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Safaricom is encouraging early-stage startups to submit their applications for the second phase of its Spark Accelerator Programme from April 1 to May 15, 2025.
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Peter Ndegwa, the CEO of Safaricom, highlighted that the Spark Accelerator Program represents an investment in future leaders through its support for startups.
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Safaricom, Sumitomo Corporation, and M-Pesa Africa are extending their collaboration to broaden the initiative during the next stage.
Elijah Ntongai, who works as a journalist for SANGGRALOKA.co.ke, possesses over four years of experience in researching and reporting on finance, business, and technology. He offers valuable perspectives on both Kenyan and international developments.
Safaricom has unveiled the commencement of the second stage of its Spark Accelerator Program and is calling for applications from early-stage startups from April 1 through May 15, 2025.
Following the successful conclusion of the program’s initial batch, characterized by an energetic investor demonstration day, Safaricom has initiated another call for applications.
What does the Spark Accelerator Program entail?
Launched in 2024, the Spark Accelerator Program serves as a joint effort aimed at providing startups with comprehensive training, tailored product development assistance, technological support, along with market entry and funding opportunities.
This collaborative effort is led by Safaricom, M-PESA Africa, and Sumitomo Corporation, with implementation carried out through iHub. Additional backing comes from AWS, Vodacom, and PwC.
Safaricom investor demo day
On March 21, 2025, nine startup companies unveiled their new inventions along with their marketing plans to prospective financiers, highlighting the advancements they achieved thanks to guidance and backing provided by the accelerator program in its initial stage.
The investor demo day took place during the concluding stage of the initial phase of the program aimed at assisting startups in obtaining funds from prominent venture capitalists.
At Safaricom, we view technology as a driving force for transformation and problem-solving. That’s why we encourage and assist emerging startups by providing them with the necessary resources to advance further,” stated Safaricom CEO, Peter Ndegwa. “Through our Spark acceleration initiative, we’re nurturing tomorrow’s leaders and fostering substantial social progress along with economic expansion.
Successful initial batch of participants in the Spark Accelerator program
The initial group of the Spark Accelerator Program consisted of nine pioneering startups from different sectors. These nine emerging firms were chosen for the program’s debut cohort in May 2024 after an open call for submissions spanning multiple fields.
The firms were selected for consideration according to the respective categories listed below:
- Chumz and Nobuk Africa: Integrating Embedded Finance
- SME Productivity Tools: Chapter, Faidi HR, Churpy, and Twiva
- Content and Creative Economy: BlackRhino VR and Health X Africa
- Future Fintech: VunaPay
After the successful completion of the initial stage, Safaricom, Sumitomo Corporation, and M-PESA Africa have joined forces once more to broaden the initiative. Startups at an early development stage focusing on technology, financial services, the creative sector, and small-to-medium enterprise productivity solutions are invited to submit their applications via the program’s designated webpage.
