Timbuktoo ManuTech Bootcamp

Are you an aspiring startup in the manufacturing technology sector looking to grow your business across the continent? Join the Timbuktoo ManuTech Bootcamp in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

🏢 About Timbuktoo ManuTech Hub

The Timbuktoo ManuTech Hub is the first African platform dedicated to African manufacturing startups. Located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the hub delivers hybrid world-class resources, mentorship, labs, and equity-free funding to help founders build scalable, tech-driven solutions that upgrade the continent’s manufacturing landscape.

The hub is launching its second call of the year to recruit promising startups working on technologies, tools, and processes that enhance efficiency, quality, and productivity in manufacturing. It also seeks innovative manufacturing solutions using groundbreaking methods of production, processing, and manufacturing.

The program will host a hybrid bootcamp, incubation, and acceleration program in 2025 and early 2026, both in-person in Addis Ababa and virtually.

🎁 Benefits of Timbuktoo ManuTech Hub

The ManuTech Hub offers fully sponsored, hands-on training designed around the real needs of African manufacturing startups. Key benefits include:

• Equity-Free Funding: Grow your business without giving up ownership.
• Investor and Partner Networks: Access global supply chains, venture capital firms, and procurement pipelines aligned with African manufacturing startups.
• AfCFTA Linkages: Gain automatic access to the broader Timbuktoo network, multiplying collaboration and funding opportunities.
• Tailored Acceleration Resources: From prototyping tools to regulatory advice, the hub equips you to reach the market faster while maximizing the impact of your funding.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The call is open to technology-focused startup founders across Africa aged 18 to 35, who are building tech-based startups in ManuTech and manufacturing. Eligible startups must meet the following criteria:

1. Technology-Enabled Solution: Your startup must utilize digital tools and platforms to drive innovation and efficiency in the manufacturing sector.
2. Innovation and Uniqueness: A novel approach to solving manufacturing challenges with the potential for disruptive impact.
3. Technical Feasibility: A sound technical basis for the solution with a realistic development timeline.
4. Scalability: High potential for growth and investment with a clear business model, proven market traction, and openness to mentorship.
5. Locally Owned: Startups must be locally owned and based in any African country.
6. Founders' Citizenship: Founders must be citizens of an African country.
7. Minimum Viable Product: Startups with a minimum viable product are preferred.
8. Sector Focus: Startups leveraging technology in manufacturing to address complex development opportunities and challenges.

Priority Areas

Startups in the following areas are highly encouraged to apply:

• Manufacturing Technologies: Manufacturing execution systems, robotics and automation, machine health monitoring, maintenance management systems, and industrial IoT.
• Innovative Manufacturing: Technology-enabled and innovative manufacturing in priority sectors such as agro-processing, food and beverage, textile and apparel, and leather goods manufacturing.

Note: Applications are not restricted to the above sectors and are open to promising ventures from other industries.

📅 Application Date and Process

Programme Timeline

• Application and Selection Process: May 2025 – 01 July 2025
• Bootcamp: August 2025
• Incubation & Acceleration: September 2025 – December 2025

How to Apply

• Visit the Timbuktoo ManuTech Hub Application Portal for more details.
• Apply directly via this link.

📌 Application Deadline

01 July 2025

🌟 Sponsor Organisation

This opportunity is sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Timbuktoo ManuTech Hub is your gateway to scaling your manufacturing startup and transforming Africa's manufacturing landscape. Don't miss this chance to join a vibrant community of innovators and access world-class resources!

• Fully sponsored, hands-on training designed around the real needs of African manufacturing startups
• Investor and partner networks – Tap into global supply chains, venture capital firms, and procurement pipelines aligned with African manufacturing startups
• AfCFTA linkages – Cohort members gain automatic access to the broader timbuktoo network, multiplying collaboration and funding opportunities
• Tailored acceleration resources – From prototyping tools to regulatory advice, ManuTech Hub equips you to reach the market faster while maximizing the impact of your equity-free funding