A significant cohort of African startups has been selected for the MassChallenge Switzerland and UK 2026 accelerator programme, aiming to address critical challenges across the continent.

• Out of nearly 2,000 applicants, 193 early-stage startups were chosen, with a strong representation from African innovators.
• The selected African startups focus on areas such as agritech, food systems, AI, the circular economy, and climate resilience.
• Notable Kenyan participants include Ustawi Nutritional Care, addressing malnutrition, and Nuru Solutions, building data infrastructure for farmers.
• The programme offers mentorship, investor access, and corporate partnerships, culminating in awards with up to CHF 1 million in funding.

Quiet plans are emerging for a new 199-hectare Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Nakuru County, potentially a new tech hub to rival Konza Technopolis.

• The proposed RVDT Tech City will span approximately 199.4 hectares (nearly 500 acres).
• The project is being spearheaded by the Rift Valley Development Trust (RVDT).
• The hub is envisioned as a vehicle for regional digital transformation and employment creation, located 4 kilometers from Nakuru City center.

Kenyan healthtech startup Tibu Health has secured a significant funding facility from Proparco to rapidly expand its network of "Minute Clinics" across Kenya, enhancing access to affordable primary healthcare.

• This funding is provided through the Digital Africa facility, aimed at scaling Tibu Health's proximity-based clinics.
• Key players include Tibu Health, founded by Jason Carmichael, and the investment arm Proparco, represented by Djalal Khimdjee, Deputy CEO.
• Tibu Health currently operates 10 Minute Clinics in four counties, with plans for further expansion, having already delivered over 45,000 diagnoses.