Deadline: March 17, 2026
Applications are open for the Crossover Founder Learning Exchange Program 2026. Crossover is a curated learning program designed to expose early-stage startup founders in emerging African markets to startup fundamentals, taught through the lived experience of builders from more established ecosystems.
The program focuses on the core fundamentals of building a startup, from understanding what a startup truly is, to product thinking, customer discovery, team building, and long-term sustainability.
Benefits
- Direct exposure to experienced founders
- Exclusive perks
- Grants for top participants
- Pipeline to early-stage VCs in Africa
Eligibility
Open to:
- Early-stage startup founders in emerging African markets
- Founders at idea, MVP, or early traction stage
- Builders seeking clarity on startup fundamentals
- Founders open to learning from experienced peers
- Entrepreneurs committed to long-term company building
They are looking for founders building in markets such as:
- Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Burundi, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, and other smaller African markets
Application
Crossover runs through a selective application process to ensure strong cohort fit and meaningful learning. They look for founder intent, commitment, openness to learning, and values alignment.
For more information, visit Crossover Founder Learning Exchange Program.
