timbuktoo is UNDP’s flagship platform to position Africa as a global leader in innovation. Building on a continental network of technology hubs, timbuktoo aims to mobilize US$1 billion over 10 years, support 10,000 startups, scale 1,000 high-growth enterprises, contribute to improved livelihoods for 100 million people and generate US$10 billion in value across the continent.
The timbuktoo EdTech Hub, based in Dakar, is a pan-African centre dedicated to advancing technological innovation in education. It supports startups, governments, educational institutions and ecosystem actors to strengthen solutions, enable adoption, catalyse investment and generate evidence to inform policy and system-level transformation.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the call for applications for the online incubation programme Get Ready 4 timbuktoo EdTech, designed to identify, support and prepare promising EdTech startups from across Africa.
Anchored within timbuktoo, UNDP’s pan-African platform supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, the programme supports technology-driven solutions with the potential to strengthen learning systems, address educational inequalities and enhance youth employability at scale.
With more than 100 million young Africans in need of inclusive, quality and locally relevant education, technological innovation remains a critical lever for the future of education systems across the continent.
Get Ready 4 timbuktoo EdTech is an intensive, fully online incubation programme supporting 50 EdTech startups with a testable prototype.
Over a three-month period, selected startups will receive structured support to strengthen their business model, test and improve their product, develop market traction, integrate learning sciences into their solution, and become fully investment ready within the timbuktoo pipeline.
The programme is implemented by Pitch Palabre, in partnership with UNDP.
What selected startups will receive
The programme is built on five strategic pillars to provide comprehensive support across product development, business growth, learning sciences, mentorship and investment readiness.
Eligibility criteria
Eligible startups must be based in Africa, have a testable prototype, address a clearly defined education challenge related to access, inclusion, quality, employability or pedagogy, and commit 6 to 8 hours per week over a three-month period.
UNDP particularly encourages applications from startups that are led by women, based in rural areas, or integrating local languages or accessibility solutions.
Benefits
- Maturity assessment: A comprehensive assessment (product, market, impact, traction) to tailor a personalized journey.
- Expert educational content: Modules dedicated to growth, financing, marketing, data, and learning sciences.
- High-level mentoring: Weekly sessions with experienced entrepreneurs and experts (AI, product, pedagogy, impact assessment).
- Financial support: Prototyping and user testing grants, subject to the validation of key deliverables.
- Networking and data-driven management: Real-time performance tracking and privileged access to Timbuktoo’s future hubs and investment opportunities.
