Top 7 Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Senegal
- Sotirios Seridis
- Apr 15
- 4 min read
Senegal, a nation known for its diverse cultural heritage and thriving entrepreneurial drive, is experiencing an unprecedented boom in its startup ecosystem. The entrepreneurial landscape in Senegal is undergoing a remarkable metamorphosis, driven by a wave of creativity, favorable policies, and an increasing enthusiasm for technology and business endeavors. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of Senegal's startup incubators and accelerators so you would be able to find a program that suits you!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN SENEGAL
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Impact / UN SDG
The Orange Corners initiative in Senegal provides a six-month incubation program with the goal of assisting the development of entrepreneurs as they transition from the idea generation phase to the launch phase. This is achieved through a series of intensive monthly sprints consisting of workshops, master classes, and meetups; along with access to a network of experts, investors, and influential leaders in Africa, as well as a state-of-the-art coworking space and equipment.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Oil&Gas, Renewable Energy
The Magik Energy Lab stands as the pioneering startup incubator in West Africa with a specific focus on energy, including both oil and gas and renewable energy. Their comprehensive 24-week program offers incubation services with a sector-based approach to support startups and individuals solving energy-related problems through capacity building, knowledge sharing, incubation support, and connecting various stakeholders within the energy sector.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus:Technology, Digital
The ARCcelerate program is a 10-week accelerator program specifically created for startups in Africa that are are developing solutions focused on Africa. It offers valuable guidance from Google teams, specialized technical bootcamps, connections to industry experts, as well as assistance with company and product strategy.
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
The Impact Hub Dakar program has a goal of fostering the growth of young entrepreneurial leaders in Africa and facilitating partnerships and investments between Europe and Africa, specifically in the agri-food and renewable energy industries. Through its incubation and acceleration program, it offers support and innovative financing options to existing startups and SMEs. The program also focuses on strengthening business support networks and promoting the inclusion of vulnerable populations.
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
The General Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth (DER/FJ) in Senegal was created in 2017 with the goal of encouraging economic involvement and financial inclusivity among women and young individuals. DER/FJ utilizes its public platform to facilitate entrepreneurship funding, as well as promoting financial, social, and economic inclusion by focusing on assisting startups and SMEs in Senegal.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Agriculture
The Senegal Start-Up Accelerator program is a 3-month hybrid accelerator that aims to assist African startups from Seed to Series A. It offers customized mentorship, training, and activities, and provides the opportunity for investment from Visa or Plug and Play upon successful completion of the program. Startups participating in the program gain access to a diverse range of benefits and discounts from over 100 vendors, including AWS product credits, mentorship, and specialized fintech training modules.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology, AI
The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Program presents a 10-week equity-free accelerator program, which entails personalized guidance from Google teams, exclusive technical bootcamps, and the opportunity to connect with a network of industry professionals. Its primary objective is to support startups with strong technical foundations that utilize technologies such as Machine Learning and AI and assist them in expanding their offerings.
Closing Thoughts on Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Senegal
Senegal's vibrant entrepreneurial scene provides a supportive environment that is constantly evolving, offering the ideal conditions for growth and success. Joining a startup incubator or accelerator in Senegal can open up a wide range of advantages and prospects for individuals who aspire to become entrepreneurs or have recently launched their startups. By participating in these initiatives, startups can effectively navigate the competitive landscape and soar to new levels of achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Startup Accelerators and Incubators in Senegal
What is the role of startup incubators and accelerators in Senegal?
Incubators in Senegal support early-stage startups with mentorship, infrastructure, and business development tools. Accelerators help scale-up ventures with funding, structured programs, and investor connections.
Which startup accelerators in Senegal offer funding?
Programs like DER/FJ, Impact Hub Dakar, and Suguba offer seed funding, pitch events, and access to local and international investors, especially for tech and social innovation startups.
How can I apply to a startup incubator in Senegal?
Applications are typically submitted online and require a business model, team profile, and market opportunity overview. Selection focuses on innovation, scalability, and alignment with program goals.
What support do Senegalese startup programs provide?
Support includes mentorship, training workshops, co-working space, legal and financial consulting, access to funding opportunities, and connections to Africa-wide startup networks.
Are international founders accepted into startup programs in Senegal?
Yes, many programs welcome international and Francophone entrepreneurs, particularly those targeting the West African market. Some provide relocation and soft-landing support.
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