Building a startup that helps people find work or increase their income in Mombasa, or serious about expanding there?
We want to meet you.
Applications close on 18th September 2026.
Why Mombasa
Since 2021, we have worked with the founders behind more than 50 startups across Africa. They connect people to work; for example, moving goods for small traders, teaching skills that lead to paid work, getting workers paid on time.
Most of that work has run out of Nairobi, Lagos, and Kampala. Mombasa has its own economy, its own founders and its own set of problems worth solving, and it has not had a community of its own. We want to build that community with you.
What you get
- A network of 600+ startup founders across Africa. People who have already built what you are building.
- Up to $10,000, plus technical support. For platforms that fit our investment thesis.
- Masterclasses on building and growing. Pricing, retention, unit economics, from our research.
- A listing on our public directory. Get visibility in the space you are in.
- Our research on digital work across Africa.
Who this is for
- Your startup is based in Mombasa, or you are open to expand to Mombasa
- It is live, with real users
- Your startup helps people find work, train for work, or earn a living. This includes:
- Connecting people to work they do in person (deliveries, driving, trades, beauty, care, etc)
- Connecting people to work they do online (freelancing, remote work, digital tasks, content, etc)
- Helping small businesses (like shops, stalls, tailors, food vendors) find customers or grow
- Teaching skills/offering training that leads to work (e.g. courses, training, mentorship, certification)
- Helping workers get paid, protected or recognised
No registration required. No funding or revenue minimum.
Earlier than that? Apply anyway. You will get our research and the first notice when we open again.
Join the Mombasa Community
What happens next
18 September: applications close
October: first gathering in Mombasa, in person. Keep an eye out on our events page for details.
FAQs
Who can join?
Founders building a startup, app or digital service that helps people in Mombasa find work, earn or grow a business. If you are not based in Mombasa yet, but are serious about expanding there, you are welcome too.
Do I need a registered company?
No. If it is live and people are using it, apply.
What if my startup is only an idea?
Apply anyway. You will not join this first group, but you will get our research and first notice when we open again.
What if I am not in Mombasa?
This call is for Mombasa, but if you are open to expanding to Mombasa, you are welcome to apply. Our wider community is open across Africa: join here.
Does it cost anything?
No fee. No equity.
Is this an accelerator?
No. No curriculum, nothing to graduate from. Investment and technical support are available where they make sense.
How does the $10,000 work?
No separate application. Investment happens through a conversation, for platforms that fit our investment thesis, and comes with technical support.
What happens after I apply?
We read every application and come back to you either way. Founders who join get an invitation to the launch in Mombasa.
Who is behind the Jobtech Alliance?
An ecosystem-building initiative for digital platforms connecting people to work in Africa, led by Mercy Corps and BFA Global.
I am not a founder, but I work on this in Mombasa. Can I apply?
Hubs, training providers, investors and employers: please reach out to us.