PesaTech Accelerator

About Us

PesaTech Accelerator is a fintech acceleration initiative crafted to aid Post-Revenue and growth-stage fintech startups in Tanzania. Its primary objective is to enhance fintechs' ability to attract investment through an Investor-Readiness Program (IRP) while serving as a conduit connecting startups, strategic partners, and investors.

Launched by UNCDF in Tanzania in 2022, PesaTech Accelerator is designed to support fintech startups with a suite of tailored services dedicated to propelling the growth of innovative fintech enterprises. The program is committed to empowering fintech entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable, impactful solutions for the community. We will support fintechs that solve digital challenges in payment, saving, lending, investing, insuarance and e-commerce. Start-ups will receive technical and business bespoke support intending to boost the quality of their venture.

In collaboration with Anza Entrepreneurs, NMB Bank, and Airtel Money, UNCDF is pleased to announce the launch of PesaTech Cohort 3. Building on the outcomes and lessons from the previous cohorts, this edition continues to focus on post-revenue fintech companies with demonstrable market traction and scalable business models. The programme is funded by the European Union and is designed to accelerate growth-stage fintechs by strengthening their operational resilience, enhancing regulatory readiness, deepening access to capital, and expanding market reach. Through tailored technical assistance, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem linkages, PesaTech Cohort 3 will support participating companies to scale sustainably while driving financial inclusion and measurable development impact. Applications will open on 20 February 2026 and remain open for one month. Eligible fintech companies are encouraged to submit their applications within this period.

Process

The accelerator will guide startups through the following journey.

Recruitment, Selection & Diagnostics

UNCDF and Anza Entrepreneurs will co-host the official launch of PesaTech Cohort 3 on 20 February 2026, formally opening applications for the next intake of high potential fintech innovators. The event will convene investors, financial institutions, regulators, government representatives, development partners, and industry leaders to strengthen collaboration and accelerate inclusive fintech growth across the ecosystem. Applications open on 20 February 2026 and will remain open for one month. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with early applications strongly encouraged.

Technical & Business Workshops

At the close of the application period, Anza and IPF will undertake rigorous business and technical due diligence on 20 shortlisted fintechs. The review will assess product strength, technology infrastructure, regulatory compliance, financial performance, governance standards, and market traction to determine scalability and risk exposure. From this process, 10–12 high-potential ventures will be selected to progress to the Performance-Based Financing and acceleration stage, where capital and advisory support will be aligned to defined milestones and measurable growth results.

Milestone Based Investment Grants

The program begins with performance-based agreements that establish clear targets, accountability frameworks, and measurable outcomes. Seed funding is released in milestone-based tranches, linked to verified progress and delivery against agreed indicators. Founders engage in focused technical and business workshops, receive tailored one-on-one advisory and mentorship, and undergo structured investment readiness support designed to strengthen governance systems, refine financial models, and enhance investor engagement capacity.

Partnerships & Innovation Fund Management

Selected fintechs from Cohorts 1–3 will undertake structured partnership readiness assessments to evaluate strategic fit, operational strength, and regulatory compliance. Eligible ventures will receive targeted partnership funding to enable effective collaboration execution. In parallel, startups across the three PesaTech accelerator cohorts will benefit from active partnership facilitation, including introductions, negotiation support, and transaction guidance to help them secure and formalize strategic partnerships.

Ecosystem Building & Visibility

The ecosystem building and visibility component is designed to strengthen market positioning and strategic access for participating fintechs. A structured Demo Day will provide a platform to present validated solutions and traction metrics to investors, financial institutions, regulators, and corporate partners, catalyzing investment and partnership discussions. Curated networking events and industry happy hours will further deepen ecosystem relationships, encourage collaboration, and elevate startup visibility among key decision-makers.

Post program Support

Businesses will receive three months of targeted post program support aligned to their growth stage, market positioning, and operational priorities. This phase will consolidate acceleration gains and address execution gaps that may constrain scale. Support will focus on strengthening operations, refining financial models, and upgrading investment decks to meet institutional standards. Fintechs will receive curated investor and partner introductions, alongside ongoing mentorship on governance, regulatory alignment, product market fit, and disciplined go to market execution.