Business Acceleration Program
The Waafi Business Acceleration Program is a high-impact, founder-centric initiative designed to fast-track the growth of early- and growth-stage businesses solving real challenges in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
We work with entrepreneurs who have validated business models and strong market potential and help them build scalable, investment-ready ventures that create jobs, generate impact, and drive inclusive economic transformation.
the Business Acceleration program combines strategic business development, hands-on mentorship, investor readiness, and regional market access with a strong focus on digital, climate-smart, and socially inclusive ventures.
Program Benefits: Structured acceleration, investor exposure, access to diverse funding, workspace and branding support, plus ongoing alumni and ecosystem engagement.
Acceleration Training
Our 3-6 months acceleration program is designed around the real challenges of scaling startups in emerging markets. Each week focuses on a growth milestone:
Customer growth strategies and unit economics
Business model refinement and competitive positioning
Revenue diversification and pricing models
Financial forecasting and investor reporting
Leadership, governance, and building scalable teams
Legal structuring, compliance, and intellectual property
Scaling impact and integrating sustainability
Who Should Apply?
We welcome visionary founders who are ready to scale their ventures and amplify their impact. Ideal applicants are:
Leading early- to growth-stage startups operating for 6 months to 3 years, with clear market traction.
Offering a validated product or service with active users, customers, or revenue.
Operating in high-impact sectors such as climate resilience, agribusiness, health, fintech, education, or digital innovation.
Committed full-time to growing their venture and prepared to actively engage throughout the acceleration journey.
Legally registered or in the process of registering in Somalia or the broader Horn of Africa region.
Business Development Services
We provide comprehensive business development support, including one-to-one Mentorship, coaching, business model refinement, sales and marketing strategy, financial planning, investor readiness, market access, and operational strengthening all tailored to help startups grow sustainably and scale with confidence.
Each startup is matched with a lead mentor a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, or industry expert who provides tailored guidance and accountability throughout the program.
Guide the innovators to Grow their marketing and customer acquisition and revenue model optimization and financial scaling.
How to Apply
Waafi Hub runs two acceleration cohorts annually. The application process includes:
Online application and venture profile submission
Shortlisting and pitch interviews
Final cohort selection and onboarding
Program launch and Acceleration Training
Demo Day and Business Showcasing
Don’t just grow — accelerate.
Apply now and join a community of visionary founders building Africa’s next wave of high-impact businesses.
