Startup incubators and accelerators exist because many founders struggle with getting the right support, whether it’s funding, mentorship, or industry connections. These programmes provide structured benefits that help businesses refine their models, scale effectively, and attract investors.
If you’re an early-stage startup founder in Nigeria trying to write a business plan or secure startup funding, an incubator might be your best bet. If you already have a validated product and need to scale fast, an accelerator can help refine your startup pitch deck and connect you to investors.
This guide covers the top startup incubators and accelerators for Nigerian businesses in 2025, helping you choose the right one for your business journey.
The Difference Between Startup Incubators vs Accelerators
- Incubators support early-stage startups that need foundational guidance. They offer mentorship, office space, and sometimes small grants. The goal is to help you build a sustainable business model.
- Accelerators focus on growth-stage startups with a product and market validation. These programs offer structured training, funding, and networking opportunities, often in exchange for equity.
If you’re in the early stages of building your business and need help refining your fundraising business plan, an incubator might be the best option. However, if you’re ready to scale and attract investors, an accelerator could provide the necessary boost.
Criteria for Choosing The Right Incubator or Accelerator
- Program duration and structure – Every programme has different duration and structure suited to cater for different startups, some accelerators are intensive, requiring full-time commitment, while others offer flexible participation.
- Industry focus – Not all incubators cover all kinds of sectors, some incubators and accelerators specialise in sectors like fintech, agribusiness, or health tech so it is important to do your research to pick a programme that best suits your business
- Funding opportunities – If your main goal for joining any of those programmes is funding, It is important to check if the program offers direct funding or access to investors.
- Mentorship and networking – A strong mentor network can make a huge difference in your startup’s success so ensure your preferred program provides access to good mentorship and networking opportunities
- Equity requirements – Some programs take equity in exchange for funding and mentorship, while others don’t. Be sure to check if their offers align with your business goals so it will be easy to collaborate.
TOP STARTUP INCUBATORS IN NIGERIA (in 2025)
1. Co-Creation Hub (CcHub)
CcHub is one of the most influential tech incubators in Nigeria, helping startups with mentorship, funding, and workspace. CcHub is more than just a workspace or tech hub. It’s an incubator that helps startups grow, especially in their early days when guidance, funding, and support are most needed. Based in Nigeria, CcHub has become a home for some of the most exciting tech startups in Africa.
Other benefits of the CcHub Program include :
- Access to top-tier mentorship
- Workspace in Lagos and Nairobi
- Funding and investor connections
2. Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)
If you’re an African entrepreneur with a business idea—or you’re already running a small business—the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is one platform you should definitely know about.
At its core, TEF is all about empowering African entrepreneurs. Through its flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, it offers funding, training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to thousands of entrepreneurs across the continent. The training is hands-on, practical, and tailored for African realities. You learn everything from how to structure your business to how to attract customers and manage your finances.
And yes, there’s funding—$5,000 in seed capital for selected entrepreneurs.
What else does TEF offer :
- Non-equity funding
- Comprehensive business training
- Lifetime access to the TEF alumni network
3. Founder Institute Lagos
Founder Institute is a structured launchpad for early-stage founders who are serious about building something meaningful. Whether you’re still at the idea stage or you’ve already started, the program is designed to push you, guide you, and connect you to the right people. At Founder Institute Lagos, you get access to top mentors who have actually built and scaled businesses. Best part? Even after the program ends, you’re not left to figure it out on your own. You get access to a global network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors, which means your journey doesn’t stop at graduation.
Other benefits of the Founder Institute Lagos include :
- Access to global network
- Hands-on mentorship
- Access to funding
4. Passion Incubator
Passion Incubator is one of those quiet powerhouses in the Nigerian startup space. They focus on early-stage founders with great ideas who just need the right push, guidance, and access to take off. They’re very community-focused and intentional about helping founders build sustainable businesses, not just hyped-up launches. If you’re starting from scratch and need a structured space to grow, Passion Incubator is a good place to begin. However, they focus more on tech startups and has supported businesses in Edtech, Fintech, and E-Commerce.
Other benefit Passion Incubator offer include :
- Incubation programs tailored to idea-stage and early startups
- Co-working space that’s affordable and founder-friendly
- Access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and experts
- Investor connections through demo days and pitch events
- Startup advisory support to help refine your product, model, and roadmap
5. Wennovation Hub
Wennovation Hub is one of the earliest innovation hubs in Nigeria, and their focus goes beyond just startups—they care about solutions that matter.If you’re building a solution that solves real problems in local communities, this is the kind of ecosystem that supports your vision from day one. They support startups in health, agriculture , education and tech.
Here’s what they offer :
- Startup incubation and acceleration programs
- Business development training tailored to African markets
- Mentorship and coaching from sector-specific experts
- Office and co-working spaces in multiple cities
- Access to funding opportunities through networks and competitions
The Baobab Network is an accelerator that invests directly in African startups and helps them grow with practical support and global access. They’re hands-on, data-driven, and big on helping African startups compete on the world stage.
Here are other things you get from The Baobab Network Programme :
- $50,000 in funding for startups accepted into the program
- A global accelerator program built around your specific growth needs
- 1-on-1 support from venture partners and business experts
- Tailored market research to help you position and scale
- Long-term support even after the program ends
TOP STARTUP ACCELERATORS IN NIGERIA (in 2025)
1. Y Combinator (FOR NIGERIAN STARTUPS EXPANDING GLOBALLY)
Y Combinator is arguably the most well-known accelerator globally, It is based in Silicon Valley but open to founders from anywhere including Africa. Startups accepted into YC receive seed funding (currently $500k), world-class mentorship, and access to a global network of investors. African startups like Paystack, Flutterwave, and Cowrywise went through YC, and the results speak for themselves.
YC also offers other benefits like :
- $500,000 in seed funding
- Access to world-class mentors and alumni
- Weekly group office hours and 1-on-1 support
- Help with pitch prep, investor introductions, and fundraising strategy
- Global recognition and credibility
2. Google for Startups Accelerator Africa
This is a three-month, equity-free program tailored for African startups that are building tech-driven solutions. It’s designed to support startups that are already past the idea stage and want to refine their product and scale.
What Google also offers:
- Equity-free mentorship and support from Google engineers and experts
- Product and technical support for growth and scalability
- Training in UX design, marketing, and fundraising
- Access to Google’s tools and global network
- Exposure and visibility within the tech ecosystem
3. Lagos Innovates
Lagos Innovates is an initiative by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) focused on supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in the local ecosystem. It’s a government-backed program built for startups navigating the Nigerian market.
What Lagos Innovates offers:
- Access to workspace vouchers for co-working spaces
- Business advisory and mentorship opportunities
- Access to funding support and accelerator partners
- Tailored support programs for Lagos-based startups
- Community events and workshops
4. GreenHouse Lab
GreenHouse Lab is Nigeria’s first female-focused tech accelerator, though it’s open to all founders. The program is especially helpful for early-stage startups that are working toward investment readiness and refining their go-to-market strategy.
What GreenHouse Lab offers:
- Hands-on mentorship from local and international experts
- Investment readiness training and support
- Intros to angel investors and VCs
- Pitching practice and feedback sessions
- Focused support for women-led startups
5. Startupbootcamp AfriTech
Startupbootcamp AfriTech is a pan-African accelerator based in South Africa that focuses on high-growth startups in sectors like fintech, agritech, healthtech, and more. If you’ve already built a product and have some traction, this program helps you scale.
Startupbootcamp AfriTech opportunities include :
- A 3-month acceleration program with intensive support
- Partnership opportunities with large corporate partners
- Access to investors, demo day exposure, and follow-on funding
- Strategic mentorship and hands-on business support
- A strong alumni and founder community across Africa
6. Cascador
Cascador is a leadership and business accelerator based in Lagos, Nigeria. It combines business strategy with personal development to help founders not just grow their startups, but also grow as leaders.
What Cascador offers:
- Intensive leadership development sessions
- Business strategy coaching tailored to your growth stage
- Access to experienced mentors, investors, and coaches
- A network of peers and alumni for ongoing support
- Focus on building both the business and the founder
GET THE SUPPORT YOUR STARTUP NEEDS
Applying to these programs requires preparation.
If you need help writing a business plan, crafting an investor business plan, or developing a winning startup pitch deck, we can help. At Halisi Consults, we specialise in positioning startups for success, whether through startup funding preparation, business structuring, or investment readiness.
Click here to book a free consultation today and let’s get your business on the path to growth!