Safaricom, in collaboration with M-PESA Africa and Sumitomo Corporation, has officially opened applications for the 2025 Spark Accelerator Program. This initiative aims to support early-stage startups in Kenya that are developing innovative solutions in sectors such as fintech, SME productivity tools, and the creative economy.
Program Timeline
- Application Period: April 1 – May 30, 2025
- Cohort Shortlisting: June – July 2025
- Accelerator Program: August – October 2025
- Investor Demo Day: November 2025
Eligibility Criteria
Startups interested in applying should meet the following criteria:
- Location: Based in or operating within Kenya
- Stage: Early to growth-stage with an existing product and post-revenue
- Team: Multi-skilled team with requisite expertise in the sector
- Equity: Willingness to accept equity participation
- Strategic Fit: Solutions in embedded finance, SME productivity tools, or the creative economy
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Program Benefits
Participants in the Spark Accelerator Program will receive:
- Product & Technology Support:
- Access to Safaricom’s Daraja and M-PESA Open APIs
- AWS Activate credits up to $25,000
- Technical mentorship from experienced engineers and product leaders
- Market Access:
- Exposure to Safaricom and M-PESA’s customer base of over 30 million users
- Integration into Safaricom’s partner network
- Networking events with industry experts and potential partners
- Capital & Investor Readiness:
- Investor readiness training covering pitch development and fundraising strategies
- Access to funding from Safaricom and leading venture capital funds
- Exposure to a network of angel investors and ecosystem enablers
How to Apply
Interested startups can apply by completing the online application form available at:
👉 Spark Accelerator Application Form
Ensure that your application includes non-confidential information, a link to your startup’s pitch deck, and a 60-second video pitch explaining why your startup should be selected for the accelerator.
For more detailed information about the program, including terms and conditions, please visit the official Safaricom Spark Accelerator page.
