The Leading Change Accelerator Program (LCAP) Blueprint is a 10-week virtual accelerator designed to support young African entrepreneurs at the idea or early stage (0–1 year). The program equips participants with the skills, mentorship, and tools needed to develop a business plan, build and test a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and prepare for pitching to potential funders.

The program is open to African-led startups with founders aged 18–40. Applicants must: Be founders, CEOs, or Managing Directors of the startup Have a business at the idea stage or early stage (0–1 years in operation) Be able to fully participate in the 10-week virtual program from July to September 2026 Be proficient in English Have access to an internet-enabled device (laptop or smartphone) and internet connection

You can apply to join the LCAP Blueprint by clicking the Apply Here button on this page. APPLY HERE Applications are open from 11 May to 29 May 2026.

The LCAP Blueprint is a 10-week virtual accelerator program running from July to September 2026. Throughout the program, participants will engage in a structured learning experience designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs in transforming their ideas into viable businesses. Participants will benefit from: Self-paced entrepreneurship learning through the YAM.edu Learning Management System Live virtual sessions hosted on Zoom Peer-to-peer learning and collaboration Mentorship from experienced African entrepreneurs and alumni Pitch preparation and investor readiness support At the end of the program, participants will be equipped to pitch their businesses for funding opportunities.

The program is fully virtual.

By the end of the program, participants will have: Developed a complete business plan Gained an understanding of Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development Strengthened their business model Built pitching and investor-readiness skills Received mentorship from experienced African entrepreneurs Joined the LCAP alumni network with access to future opportunities

The curriculum spans 8 structured weeks and includes: Business planning and value propositions Market and competitor analysis MVP development Operations, partnerships, and value chains Financial planning and budgeting Business Model Canvas development Pitch readiness and presentation skills

Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 6–8 hours per week to: Complete self-paced modules Work on assignments Attend virtual sessions Participate in mentorship activities

Yes. Each participant will be paired with a mentor who will provide guidance on: Business planning MVP development Navigating contextual and early-stage business challenges

Yes. Participants who successfully complete the program have the opportunity to pitch for seed funding. However, funding amounts may vary depending on available sponsorship and partnership support.

Upon completion, participants will receive either a Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Participation in recognition of their engagement and progress. Participants will also: Have opportunities to be featured in the LCAP Blueprint Magazine Join the LCAP alumni network Access future entrepreneurship opportunities through Leading Change Africa High-performing participants may also be invited to apply for Phase 2, focused on market validation and venture scaling.

Yes. The program is designed to be flexible, with self-paced learning and virtual sessions to accommodate existing work or study commitments.

The LCAP Blueprint is ideal if you: Have a business idea or early-stage startup Are ready to commit time and effort to structured learning Want mentorship, accountability, and exposure Are serious about launching, validating, or growing your business If this sounds like you, the LCAP Blueprint may be a strong fit for your entrepreneurial journey.

Follow Leading Change Africa on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the LCAP Blueprint and other opportunities. For inquiries, contact: office@leadingchange-africa.org