Standard Chartered Foundation Open for 2026 Women in Tech Accelerator in Ghana
By Maame Efua Kwaduah
The Standard Chartered Foundation has officially opened applications for the 2026 Women in Tech Accelerator in Ghana.
The initiative in its sixth year continues to empower women-led, tech-driven startups, helping them scale sustainably while creating meaningful impact in their communities.
Across emerging economies, women are increasingly launching innovative, tech-enabled businesses to meet market and community needs. Yet early-stage entrepreneurs often face ecosystems geared toward rapid growth rather than sustainable enterprise development, limiting their ability to build resilient business models, generate quality jobs, and achieve long-term impact. The Women in Tech Accelerator is designed to bridge this gap.
Implemented in partnership with Village Capital and run by Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), the program provides catalytic grant funding, structured business training, and tailored mentorship.
Participating entrepreneurs gain the skills, networks, and confidence required to build resilient, revenue-generating enterprises that drive lasting social and economic benefits.
Since its launch, the program has delivered measurable results. Alumni have collectively added nearly 100,000 new customers, created over 125 jobs, and increased revenues by GHS 3.8 million.
Mansa Nettey, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC, noted that persistent inequalities in Ghana and across the region continue to limit the growth of women-led businesses. She emphasized that empowering women is critical not only for economic growth but also for the prosperity of entire communities. Through the ongoing partnership with Village Capital, and with support from GCIC, the accelerator promotes inclusion and meaningful change.
She added that the organizers look forward to the positive impact the 2026 cohort will have on their businesses and communities.
Pearl Esua-Mensah, Executive Director of GCIC, highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs through the program.
She explained that it equips participants not just to scale their businesses but also to strengthen their capacity to create sustainable impact within their communities, and expressed confidence that the 2026 cohort will drive innovation and growth.
Reflecting on her 2025 experience, alumna Yahaya Iddi Namawu Nasara Abecka Maimuna, Co-Founder of WaxFarm Ltd in Tamale said the accelerator had transformed the future of her business far beyond her expectations.
She explained that while the funding was essential for scaling, it was the wrap-around support that gave her team the confidence to thrive.
Women startup founders from eligible markets are encouraged to apply before Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Successful applicants will participate in the accelerator from April to August 2026. Full details and eligibility criteria are available at https://scwomenintechgh.com.
