Application Deadline: February 7, 2024
Applications are now open for the 6th edition of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) Francophone African Virtual Incubator (IFAV) Program.
Created in 2018 by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, the Francophone African Virtual Incubator (IFAV) is a program supporting young African entrepreneurs in the creation and development of their innovative startup projects of a social nature.
It is aimed at students or recent graduates from a higher education establishment that is a member of the AUF university network in French-speaking Africa.
Intended for project leaders in the ideation phase, the program offers personalized support to begin the creation of organizations with a strong social and/or environmental impact. It deploys all the steps allowing the launch of an entrepreneurial dynamic: from the analysis of the need generating ideation to the construction of the business model as an integrating tool, including prototyping and market tests.
For each edition, the IFAV welcomes a cohort of 30 rigorously selected project leaders. To date, more than 90 entrepreneurs have been able to start their entrepreneurial projects in their country in Africa.
Eligibility Criteria:
Project
You have an idea or a project that can respond in an innovative way to social, societal or environmental needs on the African continent.
Motivation
You are motivated and committed, you have a strong desire to undertake and you are ready to embark on the adventure of business creation.
Availability
You want to join a system where you will be challenged, nourished by exchanges with other project leaders and experts while investing yourself at a minimum 8 hours / week.
Location
You are based. in Central Africa & Great Lakes, North Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa, Indian Ocean and Middle East.
Attached at University
You come from a university that is a member of the AUF or affiliated with a university establishment (recent graduate or student in the process of obtaining your diploma).
Benefits
12 pre-incubation sprints
Support in 12 intensive sprints over 3 months.
Our trainers, mentors, experts, and the entire team will be at your disposal and attentive throughout the development of your project.
Group training
Collective training on subjects such as digital marketing, sustainable development, the CANVA business model, go to market strategy, etc.)
Individual coaching
One-to-one coaching sessions will be assigned to you to support you on the different aspects to ensure the development and deployment of your solution.
Mentoring
Mentoring sessions will take place with experts in their professions in order to answer your problems
Inspiring talks
Inspiring Talks “from entrepreneurs to entrepreneurs” that are sure to inspire you. It is also an opportunity to discover feedback from entrepreneurs.
“High Level” support
12 intensive sprints (Training, Inspiring Talks, one-to-one Coaching, Mentoring).Our teams will listen to you and respond to your needs and concerns.
Funding Opportunities
The winning projects will receive awards and will have access to funding opportunities.
B2B and B2C relationship
B2B and B2C: By integrating the IFAV program you will have access to a network of AUF and LaStartupStation partners.
Timeline:
- Call for applications: 01/10/2024 To 02/07/2024
- Call for Partnership: 01/15/2024 To 02/15/20243
- Pre-selection: 02/19/20244
- Bootcamp: 02/26/2024 and 02/27/20245
- Selection: 01/03/2024
- 12 pre-incubation sprints: 03/11/2024 to 05/31/2024
- Final Bootcamp: 05/30/2024 and 05/21/2024
- Demo Day: 06/12/2024
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the AUF Virtual African Francophone Incubator