EMPOWERING AFRICA & MENA's
NEXT GENERATION OF INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS
About Us
Building the Future for Africa & MENA
The One Million Startups Program supports founders, solo entrepreneurs and early-stage startups through a practical pathway combining academy content, digital tools, ecosystem access, market visibility and regional opportunities.
The program helps entrepreneurs move from idea and validation to traction, visibility and global market access.
The program helps entrepreneurs move from idea and validation to traction, visibility and global market access.
OMS Program
Fueling Startups at Every Stage
From ideation to scale, our programs are designed to help founders grow, connect and succeed globally.
Incubation
Validate ideas, build foundations and launch startups through structured support, guidance and resources.
Acceleration
Scale startups with expert mentorship, growth frameworks, and strategic partnerships and opportunities.
Investment Ready
Prepare startups for funding through investor readiness, business validation and access to capital networks.
Market Access
Enable scalable digital infrastructure and AI tools to support startups from validation to global expansion.
The Annual Investment Meeting (AIM)
Connecting Founders to Global Opportunities
Through its Strategic Alliance with the Africa GCC Council, One Million Startups joins AIM Congress annually—connecting founders, investors and ecosystem leaders through startup showcases, investor sessions and global networking opportunities.
The Pitch Stage
Showcase Your Startup to Global Ecosystems
The One Million Startups Pitch Stage connects founders...
APPLY TO OMS
Choose Your Path to Global Market Access
Solo Founders
For entrepreneurs building new ventures and preparing to validate opportunities in local and international markets.
Startups & Teams
For startup teams building products, gaining traction and seeking new customers, partners and market opportunities.
Small/Medium Business
For established businesses seeking digital growth, strategic partnerships and access to new international markets.
Growth-Stage Company
For high-growth companies ready to enter new markets, build international partnerships and scale globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The program is open to solo founders, entrepreneurs and project leaders with an idea, startup teams or growing businesses.
When applying for the program, please choose the Solo Founder option.
No. You can apply with an idea, project or startup without having an existing business.
Company registration and other restrictions only apply to Small/Medium Business or Growth-Stage Company registrations.
Yes. The program is mainly focused on emerging markets, but founders from other regions may apply if they are building, expanding or collaborating with those markets.
However, we have a list of participant cities with which we work closely.
No. The program supports different stages—from idea validation to growth, pitch readiness and market access.
There is no cost to apply. Some programs, activities or services may involve participation costs, while selected participants may access funded or partially funded benefits depending on eligibility and program availability.
After submitting your application, your project will be reviewed to understand its stage, sector, needs and potential fit with the OMS Startup Program.
Validated founders may be invited to complete their profile, enroll in the OMS Academy, explore our digital tools, join program activities and apply for selected opportunities such as pitch stages, events or partner programs.
Yes. The OMS Program Guidelines page includes all the information participants need, including the program structure, timeline, eligibility requirements, application process, evaluation criteria, benefits, award ceremony and participation rules.
The badge may be awarded to founders or startups that complete the OMS Program Validation Process, provide the required information and meet the minimum program criteria.
Yes. The program is open to founders at different stages, including idea, validation, MVP, early traction and growth.
Selected founders may be invited to apply for pitch opportunities, startup showcases or investor-facing activities connected to OMS regional programs and global events.
Support for enrolled participants includes access to academy content, digital tools, startup visibility, ecosystem discovery, market insights, networking opportunities, pitch activities and selected market-entry events.
