Cameroon, often hailed as "Africa in miniature" due to its diverse landscape and cultural diversity, is quickly becoming a hotbed for startups and innovation. For aspiring entrepreneurs, joining a startup incubator or accelerator in Cameroon may helm them in significantly growing their businesses. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of startup incubators and accelerators in Cameroon. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation' and 'launch' stages, so whichever stage you're in, you would be able to find a program that suits you!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN CAMEROON
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Cameroon
The complete list of ideation phase startup incubators in Cameroon:
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
O'Botama is a business incubator based in Yaoundé, Cameroon, founded by the collective O.S.E.R. Africa in 2018. It seeks to be a talent magnet by instilling a strong entrepreneurial culture in young Cameroonians and assisting them in discovering creative solutions to local and global concerns.
The program includes a collaborative innovation workshop and four additional services: incubation, coworking, expertise, and cultural space. These services meet a wide range of demands in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, focusing on areas such as creative media, environmental services, healthcare, and ICT.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
BBIncubator, based in Douala, Cameroon, is committed to teaching, training, and mentoring emerging entrepreneurs through a rigorous three-month curriculum. The incubator's goal is to expose participants to the corporate world while establishing excellent corporate governance, project management skills, and best business practices.
BBIncubator provides ideation workshops, masterclasses, coworking spaces, networking events, and mentorship to help companies create, grow, and expand their businesses successfully. Startups might benefit from assistance in building company strategies, comprehending important business rules, and harnessing the internet for business growth.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
ActivSpaces, a major technological innovation center and business incubator in Cameroon, was formed in 2010 and has locations in Douala, Buea, and Bangangté. Its major goal is to assist young digital entrepreneurs by offering collaborative workspaces, internet connectivity, mentoring, and professional advice to help their unique ideas flourish.
The program provides a fostering atmosphere in which companies may have access to critical resources such as 3D printers and solar kits, as well as individual coaching and connections to investors.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology, Female-specific
WETECH (Women in Entrepreneurship and Technology) is a Cameroonian innovation cluster that supports African women entrepreneurs and technologists. The initiative strives to empower women by offering complete assistance such as mentorship, training in emerging technologies, and access to critical resources and networks.
WETECH's programs, such as the WILE (Women Innovative Leaders and Entrepreneurs) program, are aimed at increasing startup and women-owned company preparedness, developing leadership skills, and encouraging the use of technology for social benefit. Participants benefit from ideation workshops, masterclasses, coworking spaces, and access to a dynamic network of mentors and partners, including the Orange Digital Center and AfriLabs, offering a strong support system for sustainable company growth and innovation.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Cameroon
The complete list of launch phase incubators and accelerators in Cameroon:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Founder Institute Cameroon is part of the world's biggest pre-seed startup accelerator, helping ambitious technology entrepreneurs convert their ideas into fundable firms and, eventually, worldwide enterprises. The program provides a highly organized accelerator experience that assists entrepreneurs at the concept and pre-seed phases, supporting them through critical milestones required for investment and long-term success.
Participants get access to a vast network of mentors, including prominent entrepreneurs, CEOs, and investors, as well as a worldwide community of advisers. The program offers continued help through advanced accelerators such as the Founder Lab, which are aimed at acquiring lead investors and attaining product-market fit.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Mountain Hub is a renowned startup accelerator that focuses on ecosystem development, capacity building, and venture building to help digital entrepreneurs. The program offers a wide range of services, including co-working spaces, accelerator programs, and mentorship opportunities, all aimed at assisting entrepreneurs in their move from concept to viable enterprises.
Entrepreneurs receive rigorous coaching, professional mentorship, and access to financing through the Mountain Angel Network, ensuring that they have the business skills and support required for development and success. Furthermore, the Hub offers specific initiatives like Tech4Girls and Design4Deaf to build inclusion and boost tech adoption among marginalized populations.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology / AI
Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa is a distinguished 10-week equity-free accelerator program that supports Seed to Series A stage entrepreneurs in Cameroon and around Africa, with an emphasis on sophisticated technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. The initiative seeks to empower tech entrepreneurs by offering professional mentorship, access to Google's extensive network of industry experts, and invites to exclusive technical bootcamps.
Startups also receive strategic guidance on company and product strategy, Google product credits, and early access to new Google products. Participants are matched with specialized Technical Startup Success Managers (SSM) and have opportunities to propose their products to a broad audience, including Google teams, mentors, venture capitalists, and other players from the tech ecosystem.
Closing Thoughts on Joining a Startup Accelerator or Incubator in Cameroon
Joining a startup incubator or accelerator in Cameroon presents numerous benefits and opportunities for entrepreneurs. It not only increases the likelihood of obtaining funding, but also opens the door to international collaborations and participation in global startup events, ensuring comprehensive support for long-term success in Cameroon's competitive startup landscape.
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