About the program

SWIT is a social enterprise committed to accelerating socio-economic development in South-West Nigeria by driving innovation, technology, and high-impact entrepreneurship. Guided by the vision to be a catalyst for global transformation, SWIT identifies research-driven innovations from academic and industry researchers, invests in them, and nurtures their outputs into viable businesses. By closing critical infrastructure gaps and addressing socioeconomic challenges, SWIT fosters sustainable economic growth across the continent.

What are the requirements to join as an entrepreneur?

To be eligible for the SWIT Startup Kick, applicants must:

-Be based in Nigeria or any African country, with a strong commitment to building an impact-driven business.
-Be in the idea stage or early-stage of a startup, with a concept that solves a real problem or addresses a clear market need.
-Be between 18 and 40 years old, though exceptional applicants outside this range may be considered.
-Be able to dedicate time weekly to attend sessions, complete assignments, and engage with mentors and peers during the 4-week virtual program.
-Have access to a digital device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone) and stable internet.
-Show a willingness to learn, adapt, and actively participate in a collaborative, online environment.
-Priority will be given to entrepreneurs from underserved, underrepresented, or rural communities, including women and persons with disabilities.

Sign up

Days
Hours
This program is no longer accepting applications.
Town / Region
Nigeria
Sectors accepted for this program

Join as a mentor and help entrepreneurs in Africa achieve success!

We are looking for mentors who are committed to joining our incubation program. If you have a passion for entrepreneurship, have at least 5 years of professional experience and are committed to reviewing and monitoring your entrepreneur’s work before mentoring meetings, we want you to join us! We envision a fair, efficient and meritocratic society where innovation belongs to everyone. Sign up today and help Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs succeed!

What requirements must you have to mentor?

Experienced founders, angel investors & experts

Program Timeline

Apply to participate in the program
Until September 15, 2025
Tell us more about yourself and your project by submitting your application. Our team will evaluate all applications from entrepreneurs and mentors who apply to the program.
Confirmation of selected profiles
Until 17 October 2025
We will review the completed applications through a selection process and select the participants for this edition of the programme.
Participate in the welcome session
18 and 19 January 2024
You will be invited to participate in an information session to welcome you to the incubation programme. In this session we will cover the programme schedule, your role, the role of mentors, the use of incubation tools to help you work on your business and much more.
Matching
Training of work pairs for entrepreneurs/mentors - 19 January - 31 January
Take part in our matching process! You will have the possibility to meet with the volunteer mentors from our Community that you think will be the best match for you and your project. Once you have met several mentors, both you and they will send us their preferences to let us know who they want to work with and we will make the best teams.
Start the incubation program
February - June 2024

Start the hybrid incubation experience with mentoring sessions, working tools and structured development. You will have 5 months to complete the incubation cycle and develop your validated business plan.

  • You will work weekly with your personal mentor in one-on-one sessions to go through the 8 business modules.
    You will have the incubation team on hand at all times to answer any questions you may have.
  • You will finish the programme developing a business plan and executive summary ready to present to potential investors.
Completion of incubation program
June 2024

Do you have any questions about the program?

Contact Elijah Shokenu, Incubation Manager of the program to answer all your questions.

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