LIST | 23 African Startups Successfully Complete the Inaugural Lisk Blockchain Incubation Hub, Receiving $196K in Grants

The Ethereum layer-2 protocol, Lisk, has revealed that 23 African startups have successfully finished the first cohort of its Blockchain Incubation Hub training program. Applications are now being accepted for the second cohort, which is scheduled to start on May 19 2025.

With $196,000 in grants distributed throughout the program, the startups have reportedly achieved significant market success, attracting over 26,000 users, tokenizing $1.8 million in assets, and handling more than 20,000 blockchain transactions.

The first cohort has already made a significant impact across Africa, with standout graduates driving real change in sectors such as agriculture, finance, and entertainment, Lisk said.

Below are the standout projects from the cohort:

• Tata-iMali (South Africa) – Providing a fiat-backed stablecoin to connect South Africa’s informal and formal economies, enabling seamless transactions for small businesses and individuals.
• TrendX (Nigeria) – A tokenization platform integrating DAOs, token management, and compliance solutions for blockchain-based businesses.
• PokeCoin (South Africa) – A blockchain-based NFT marketplace for secure Pokémon card trading, verifying authenticity and quality through smart contracts.
• NomaChain (Kenya) – Enabling homeownership in Africa through a blockchain-powered rent-to-own model, with $1.8 million tokenized in property plans.
• Jamit (Nigeria) – A decentralized podcast platform offering NFT-driven monetization and audience engagement tools for storytellers.
• Afrikabal (Rwanda) – Transforming agriculture by connecting farmers with wholesalers and providing blockchain-backed trade finance for sustainable growth.

“For a long time, Web3 companies have not prioritized builders in high-growth markets like Africa, limiting their access to capital, mentorship, and support despite the abundance of talent,” said Dominic Schwenter, COO of Lisk.

“This is now changing with the launch of more incubation hubs and grant programs. I’m more confident than ever that Africa and other high-growth markets will drive innovation and scale blockchain solutions, benefiting their communities and the world at large.”

Applications for Batch 2 of the Lisk Incubation Hub are now open, presenting exciting new opportunities for Web3 builders in Africa. The program offers up to $20,000 in grants per project by graduation, along with continuous mentorship, a structured curriculum, and access to a strong network to help startups thrive.

Participants will also receive ongoing support from Lisk and the opportunity to secure up to $100,000 in additional funding to grow their ventures. This new cohort will begin on May 19 2025, with applications closing on April 12 2025.

Interested parties can apply here.