Nigerian startup Data Entry Academy wins UNDP edtech accelerator

Data Entry Academy, a Lagos-based startup that teaches digital workplace skills, has won the top prize in the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Get Ready 4 timbuktoo EdTech Accelerator, receiving a $10,000 award after emerging first among more than 1,400 applicants.

The company, founded by Chioma Ifeanyi Eze, was named the overall winner during the accelerator’s final pitch event in Dakar, Senegal, on July 1. Startups from Egypt and Senegal finished second and third, while fellow Nigerian edtech startup Varsity Scape also made the top 10, placing sixth. The results reflect the growing presence of Nigerian startups in pan African accelerator programmes, particularly those focused on education and workforce development. As startup funding remains tight, many founders are using these programmes to strengthen their businesses and gain exposure to investors.

From more than 1,400 applications to first place

UNDP said this year’s accelerator received 1,429 applications from across Africa, with 1,099 meeting the programme’s eligibility requirements. Nineteen independent experts assessed the applications through nearly 2,850 blind evaluations before selecting 50 startups for the 12 week accelerator. Twenty finalists advanced to the final pitch, where judges selected the top 10 winners. Data Entry Academy claimed the top prize.

Teaching practical workplace skills

Founded in 2020, Data Entry Academy offers a 30 day online programme that teaches practical software skills used in today’s workplaces. Courses cover spreadsheets, cloud accounting, invoicing, inventory management and payroll systems, with lessons delivered through Telegram and Teachable. The startup says it has trained more than 17,000 people across Africa. Its learners include job seekers, entrepreneurs and employees looking to build or improve their digital skills. The latest recognition adds to the company’s growing list of achievements. In 2024, Data Entry Academy joined the second cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, which provides selected startups with $100,000 in equity-free funding and business support. Varsity Scape also previously completed the fellowship through its third cohort. The Get Ready 4 timbuktoo accelerator is designed to help startups refine their products, strengthen their business models and prepare for future investment opportunities.

Part of UNDP’s timbuktoo initiative

The accelerator forms part of UNDP’s timbuktoo initiative, launched at the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos. The programme aims to mobilise $1 billion over the next decade to support 10,000 startups across Africa. UNDP says the initiative brings together governments, universities, investors and private sector organisations to support entrepreneurship across the continent. It currently operates six thematic hubs, has trained more than 3,480 innovators and runs 16 University Innovation Pods, with another 12 planned.