UCT GSB Solution Space/Ayoba E-Track Programme for African Entrepreneurs 2023

Are you a problem solver? A risk-taker? Do you see yourself as an entrepreneur?

If you answered, yes. Then you are the perfect candidate for the e-Track programme – an early-stage venture acceleration and capacity-building programme for high-impact entrepreneurs brought to you by UCT GSB Solution Space, an innovation and entrepreneurship hub associated with the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (which is Africa’s leading triple-crowned business school), in partnership with ayoba.

The programme is proudly funded by ayoba, a SuperApp (all-in-one app) built to narrow the digital divide in Africa for users while accelerating the digitisation and growth of small businesses. With over 20 million active users, the platform promotes hyper-local content through its channels feature, which gives users access to free content across diverse categories ranging from news, sports, fashion, education, entertainment, games, music and more.  Additionally, the app helps small business accelerate their growth through the MicroApps.

The e-Track programme has two distinct phases. Phase one is the Venture Launch programme which focuses on validating the venture concept – and it is appropriate for participants that have or want to develop both for-profit and non-profit scale-ups. All who successfully complete phase 1 will receive a UCT GSB certificate and be invited to pitch for phase 2, where only 15 start-ups are selected.

Phase two is aimed at accelerating the development of the validated venture and culminates in a Pitch Day, where ventures pitch to a room full of potential investors, venture capitalists and capacity builders that could take the start-up to even greater heights.

How long is the programme?

Phase 1, which is currently open for applications, takes place over 5-weeks entirely online starting in April 2023.

Phase 2 happens over 12-weeks starting in July 2023.

About University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is South Africa's oldest university, and is one of Africa's leading teaching and research institutions. UCT was founded in 1829 as the South African College, a high school for boys. The College had a small tertiary-education facility that grew substantially after 1880, when the discovery of gold and diamonds in the north – and the resulting demand for skills in mining – gave it the financial boost it needed to grow. The College developed into a fully fledged university during the period 1880 to 1900, thanks to increased funding fro... read more

E-Track Programme

Aim and Benefits of E-Track Programme

• Not only does joining this programme help you build your business, you also become part of the start-up ecosystem, get access to a wealthy network through our partners and potentially, access to local markets. Additionally, you have access to co-working spaces, seasoned industry experts and advisory services that are bound to change the trajectory of your venture.
• The co-working space enables start-ups to become part of a growing community and network of passionate founders looking to build the future. Two locations are available: UCT GSB Solution Space Waterfront and Philippi Village Hubs, both equipped with Wi-Fi, hot desks, lounge areas, and meeting rooms. Over the course of the programme, start-ups have access to some of the most innovative, creative, and seasoned experts in the venture space, where they can obtain insights and advice from venture capitalists, creative directors, legal guides, and serial entrepreneurs.  There are also masterclasses in a range of topics including Legal, Tax and Accounting, Human Resources, Branding and Marketing.

Requirements for E-Track Programme Qualification

The programme targets high-impact individuals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and experienced founders from anywhere in Africa.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit UCT website.