If your organisation supports startups as an incubator or accelerator, this training programme offers a chance to strengthen your services, expand funding access, and build cross-continental networks, especially valuable for innovation hubs working across Africa and Europe.
The AEIP has designed a 30-hour online capacity-building course targeted at business-support organisations (BSOs) such as incubators and accelerators that have been operating for at least 2-3 years. (africaeuropeinnovation.net) It’s structured through three main chapters covering ecosystem mapping, organisational development and programme design; plus a dedicated module on impact measurement and reporting. For African MSME ecosystem builders, being part of this program means gaining access to tools and peer learning that help amplify how you support entrepreneurs, secure funding and position your hub for greater impact.
Benefits
Access to expert-led training modules designed by certified practitioners (European Business & Innovation Centre Network – EBN) with the EU|BIC quality label.
Networking with 40 selected incubators/accelerators across Africa and Europe, enhancing collaboration potential.
A certification (EU|BIC diploma) upon attending at least 80% of the programme.
Practical frameworks and tools for funding access, service design, ecosystem roles, digital transformation and impact monitoring.
Eligibility
To apply, your organisation must:
Be an incubator, accelerator or business-support organisation functioning for at least 2-3 years.
Be based in Africa or Europe.
Commit team members to the online sessions and peer-learning modules.
Duration & Deadline
Programme running period: December 2025 to March 2027.
Application deadline: 21 November 2025.
Tips & FAQs
Tip 1: Prepare your organisation’s history, service portfolio, team roles and challenges, these will inform your application’s narrative of how you will benefit and contribute. Tip 2: Highlight your network or past success supporting startups, this gives context to your readiness for the programme. Tip 3: Since full engagement is required (missing over two sessions may risk your place), ensure your team can commit the needed hours. Tip 4: Emphasise how the training can help your hub improve specific areas (e.g., funding access, digital tools, impact metrics) instead of using general statements. FAQ: Is there a cost? The public information does not list any fee. FAQ: Will only 40 organisations be selected? Yes, 40 core participants will be selected for full cycle access, with additional observer slots available.
