The “Smart Cities Innovation Program (SCIP)”, an accelerator that supports digital urban innovations, has launched a call for applications for African startups working in the fields of smart mobility, smart housing and fintech.

In the field of intelligent mobility, the program is looking for solutions based on new technologies to enable the transport of people and goods within communities. The target subjects are: shared mobility, road safety, e-parking, electronic charging, micro-mobility, as well as ticketing, payment and information.

When it comes to smart housing, the target is start-ups that have developed forward-looking housing and habitat solutions, and who seek to expand access to affordable housing. This can include smart construction, homes better suited to local demand, and smart integration (with utilities like energy, water, waste management).

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Regarding the field of fintech, the program is looking for start-ups that have developed ways of deploying financial technology to make the various smart solutions affordable for different market segments. Financial solutions are typically credit, savings, investing, money transfer, and insurance solutions.

In general, these start-ups must have operations in one or more African countries, a clientele, a social or environmental impact, a potential for growth and job creation.

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Applicants have until May 9, 2021 to submit their applications.

The selected start-ups will benefit from one-on-one mentoring, training as well as networking and networking with business partners and international investors. The training will be tailored to the needs of the business.

The program will run for 6 months starting in June in Rwanda. Participation is completely free, including trips to Rwanda. Note that the SCIP is fully funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

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In Africa, by 2030, 50% of Africans are expected to live in urban areas. According to the World Bank, increasing urbanization holds great potential for the continent, as it can lead to economic growth and poverty reduction. At the same time, it risks worsening inequalities and urban poverty. Therefore, concrete action to guide Africa’s urban transformation in terms of sustainable development goals is needed.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer

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