$5,000 Boost for African Telecom Hardware Startups as Funding Gap Widens

African startups raised just $2.2 billion in 2024 – only 0.6 per cent of global startup funding – highlighting a deep and persistent investment gap on the continent. Even more concerning, the bulk of this funding went into software-driven ventures, leaving hardware, semiconductor, and deep-tech ecosystems significantly underdeveloped.

Despite being home to 18 per cent of the world’s population, Africa accounts for less than 1 per cent of global data centre capacity, a shortfall that continues to constrain innovation in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital connectivity. As a result, African founders collectively received roughly the same level of investment as startups in Miami alone, while digital devices cost up to 30 per cent more in sub-Saharan Africa than in the United States.

To help address these structural gaps, the Make in Africa 2026 programme has been launched to support early-stage startups building critical connectivity and processing technologies. The equity-free initiative will select 10 startups and provide targeted support aimed at strengthening Africa’s hardware and telecom innovation pipeline.

Participants will receive a $5,000 financial stipend upon completion of the programme, along with one-on-one technical mentorship from Qualcomm engineers and industry experts. The programme also includes $5,000 in patent filing reimbursements, coupled with consultations from one of Africa’s leading intellectual property law firms. In addition, founders will gain access to advanced technology masterclasses in AI, IoT, 5G, and Extended Reality through the Qualcomm Academy.

The programme is open to registered African companies at pre-seed to seed stage developing solutions based on advanced connectivity, embedded computing, AI, or IoT technologies.

Applications are now open, with the deadline set for February 15, 2026. Visit