African startups raised just $2.2 billion in 2024. That is only 0.6% of global startup funding. Worse, most startups primarily focused on software-driven solutions, while hardware and semiconductor ecosystem remains underdeveloped.
For example, despite housing 18% of the world’s people, Africa accounts for less than 1% of global data centre capacity, creating fundamental barriers to AI and connectivity innovation.
The massive funding and capacity gap means African entrepreneurs received about the same investment as Miami alone, and digital devices are 30% more expensive in sub-Saharan Africa compared to the United States,
$5,000 for African Telecom Hardware Startups
Make in Africa 2026 is an equity-free mentorship program that addresses these gaps directly by supporting 10 early-stage startups developing connectivity and processing technologies. The program offers:
- Financial Support: $5,000 stipends for all participants upon completion
- Technical Mentorship: 1:1 guidance from Qualcomm engineers and subject matter experts
- IP Protection: $5,000 patent filing reimbursements plus consultation with Africa’s leading IP law firm
- Technology Access: Masterclasses in AI, IoT, 5G, and Extended Reality through Qualcomm Academy
The program seeks registered companies operating in Africa at pre-seed to seed stage, building solutions using advanced connectivity, AI, IoT, or embedded compute technologies.
Apply Now! Deadline is February 15, 2026.
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