African entrepreneurs seeking capital, mentorship, and leadership training now have a fresh opportunity, as the 2026 Cascador ScaleUp Programme opens applications for growth-stage founders across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- African entrepreneurs seeking capital, mentorship, and leadership training now have a fresh opportunity, as the 2026 Cascador ScaleUp Programme opens...
- Organisers say the initiative targets founders who already have proven business traction and are preparing to expand operations sustainably.
- According to details published by Cascador, applicants must have operated for at least two years and generate annual revenue of...
- The fund works with financing partners, including Sterling Bank, to support founders through debt, equity, guarantees, and collateral support.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on African startups — everything you need to know is covered below.
The programme offers access to investor networks, leadership coaching, business support, and funding pathways worth up to $5 million annually through the Cascador Catalytic Fund.
Applications will remain open until June 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM WAT. Organisers say the initiative targets founders who already have proven business traction and are preparing to expand operations sustainably.
Focus on Growth-Stage Businesses
The 12-week programme combines virtual learning sessions with in-person engagements in Lagos. Participants will receive tailored advisory support, leadership development training, mentorship, and investor-readiness coaching to help businesses strengthen operations and prepare for scale.
According to details published by Cascador, applicants must have operated for at least two years and generate annual revenue of at least ₦100 million, equivalent to about $70,000. Preference will be given to businesses creating measurable social or economic impact across Africa.
The programme welcomes both tech-enabled ventures and businesses operating in the real economy. Organisers say founders with strong leadership teams, clear market traction, and readiness for expansion stand the best chance of selection.
Funding, Mentorship, and Pitch Opportunities
One of the major attractions of the initiative is access to the Cascador Catalytic Fund, which deploys between $2 million and $5 million annually to eligible alumni ventures. The fund works with financing partners, including Sterling Bank, to support founders through debt, equity, guarantees, and collateral support.
Participants will also compete for $50,000 in Pitch Day prizes during the programme’s in-person intensive sessions in Lagos. Travel, accommodation, and meals for mandatory physical sessions will be fully covered, while each participating founder will receive a $5,000 stipend for personal development support.
Cascador said early applicants may receive invitations to exclusive Pitch Day events and gain more time to complete the programme’s detailed semifinalist application stage.
Programme Schedule and Selection Process
The 2026 cohort will begin with remote preparatory sessions scheduled for August 17 to 28. This will be followed by an in-person kickoff in Lagos from August 31 to September 3, site visits in September, and weekly virtual education sessions running through October. The programme will conclude with an intensive leadership and Pitch Day event in Lagos in early November.
Applications begin with a short preliminary form, after which selected founders will move to a more detailed review process involving financial documents, interviews, and strategy assessments.
With African startups facing mounting pressure to build resilient, investment-ready businesses, the Cascador ScaleUp Program is positioning itself as a pathway for founders aiming to strengthen leadership capacity while unlocking access to growth capital.
Apply here for the programme: https://cascador.org/apply-now/.