Application for African Accelerators (South Africa/Kenya, Egypt) 

 - 2026 GMEP (Global Market Expansion Program)

The Global Market Expansion Program (GMEP) is designed to support Korean startups in their efforts to enter global markets and secure international funding. The program is managed by KISED, the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development. Following the successful execution of the 2025 GMEP Program, this year, the Korea-Africa Foundation (KAF) will continue to support the initiative and participate as one of the key management agencies. KAF is now recruiting non-Korean African accelerators based in South Africa / Kenya and Egypt to manage this program. These accelerators will play a pivotal role in facilitating the entry of Korean startups into African markets. We invite qualified accelerators to apply and contribute to the success of this initiative.

1. Purpose of Recruitment

To select non-Korean accelerators based in South Africa, Kenya and Egypt who will implement the GMEP for the African region.

*Please note that both KAF and the selected accelerators will jointly apply for the GMEP. However, final selection will be determined through an evaluation process, and there is a possibility of disqualification based on the assessment results.

2. Application Period: 9 Feb 2026 - 23 Feb 2026

3. Application Method: Submit a program proposal in WORD format to ecd@k-af.or.kr

4. Target Accelerators: 1 accelerator in South Africa / Kenya,  1 accelerator in Egypt

5. Sector Focus/Number of Startups to be Incubated

 - South Africa & Kenya: Renewable Energy/7 startups

 - Egypt: Aging Tech/8 startups

 *Note: The number of startups to be incubated by each accelerator is subject to change based on the startup recruitment results.

6. Selection Process and Evaluation Method: Document Screening → Final Selection

*Result Announcement: 25 Feb, 2026 (KST)

7. Budget Allocation: Approximately KRW 19,000,000 per startup

8. Operation Period: March 2026 - November 2026 (planned)

9. Key Responsibilities of the Accelerators:

 - Identifying and selecting startups

 - Planning and operating domestic programs(two-week duration)

 - Planning and operating local programs(four-week duration)

 - Providing support and guidance to startups

 - Promoting the program

 - Reporting results

10. Eligibility and Requirements

 1) Applicant Eligibility:

  - Accelerators with business registration in the designated region (South Africa&Kenya or Egypt)

  - Capable of planning, organizing, and operating both domestic and on-site programs in collaboration with interdepartmental management agencies

 2) Application Requirements:

  - Demonstrated experience and achievements in inbound/outbound acceleration operations

  - Must have supported global expansion efforts for startups from various countries within the past three years (2023-2025)

  - Must have an established, dedicated team or department within the applying accelerator for project execution

  - Deployment of at least two dedicated personnel during the agreement period

  - Personnel must be exclusively dedicated to this project with 100% participation. Participation in other projects is not permitted.

  - Personnel should have a minimum of three years’ experience in the startup sector or a related field, with a strong understanding of business planning and management.

 3) Key Roles of Dedicated Personnel:

  - Managing startup support (announcing program details, operating the program, monitoring progress and achievements, addressing challenges, etc.)

  - Communicating with KAF officials

 4) On-Site Program Requirements:

  - Provide support for startups’ local business needs, including office space (workspaces, meeting rooms, etc.) and other related facilities

  - If startups require local office space (e.g., shared offices) to meet program objectives, support must be provided within the agreement period

We eagerly anticipate receiving applications from qualified accelerators committed to supporting the expansion of Korean startups into the African market.  We appreciate your interest and look forward to your participation.