Katapult Launches Africa Accelerator Program

Katapult has announced the launch of Africa Accelerator Program in partnership with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Norrsken and Smart Africa and with the support of Norad with the aim of investing in impact-driven startups within agri-food and climate-tech across the continent.

Launched in 2020, Katapult Africa, aims to support and develop the growing impact community in East Africa and the wider continent. Through investing in and supporting startups working in the space of food, climate and agri-tech, the Katapult Africa Accelerator Program aims to leverage the potential of a young and tech-savvy population, providing both a source of employment and the solutions that will build a healthier planet for all.

The program will take place over a 3-month period and take a hybrid format where participants will have the opportunity to participate in the program both digitally and on location in Kigali. The program seeks to accelerate and invest in up to 15 startups and additionally run a 30-place pre-accelerator program. The program will focus on African agriculture, food and climate solutions.

In a statement, the company said it strongly encourages startups working in Agriculture and Food Production, Supply Chain Services, Distribution and Logistics and Sustainable Infrastructure to apply for the program.

 Speaking at the launch, Katapult Country Director for Rwanda, Philip Gasaatura says, “As Katapult launches the Africa Accelerator program, the Katapult Africa team here in Kigali, Rwanda are all very excited to be working with our program partners TBI, Smart Africa and Norrsken, as well as engaging with companies, different ecosystem partners and corporate partners. We believe African startups can help solve some of the big challenges Africa faces today as one of the fastest growing markets and this we believe is a great investment opportunity and so our goal is to find, invest in and help scale some of the most exciting tech companies with the most impact potential on Africa’s food and agri value chains, across Africa.”

Katapult’s founder Tharald Nustad stated, “Over the last five years, Katapult has been determined in its vision to build a thriving world for all. A key element in operationalizing this vision is to look to where we can have the most impact possible. With growing economies and proven entrepreneurial credentials, we believe the African continent is key in ushering in the agricultural, food and climate solutions that the global population requires. In mobilizing Katapult’s investment model in Rwanda, we see the ability to not only harness innovation but to act as an impetus for job and wealth creation both in East Africa and the wider-continent.”