Estonia's experience in building startup ecosystems is nurturing future African unicorns

In partnership with Civitta, ESTDEV organised two business accelerators for African startups focused on digital and green innovation. The programme welcomed participants from East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia) and Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia and Botswana). These accelerators represent a practical step in bringing Estonia's digital expertise to Africa. To support this effort, ESTDEV joined the European Union's Digital and Green Transition Initiative in May 2025, helping partner countries develop new digital solutions and build the skills needed to drive innovation. 

The accelerators attracted significant interest. Across both regions, the programme offered 50 places and received 402 applications. While the largest number of participants came from the region's biggest economies - Kenya and South Africa - all six target countries were represented. This demonstrates that high-potential digital and green innovation is emerging across the entire programme area rather than being concentrated in a single country. 

Feedback from participants and Estonian experts 

Participants particularly valued the programme's practical approach, including mentoring, peer learning, pitch preparation, exposure to investors and an international study visit. 

Many founders joined the programme expecting to secure investment quickly. However, the accelerator helped them understand that successful fundraising depends on groundwork completed beforehand: gathering customer feedback, refining the business model, developing credible market-entry strategies, strengthening financial planning and demonstrating clear growth metrics. 

Throughout the programme, mentors, investors and international experts consistently observed substantial progress in the participants' investment readiness, value propositions, understanding of business models, articulation of market opportunities and ability to engage with investors. The founders involved gained a deeper understanding of what they need to accomplish internally before approaching investors. 

Mentors particularly highlighted the founders' exceptional commitment and eagerness to learn. Many experts noted the participants' strong engagement throughout the programme and their willingness to continually refine their business models in response to the feedback they received. 

"One somewhat unexpected finding was how many African startups wanted to address global challenges through their businesses by building business models around the circular economy, food security, waste management or climate change. These are critically important issues across Africa," said Reesi Lepa, ESTDEV’s head of Economic Development and Innovation. 

Long-term impact on African–European startup cooperation 

The programme strengthened connections between African startups and the European innovation ecosystem. It gave founders a clearer understanding of how European investors, accelerators, ecosystem organisations and public sector partners operate, as well as the practical steps required to prepare for international partnerships and investment. 

Beyond supporting the growth of individual startups, the programme also fostered lasting relationships between African and European innovation ecosystems, laying the groundwork for future collaboration long after the project has ended. 

The Digital and Green Transition Initiative is co-funded by Team Europe partners (Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Estonia) and the European Commission.