Uganda Launches NINJA Accelerator To Propel Startups

The Uganda Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, in collaboration with Hindsight Ventures and supported by JICA, has unveiled the NINJA Acceleration Program.

This initiative is aimed at empowering growth-stage Ugandan startups to scale their operations and enhancing their regional influence. The program focuses on Ugandan startups with significant potential and demonstrated traction.

Through a three-stage selection process, 10 startups were chosen from a competitive pool of over 130 applicants. The selected cohort represents a wide range of industries, including FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, Manufacturing, Sustainability, and DeepTech. Collectively, these startups generate monthly recurring revenues ranging from $10000 to $120000.

The NINJA Accelerator provides participating startups with an array of benefits, including customized technical support tailored to address their unique business challenges. The program also provides market linkages and introductions to potential customers, while also connecting startups to investors to facilitate funding opportunities.

A standout feature of the program has been a week-long immersion tour in Nairobi, recognized as East Africa’s leading innovation hub. During this experience, the startups engaged with leading corporations such as Absa Bank Kenya, Safaricom, Microsoft Africa Transformation Office, Kenya Airways, and others. They also gained valuable insights from seasoned investors and experienced founders, enriching their entrepreneurial journey.

Dr. Joshua Mutambi, Commissioner at the Ministry of Trade, expressed confidence in the ability of Ugandan startups to attract venture capital and expand their influence regionally. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to supporting startups through the NINJA Accelerator while leading efforts to develop a Startup Policy and Act to ensure sustainable ecosystem development.

Mbabazi Ruth, Program Officer at JICA, highlighted JICA’s role in fostering holistic growth within Uganda’s startup ecosystem. She remarked, “JICA is working towards a wholistic growth of the Ugandan startup ecosystem by supporting both acceleration through programs like NINJA as well as policy. Uganda has high innovation potential given the youthful and learned population.”

The NINJA Accelerator will culminate in a Demo Day scheduled for February 2025, where startups will have the opportunity to showcase their progress and innovations to investors and partners. With structured mentorship, strategic support, and a collaborative ecosystem approach, the program aims to establish Uganda as a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.