Catapult:
Inclusion Africa
9th Edition
BOOTCAMP DATES 2026:
Week 1 – 2026 (TBC)
Week 2 – 2026 (TBC)
The LHoFT —
Luxembourg
House of Financial
Technology
Applications Now Open
Application Deadline: TBA
Where Fintechs Meet Opportunity in Inclusive Finance
In partnership with ADA – Appui au développement autonome and with the support of the Luxembourg Directorate for Development Cooperation & Humanitarian Affairs, Catapult: Inclusion Africa program brings together fintechs dedicated to advancing financial inclusion in Africa through a carefully tailored bootcamp, accelerating them to amplify their impact on their local communities.
With costs covered, this exclusive program offers a unique chance to connect with the most influential figures in the Inclusive Finance ecosystem, not just regionally but globally. Don’t miss this transformative opportunity!
Apply today to secure your place in the program. All that’s needed is your passion and commitment to making a difference.
Hear from our Alumni
“Structure unlocks trust. Impact and scale must travel together. And partnerships accelerate reach.”
“Catapult: Inclusion Africa was a game-changers for me. The insights gained from the program have empowered me to approach challenges with greater confidence and clarity, and I’m excited to apply what what I’ve learned as I continue to grow my business. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to accelerate their entrepreneurship journey”
The Catapult: Inclusion Africa program was life-changing.
The Catapult: Inclusion Africa program is a push.
A powerful experience that accelerated our vision to build inclusive financial tools for Africa’s underserved commercial drivers.
Key Pillars
The two-week acceleration program is built around three core pillars: Impact, Scaling, and Funding. It offers participants a tailored experience designed to enhance skills and strategic capabilities, foster innovation, deepen understanding of regulatory frameworks, and build meaningful connections with leaders in financial services, inclusive finance and key market players.
IMPACT
Focusing on creating positive social and economic impact in Africa through financial inclusion.
SCALING
Gaining insights into effective strategies for expanding their businesses, including partnership building, customer acquisition & protection and operational optimisation.
FUNDING
Learning about funding strategies and financial management to secure resources, launch innovative solutions, and drive financial inclusion in Africa.
Targeted Segments
We are looking for 15 Startup Innovators! Bring your solutions that digitize and drive the financial inclusion industry. While we focus on 10 key segments, all bold, impact-driven innovations are welcome.
Apply now and help shape the future of inclusive finance!
Insurtech
Regtech
Agritech
Fundtech
Agetech
Payments
Lending
Big Data & AI
Core Banking
Financial Education
Luxembourg and Financial Inclusion in Africa
Fostering Opportunity & Access
The LHoFT Foundation strongly believes in the power of financial technology to drive financial inclusion, empowering those overlooked by traditional finance and creating global opportunities. From financing rural farmers and providing POS technology for underbanked merchants to developing products for underserved communities, Fintech innovations are improving lives globally.
Bringing Innovation with Impact
In Africa, access to financial services remains a major challenge. With the Directorate of Development and Humanitarian Affairs, we identify, support and champion Fintech firms poised to make a meaningful impact. By connecting them with the right expertise and resources, we aim to accelerate solutions that empower communities and foster sustainable, long-term social impact.
Driving Global Financial Inclusion
Luxembourg hosts over 60% of the world’s microfinance assets and one-third of all MIVs, and leads Europe with 76% of its microfinance funds. Committing 1% of its GNI to development aid, it ranks among the world’s top donors. Through innovation, responsible investment, and impact, Luxembourg drives inclusive finance and Fintech solutions fostering social and economic progress.
Program Q&A
What?
A fully funded, 2-weeks training and networking bootcamp delivered in English, focused on Impact, Scaling, and Funding for African Fintech companies.
When?
The 9th edition of Catapult: Inclusion Africa will be held in both Africa and Luxembourg during the course of 2026. More information to come soon!
Who?
15 selected African fintech companies operating in Africa, regardless of their headquarters. Applicants must be engaged in the field of financial inclusion, working to provide underserved and unbanked populations with access to financial products and services.
How?
The bootcamp is delivered in partnership with ADA and key stakeholders from Africa as well as Luxembourg’s inclusive, sustainable, and traditional finance sectors. Participants will take part in masterclasses, customer acquisition & protection sessions, hands-on challenges, pitch sessions, mentoring engagements, and networking opportunities, gaining the skills, insights and connections to drive innovation in financial inclusion.
Why?
To connect African Fintechs with key stakeholders including microfinance institutions, investors, and industry experts enabling them to enhance efficiency, drive lasting impact, and scale effectively.
Costs Covered?
LHoFT will reimburse up to €2,000 (VAT incl.) for one person’s round-trip economy-class travel to a chosen location (TBC) for the 1st Week and same applies for the 2nd Week. A second participant may attend at their own expense.
The participants will stay at a hotel chosen by the LHoFT for the entire duration of the program.
Breakfast and lunches will be provided.
Eligibility Criteria
Companies must be active in the Financial Inclusion field, helping underserved and unbanked populations in Africa get access to financial products and services.
Examples of Financial Inclusion Focused fields: AgriTech / Artificial Intelligence & Big Data / Banking (including embedded) / Blockchain / Core Banking Solutions/ Consumer Financing / Credit services / Cryptocurrencies / Cybersecurity & Authentification / Digital & Financial Services / Financial Management / Financial Technologies / Fintech Enablers / FundTech & Investment / Green Finance / InsurTech / Lending (embedded – P2P) / Life Insurance / Micro Banking / Microfinance / Mobile Payments / Money transfer / Online Trading platforms / Remittances / RegTech / Savings & Credits / WealthTech / Financial Wellness.
Selected firms will have, at least, a demonstrable Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and will likely be in the pre-seed to series B stage of funding.
Companies will submit all necessary information to the LHoFT in order to assess the viability of the project, company, background of owners and key shareholders to limit the risks of non-compliance or doubtful application to the program.
The selected firm must guarantee that a founding team member, typically the CEO, will attend the program for the duration of the two weeks if selected to go on to the second week in Luxembourg.
Companies must agree and shall provide on-going performance metrics and business status for a period of three years post program completion to the LHoFT for the purposes of program evaluation.
Partners
POWERED BY:
SPONSORED BY:
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
Strategic Partners:
More infos about the program?
Participants, Sponsors, Mentors & Guests:
If you have any questions or would like to send us a comment, contact our Head of Acceleration Programs
