Call for Applications: UNDP timbuktoo ManuTech Hub

The timbuktoo ManuTech Hub is the first African platform dedicated to African manufacturing startups. Located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the hub delivers hybrid world‑class resources, mentorship, labs, and equity‑free funding to help founders build scalable, tech‑driven solutions that upgrade the continent’s manufacturing landscape.

Are you an aspiring startup in the manufacturing technology sector looking to grow your business across the continent? Join the timbuktoo ManuTech bootcamp in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The hub is launching its second call of the year to recruit promising startups that are working on technologies, tools and processes that enhance efficiency, quality, and productivity in manufacturing. The ManuTech Hub is also looking for innovative manufacturing that uses new and groundbreaking ways of production, processing and manufacturing.

The ManuTech Hub will host a hybrid bootcamp, incubation and acceleration program in 2025 and early 2026, both in person in Addis Ababa and virtually.

Why Join the ManuTech timbuktoo Hub

ManuTech Hub offers fully sponsored, hands-on training designed around the real needs of African manufacturing startups. Seasoned industry mentors guide product refinement, market strategy, and cross‑border expansion. Each business can unlock equity‑free funding capital that lets you grow without giving up ownership.

Key Programme Benefits

Investor and partner networks – Tap into global supply chains, venture capital firms, and procurement pipelines aligned with African manufacturing startups.

AfCFTA linkages – Cohort members gain automatic access to the broader timbuktoo network, multiplying collaboration and funding opportunities.

Tailored acceleration resources – From prototyping tools to regulatory advice, ManuTech Hub equips you to reach the market faster while maximizing the impact of your equity‑free funding.

Who Should Apply

The call is open to technology-focused (manufacturing and manufacturing technology) startup founders across Africa aged between 18 and 35, who are building tech-based startups in ManuTech and manufacturing that meet the following criteria:

Technology-enabled solution: Your startup must have a technology-enabled solution at its core, utilizing digital tools and platforms to drive innovation and efficiency in the manufacturing sector

Innovation and uniqueness: Novel approach to solving manufacturing challenges, potential for disruptive impact in the manufacturing sector.

Technical feasibility: Sound technical basis for the solution, realistic development timeline.

Scalability: Startups should demonstrate high potential for growth and investment, with a clear business model, proven market traction, openness to mentorship, and the ability to scale rapidly through digital or multi-market distribution.”

Startups in the following areas are highly encouraged to apply, although the application is not limited to this list:

Manufacturing technologies: Startups that are working on manufacturing execution systems, robotics and automation, machine health monitoring, maintenance management systems and industrial internet-of-things.

Manufacturing: Technology enabled and innovative manufacturing in priority sectors i.e. agro-processing, food and beverage, textile and apparel and leather good manufacturing.

Note: Applications are not restricted to the four sectors mentioned above and is open to promising ventures from other industries as well.

Programme timeline

Application and Selection Process: May 2025 – 01 July 2025

Bootcamp: August 2025

Incubation & Acceleration: September 2025 – December 2025

Eligibility:

1. If you run a growth‑stage and /or scale up stage technology-focused venture reimagining production, logistics, or industrial sustainability, the ManuTech Hub is built for you. Ideal businesses are:
2. Startups with founders who are citizens of an African country.
3. Startups must be locally owned and based in any African country.
4. Founders must be aged 18-35.
5. Developing hardware, software, or hybrid solutions that advance local manufacturing.
6. Ready to leverage mentorship, networks, and equity‑free funding to scale.
7. Startups leveraging technology in the manufacturing sector to capitalize on complex development opportunities and solve challenges.
8. Startups with a minimum viable product are preferred.

Get more details and apply HERE