Top 10 Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Nigeria

Building a startup from the ground up is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Fortunately, there is a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria, and startup incubators and accelerators can be your go-to tool for success. These programs offer a range of benefits to help your business take off.

What are Startup Accelerators and Incubators?

Accelerators and incubators are like boot camps for startups. 

Accelerators are intense, short-term programs (often 3-6 months) that provide mentorship, funding, and resources to help early-stage startups grow rapidly. 

Incubators, on the other hand, offer a supportive environment for a longer period (1-2 years) with shared workspaces, mentorship, and connections to help you develop your idea and refine your business model.

Check out our list of Nigeria's top 10 incubators and accelerators;

CcHub (Co-creation Hub)

CcHUB is the first open living lab and pre-incubation space in Nigeria. It is intended to serve as a versatile, multipurpose workspace where efforts to spark innovative social tech ventures take place. The HUB is a place for technologists, social entrepreneurs, government, tech companies, impact investors, and hackers in and around Lagos to co-create new solutions to the many social problems in Nigeria.

Wennovation Hub

Wennovation Hub is a pioneer Nigerian innovation accelerator with a focus on social impact sectors: agriculture, healthcare, education, clean energy, and infrastructure.

As one of the very early innovation hubs in Nigeria, “we”nnovators have enjoyed early success as the hub has helped propel several award-winning startups like RelianceHMO and Printivo. 

Greenhouse Capital

GreenHouse Capital began as a simple initiative (known as GIBE) to empower budding entrepreneurs and has grown to run multiple accelerator programs each year, including the flagship program, GreenHouse Lab - Nigeria’s first tech accelerator for women-led startups. Our accelerators are developed in partnership with leading corporations and tech companies, with sessions facilitated by industry experts. Participating startups gain access to training, mentorship, and the opportunity for investment from GreenHouse.

8thgear Hub

As an autonomous venture studio, 8thgear Hub offers fundamental resources for kickstarting new startups, including co-founder matchmaking, strategic guidance (GaaS), sweat equity, infrastructure, and funding. The hubs focus on B2B startups in education, trade, transport/logistics, and hospitality/accommodation driving the digital transformation of non-tech MSMEs. Hub Services such as GaaS, Talent Placement, Tech Market Place, and Coworking are designed to support startups outside our portfolio that are looking for our expertise.

Venture Garden Group

Africa’s biggest technology holding conglomerate focuses on constructing and expanding innovative companies that tackle inefficiencies in high-impact sectors throughout Africa. It facilitates the growth of these companies through investments, technology platforms, and business advisory services to ensure long-term development. Venture Garden Group incubates and invests in technology companies. They equip startups with the resources necessary to develop exceptional products and accelerate their growth faster than ever.

Adaverse

Adaverse serves as a Cardano Ecosystem Accelerator, bringing together entrepreneurs, strategists, and mentors, with a strong emphasis on building a solid foundation in Africa and Asia. It's a collaborative initiative between EMURGO and Everest Ventures Group that supports blockchain founders with funds, mentorship, and tech infrastructure to scale Web3 solutions across the globe. Adaverse's goal is to support the growth of specific projects and the success of entrepreneurs developing on Cardano. This is achieved by collaborating with experienced mentors and guiding them through product development and go-to-market strategies.

ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator

The ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator program backs early-stage startups in Africa, particularly in FinTech, Mobility, E-commerce, and TalentTech. Techstars accelerators are solely focused on helping entrepreneurs thrive. During each three-month program, we surround companies with the best mentors and an unrivalled network of corporate partners, investors, and alumni. They offer funding and opportunities for fundraising, workshops, and curated resources. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities to learn from your peers throughout the process.

Trium

Trium operates as the "Venture Builder" division within one of Nigeria's largest financial services ecosystems in Africa. It concentrates on digital technologies that can significantly enhance people's lives. Its ecosystem is renowned for innovation and agility in building successful businesses.

Enspire

Enspire is an incubation program centered around technology, designed specifically for early-stage startups aiming to develop sustainable and successful businesses. The program commenced in 2013 and has supported more than 200 startups and individuals in various economic sectors in Nigeria. It encourages up to 20 startups to participate in a quarterly ideation session where they receive guidance, mentoring, and are set up for the creation of a minimal viable product. The incubation programs are solely focused on early-stage businesses, especially at the ideation stage.

Enspire is one of the flagship initiatives of the Abuja Technology Village Free Zone Company (ATV).

Orange Corners

   

Orange Corners Nigeria is a program initiated by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Lagos and executed by the FATE Foundation. Its goal is to contribute to the development of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria. One that offers young people empowerment, skills, and economic opportunities. More than simply providing a nurturing environment for dreams, the incubation program helps turn those ideas into vibrant realities.

 

So, why join one of these? The benefits are numerous. First, you gain invaluable guidance from mentors who've been there and done that. They can help refine your business model, avoid common pitfalls, and make strategic decisions.

Accelerators and incubators connect you with potential investors, like angel investors or venture capitalists. This can be the financial boost your startup needs to take off. These initiatives strengthen your network and social capital. You'll meet other founders facing similar challenges, creating a supportive community where you can learn from each other's experiences.

Finally, being part of a respected program adds credibility to your startup. Investors take these programs seriously, giving your venture a competitive edge.

In today's dynamic startup world, a little help can go a long way. With so many options listed above, research each program's focus, investment style, and alumni network to find the best fit for your startup's stage and industry.

By leveraging the resources and expertise offered by these accelerators and incubators, you can significantly increase your chances of turning your dream/idea into a thriving business.