support you on the different aspects to ensure the development and deployment of your solution.

Mentoring

Mentoring sessions will take place with experts in their trades in order to answer your problems.

Inspirational talks

Inspirational Talks “by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs” that are sure to inspire you. The opportunity also to discover feedback from entrepreneurs.

Why participate?

By joining Francophone African Incubator (IFA) , you will have access to:

A “world class” accompaniment
12 intense sprints (Training, Inspirational Talks, One-to-one Coaching, Mentoring). Our teams will listen to you and respond to your needs and concerns.

Funding opportunities
The winning projects will be awarded and will have access to funding opportunities.

B2B and B2C relationship
B2B and B2C: By integrating the IFA program you will have access to a network of AUF and LaStartupStation partners.

Eligibility criteria

Wondering if you might be eligible to participate? The answer is YES if:

• Project
  You have a project that responds in an innovative way to social, societal or environmental needs on the African continent.
• Motivation
  • You are motivated and committed,
  • you have a strong desire to undertake, and;
  • you are ready to embark on the adventure of business creation.
• Availability
  You wish to integrate a system where you will be challenged, nourished by exchanges with other project leaders and experts by fully investing yourself 2 days a week.
• Location
  You are based in Central Africa & Great Lakes, North Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa & Indian Ocean, Middle East or Ukraine.
• Attached to the university
  You come from a university member of the AUF or affiliated with a university establishment (freshly graduated or still a student).