Lisk's layer-2 Ethereum chain successfully concludes first incubation period for startups
In the rapidly evolving world of blockchain technology, several initiatives are underway to support African startups looking to make their mark in this digital frontier. Here's a roundup of some notable programs and trends that are fostering growth and innovation across the continent.
StarkWare Fund Launched for Starknet Protocol Startups
StarkWare, the developer of the Starknet layer-2 protocol, has recently announced a $4 million fund aimed at startups building on the Starknet protocol. The fund offers grants of up to $150,000 to beneficiaries, marking a significant investment in the future of decentralized applications on the Starknet network.
Lisk's Support for African Startups
Lisk, another blockchain ecosystem, has been actively supporting African startups looking to build products on its infrastructure. Led by Chief Operating Officer Dominic Schwenter, Lisk's efforts extend beyond its Blockchain Incubation Hub, providing a broader ecosystem for startups to thrive.
Founder Institute Cameroon 2025 Program
The Founder Institute, a globally proven startup accelerator network, operates a program in Cameroon. This program is designed for early-stage founders, offering a structured process, ongoing support from top regional investors and entrepreneurs, and access to advanced Founder Lab accelerators. The program aims to help startups reach key milestones for investment and growth, and also provides network access to the FI Venture Network, connecting founders to global early-stage investors.
Africa Blockchain Festival 2025 (ABF 2025)
The Africa Blockchain Festival, taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2025, is a significant event that brings together over 5,000 leaders, innovators, investors, and policymakers focused on blockchain and AI in Africa. While primarily a conference, ABF serves as a platform to unlock blockchain potential, facilitate real-world applications, engage stakeholders in progressive policy discussions, and highlight Africa’s blockchain innovation landscape.
Lagos Innovates Program
Lagos Innovates, supported by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), has supported over 240 startups through funding, workspace vouchers, and scaling opportunities. Although not blockchain-specific, this program is significant for tech startups in Lagos, a major African tech hub, many of which work with blockchain and fintech technologies.
Broader African Web3 and Blockchain Adoption Trends
Across the continent, a growing ecosystem of blockchain-enabled startups, projects, and infrastructure is emerging, driven by solutions addressing challenges such as lack of banking access and inefficiencies in existing systems. This ecosystem is supported through a wave of decentralized empowerment initiatives, enabling startups to build inclusive, transparent Web3 technologies.
Ethereum Support for African Blockchain Companies
The Ethereum Foundation has been investing in projects that build on its network or contribute to developing its infrastructure. Notable African companies such as Web3Bridge, Borderless Africa, and the African Blockchain Institute have received grants from the Ethereum Support Program.
These initiatives and trends paint a vibrant picture of the blockchain landscape in Africa, with a growing number of opportunities for startups to thrive and contribute to the digital revolution.
- StarkWare, with their new $4 million fund for Starknet protocol startups, is making a significant investment in the future of decentralized applications on the Starknet network.
- Lisk, a blockchain ecosystem, is actively supporting African startups, providing not just funding but a broader ecosystem for these startups to thrive.
- The Founder Institute's program in Cameroon offers a structured process, ongoing support, and access to advanced accelerators for early-stage founders, aiming to help them reach key milestones for investment and growth.
- The Africa Blockchain Festival, happening in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2025, brings together leaders, innovators, investors, and policymakers focused on blockchain and AI in Africa, serving as a platform to unlock blockchain potential and highlight Africa’s blockchain innovation landscape.
- Lagos Innovates, supported by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, has backed over 240 startups in Lagos, many of which work with blockchain and fintech technologies, making it a significant program for tech startups in a major African tech hub.
- The Ethereum Foundation is investing in projects that build on its network or contribute to developing its infrastructure, with notable African companies such as Web3Bridge, Borderless Africa, and the African Blockchain Institute receiving grants from the Ethereum Support Program, contributing to a growing ecosystem of blockchain-enabled startups across the continent.
