A new cohort of African startups tackling some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, from food insecurity to climate resilience and digital infrastructure, has been selected for the MassChallenge Switzerland and UK 2026 accelerator programme.
The global accelerator announced 193 early-stage startups for its 2026 cohort, drawn from nearly 2,000 applicants. Among them is a notable group of African innovators building solutions across agritech, food systems, AI and circular economy infrastructure.
If you have a startup you want featured on TechArena, let us know through this contact form here.
Bridge Merchant Enterprise from Nigeria is addressing post-harvest losses by connecting smallholder farmers to markets through a decentralized, tech-enabled logistics and storage network.
Cameroon’s CornHouse offers farmers access to safe storage, credit and better pricing through maize-backed collateral systems.
Zambia’s Entomo Farm is turning organic waste into high-protein animal feed and organic fertilizer using black soldier fly farming.
Kenya is represented by Ustawi Nutritional Care, which processes orange-fleshed sweet potatoes into vitamin A-rich food products to combat malnutrition while supporting smallholder farmers.
AI, climate and infrastructure
African startups are also making an impact in AI, climate tech and digital infrastructure.
Kenya’s Nuru Solutions is building data infrastructure for smallholder farmers by combining satellite imagery and machine learning to unlock access to credit and insurance.
In the healthtech space, Nigeria’s FirstAI.d is developing an emergency response infrastructure that uses intelligent routing and payments to connect patients with the nearest available ambulance.
Ethiopia’s Thur Biotech is developing microbial solutions aimed at improving soil health and reducing reliance on imported agricultural inputs.
Circular economy and climate innovation
Kenya’s M-taka Solutions is building a tech-enabled platform that connects waste collectors, recyclers and brands using AI, IoT and blockchain. This brings structure and traceability to fragmented waste systems.
Tunisia’s CHITELIX is transforming seafood waste into high-value biomaterials such as chitosan, while Tanzania’s Healthy Seaweed Co. is turning seaweed into nutritious food products while supporting coastal women farmers.
The four-month accelerator programme will provide mentorship, investor access and corporate partnerships, culminating in awards in October where startups will compete for up to CHF 1 million in zero-equity funding.
For these and more stories, follow us on X (Formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn and Telegram. You can also send us tips or reach out at info@techarena.co.ke.