The Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) has launched its new Training Programme for Incubators and Accelerators, designed to empower business support organizations (BSOs) across Africa and Europe. This fully online, practitioner-led programme is aimed at helping incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs strengthen their capacity to deliver high-impact entrepreneurship support and foster stronger innovation ecosystems.

Delivered by EU|BIC-certified trainers, the programme focuses on equipping participants with the practical skills and strategic knowledge required to build sustainable organizations, enhance service quality, and measure impact effectively. The initiative reinforces AEIP’s mission to bridge innovation ecosystems across both continents and accelerate collaboration for inclusive growth and development.

Building Stronger Innovation Ecosystems

The AEIP Training Programme targets organizations working to advance startups, entrepreneurs, and SMEs through incubation and acceleration. Participants will gain valuable insights into ecosystem building, organizational sustainability, and digital transformation, all critical to driving innovation and resilience in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Through a series of interactive modules and workshops, participating BSOs will develop a deep understanding of how to:

• Strengthen the structure and sustainability of their organizations.

• Design and deliver impactful incubation and acceleration programmes.

• Integrate digital transformation strategies into their operations.

• Implement tools for impact measurement and reporting, helping them track progress and communicate results effectively.

The programme is designed for practitioners — not just academics — ensuring that participants receive hands-on, applicable insights from industry experts and peers with direct experience in running successful innovation programmes.

Programme Overview and Key Features

The AEIP Training Programme for Incubators and Accelerators is open to organizations across Africa and Europe that play a role in supporting early-stage ventures, entrepreneurs, and startups. It is completely free of charge, ensuring equitable access for organizations regardless of size or funding capacity.

Key highlights include:

• Format: 100% online, combining live sessions, collaborative exercises, and practical assignments.

• Trainers: Delivered by EU|BIC-certified experts, ensuring globally recognized quality and relevance.

• Duration: Participants engage in a structured cycle of thematic modules focusing on ecosystem development, sustainability, programme design, and impact evaluation.

• Certification: Upon completion of at least 80% of the modules, participants will receive an official EU|BIC Diploma, validating their new skills and capacity in innovation management.

• Cohort Size: Only 40 organizations will be selected to participate in the full training cycle, allowing for personalized support and peer learning.

This selective approach ensures that each participant receives focused mentorship, feedback, and engagement opportunities throughout the programme.

Why Participate?

The AEIP Training Programme offers a unique opportunity for incubators and accelerators to enhance their strategic and operational capabilities while joining a pan-African and European innovation network. By participating, organizations will:

• Strengthen their position within their local and regional innovation ecosystems.

• Access global expertise and best practices from experienced EU|BIC trainers.

• Gain recognition through the EU|BIC Diploma, which signals credibility and excellence in innovation support.

• Build partnerships with peer organizations across Africa and Europe to share resources, co-design projects, and collaborate on regional initiatives.

Moreover, the training emphasizes sustainability and inclusion, equipping BSOs with the tools to support green, digital, and socially responsible entrepreneurship.

How to Apply

Innovation hubs, accelerators, incubators, and entrepreneurship support organizations across Africa and Europe are encouraged to apply for this transformative programme. Only 40 organizations will be selected to participate in the full cycle and earn an EU|BIC Diploma upon successful completion of at least 80% of the modules.