The ABC-DRC: Building Resilient Investment & Diaspora Growth Ecosystems (BRIDGE) programme is a two-month incubator and accelerator programme – running between January and March 2026 – designed to support 15 Congolese (based in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with a focus on Kinshasa) seed-stage startups and SMEs active in the climate-smart (businesses that have climate mitigation action integrated in their core strategy), green economy, digital services, fintech, agritech and healthtech sectors.
This call is also open to diaspora startups and SMEs operating in DRC.
The programme aims to strengthen business capacity and investor readiness through a structured incubation and acceleration course, combining training, mentorship, investment preparation and investor exposure. Selected businesses will participate in either a six-week incubation track (seven startups) or a six-week acceleration track (eight SMEs), delivered simultaneously and built around 10 structured training modules covering business models, validation, finance, governance and pitching.
Participants will receive tailored one-on-one mentorship from experienced industry experts and UK-based diaspora professionals, access to support services such as co-working and legal or administrative support where needed, and take part in an investment bootcamp focused on preparing for investor engagement.
The programme will culminate in a Demo Day, where selected businesses will pitch to, and network with, UK diaspora, policymakers, local investors and stakeholders.
Based on performance, five top-performing ventures will receive financial awards. Participants will also benefit from ongoing engagement through a diaspora mentor alumni network and contribute to policy dialogue aimed at strengthening the SME ecosystem in the DRC.
Do you think this programme is a good fit for you? Apply here [insert link to Google Form here] now! Women-owned, youth-led, climate smart and green businesses are encouraged to apply.
An Information Session for those seeking more details about this programme will be held at 1pm (GMT) on Monday 5th January, 2026. Click here to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
The application deadline is 11th January, 2026.