Accelerator 2021: Amplifying local innovations to the world

The dLab  Accelerator is a selective two-month hybrid in-person and online program funded by DCLI, implemented in partnership with South Africa based venture capital firm Grindstone Capital, and through direct engagement from a consortium of well-connected mentors in the private sector and donor community. 

The Data Collaborative for Local Impact (DCLI) program, an inter-agency partnership between the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and Presidential Emergency Fund for HIV/AIDS (PEPFAR), has been providing data skills and

empowering economic growth through education and opportunities since 2015. Along with our partners, we have learned that investing in data within local communities is a crucial facet of inclusive growth.

By strengthening the capacity of local governments, citizens, and civil society, we are partnering to both address local needs and advance MCC’s global development goals from the ground up. Startup accelerators support early-stage, growth-driven companies through education, mentorship, and financing.

The accelerator experience is a process of intense, rapid, and immersive education aimed at accelerating the life cycle of young innovative companies, compressing years’ worth of learning-by-doing into just a few months.

At the end of the program, six innovators pitched their products to investors for partnership. They are Ally Salim (Dr.Elsa), Anitha Martine (JamiiDashibodi), Justin Kashaigili (Twende Cabs), Castory Munishi (Pharmlinks), Moses Mbaga (ExamNet), and Gwaliwa Mashaka (Employable Africa).  Watch this video to learn more.