icealex's flagship startup incubator. Born as Startups of Alex in 2017 — Alexandria's first-ever incubator — and rebranded in 2026 to Startups of Africa as the programme scales continentally across the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa.
Startups of Africa is icealex's flagship incubation programme — the continental evolution of Startups of Alex (SoA), the first startup incubator ever established in Alexandria (2017). Under its new continental identity, the programme continues to deliver structured incubation, mentorship, market access, and investor readiness support to early-stage, impact-driven entrepreneurs — now scaling beyond Alexandria and the Delta into North Africa, the Mediterranean basin, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Built in partnership with the Academy of Scientific Research, Oxfam, and a growing network of continental partners, Startups of Africa carries forward 9 cycles and 100+ alumni from the SoA era as its foundation, and now layers on a pan-African cohort pipeline.
Applications via app.icealex.com
⏳ Deadline: 30 Apr 2026 — 11 days left!
Questions? projects@icealex.com
Startups of Africa targets early-to-growth stage ventures from across the African continent — with a focus on startups solving problems specific to African markets. Founders of any nationality may apply if their venture operates or plans to operate in Africa.
No. Incorporation location is not a requirement. What matters is that your venture creates impact on African communities or markets. We look at the problem you solve, who you serve, and your growth trajectory.
Applications are reviewed by an icealex panel using the Impact Diagnostic framework — assessing founder readiness, social value, scale potential, and ecosystem contribution. Shortlisted startups are invited to a pitch interview before final cohort selection.
Participants receive structured mentorship from African and international experts, access to the AfriLabs and ASRT partner networks, co-working and prototyping support, and preparation for regional investor and pitch events. Select participants receive seed-stage support.
The program has supported 100+ alumni across 9 previous SoA cycles. Graduates have gone on to raise funding, expand into new African markets, and join major regional accelerators including Flat6Labs and the GIZ Innovation Fund portfolio. Several alumni are now mentors in the programme.