The Application Process for the Second Safaricom and M-Pesa Spark Accelerator is Opening Soon

Kenyan aspiring entrepreneurs: We’ve got good news. The second Safaricom and M-Pesa Spark Accelerator application process will open next week, a golden opportunity for early-stage startups to accelerate their growth and engage with the bigger world.

Now in its second year, the successful Spark Accelerator program spearheaded by Safaricom, M-Pesa Africa and Sumitomo Corporation is being launched again by the two growing telecom operators to foster the development of innovative businesses not only for commercial consideration but for social good.

Read Next: Google Play has added Airtel Money as a Supported Payment Method for Customers in Kenya

The second Safaricom and M-Pesa Spark Accelerator builds on the same success as our first one, when it came to a dazzling investor demo day here in Nairobi on Friday. Nine exciting companies, showcased demonstrating their experience and connections with potential investors, proved that the programme is for the better, driving entrepreneurs and start-ups forward.

Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering innovation: “At Safaricom, we believe technology is a catalyst for change and solutions, and that’s why we incentivise and support innovative startups with the tools they need to reach the next level. With the Spark accelerator programme, we are investing in our future leaders while contributing to significant societal change and economic growth.”

The second application for Safaricom and M-Pesa Spark Accelerator will be open for entrepreneurs on April 1, 2025 – so act fast if you want to play a part in the transformational experience. Startups who apply will have until May 15, 2025 to submit their applications – so go ahead and set your calendar now, and prepare your pitch.

The success of this accelerator program will depend on more than just raising money – it will also include a whole host of support measures to help you succeed as a startup. You can expect formal training and mentorship by professionals in each area of the startup lifecycle, top-level advice from industry experts and invaluable Go-To-Market support.

The Spark Accelerator has come a long way since it launched. Before that, the Spark Venture Fund, which Safaricom launched in 2014 with a $1 million investment pool, received investments from six late-seed and early growth stage Kenyan companies. With the expansion of Spark Accelerator with M-Pesa Africa and Sumitomo Corporation, the accelerator now offers greater coverage and impact to entrepreneurs.

For startups looking to apply, it’s worth keeping in mind that the program is open to teams from all walks of life, with the appropriate expertise, who are willing to sell equity in their company. You’re supposed to have an existing product, be in revenue, and be before Series A. It sounds like it’s a particularly good time for female founders to get on the bandwagon.

Read Next: Telkom South Africa has Begun Operating as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO)

As applications are being invited for the second edition of the Safaricom and M-Pesa Spark Accelerator, this has begun to evoke great enthusiasm in Kenya’s startup community, as it serves as an opportunity for innovative companies to access the knowledge, networks and support they need to expand their operations and really make a difference.

So, if you are an entrepreneur with a big-picture idea and passion for making a difference, you really need to get your act together this time for the Second Safaricom and M-Pesa Spark Accelerator.

Was this information useful? Drop a nice comment below. You can also check out other useful contents by following us on X/Twitter @siliconafritech, Instagram @Siliconafricatech, or Facebook @SiliconAfrica.