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We’re seeking scalable, game-changing solutions to close the protection gap against climate change, natural disasters, health risks, and economic shocks.

Apply today, to get the support you need to make a real impact!

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Bimalab Pinelines

We have also created four pipelines for the BimaLab focusing on Climate, SMEs, Health and Gender i.e., BimaLab Climate, BimaLab SMEs, BimaLab Health and BimaLab 2X.

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Bimalab Climate

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Bimalab SMEs

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Bimalab Health

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Bimalab 2X

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What we offer

BimaLab Accelerator is set to address challenges that innovators are facing such as lack of technical capacity, access to funding, access to strategic partnerships, and regulatory barriers.

BimaLab accelerator offers a structured program of events and activities designed to help startups learn and grow.

Startups accepted into an accelerator program will have access to experienced mentors who can provide valuable advice and guidance. The program provides mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals. The mentors can help startups with advice, connections, and resources.

BimaLab Africa has relationships with venture capitalists and other investors, which can give startups access to the funding they need to grow. The program provides startups with funding from investors. This can help startups grow their businesses and scale their operations.

BimaLab program will enable the startup be part of a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, which can be a great source of support and inspiration.

Another benefit of being accepted into a startup accelerator is access to connections with financial institutions, technology companies and regulators. The program also provides startups with connections to potential customers, partners, and investors. These connections can help startups grow their businesses.
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why

2025 Cohort Criteria

The BimaLab Africa Insurtech Accelerator is dedicated to supporting innovative startups and scale-ups that are transforming the insurance industry in Africa. To be considered for the 2025 cohort, applicants must meet the following key qualifying criteria.

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Gender Focus

Supports insurtechs promoting gender equality and inclusivity in teams and products.

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Demonstrated Traction

Looks for insurtechs showing progress, customers, and demand for their products.

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Business Model

Requires scalable, sustainable insurtech models with clear growth plans.

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Team and Leadership

Seeks diverse, experienced teams committed to transforming insurance in Africa.

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Available Market

Needs clear understanding of target market size and growth potential in Africa.

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Innovation & Technology

Seeks tech-driven insurtechs using AI, blockchain, and mobile for better solutions.

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Climate, Sustainability, and Adaptation solutions

Seeks insurtechs aiding climate adaptation and resilience through innovative solutions.

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Inclusive Insurtech Solutions Solving for Unserved Segments

Targets insurtechs serving underserved groups like rural and low-income populations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the BimaLab Africa Insurtech Accelerator Program.

BimaLab Africa is an insurtech accelerator program designed to support high impact early-stage, growth-stage, and scaling-stage startups in Africa. The program helps startups build innovative insurance solutions,build investable businesses, navigate regulatory challenges, secure partnerships, and attract investment.

The program is led by FSD Africa, supported by the Swiss Re Foundation, and in collaboration with key insurance industry stakeholders across Africa

The accelerator runs for 6 months, incorporating technical learning, masterclasses, mentorship, regulatory guidance, and investor matchmaking. Successful startup businesses will be expected to go through 6 months of virtual learning and participation with perioding in person learninig events, industry events and demo days.

We welcome applications from African startups that:

  • Are working on insurance, risk management, or financial protection solutions.
  • Use technology-driven models to increase insurance access.
  • Have a strong focus on climate resilience, climate adaptation, and insurance innovation for underserved communities.
  • Women led tech start ups and startups solving for challenges faced by women in Africa are strongly encouraged to apply
  • Startups building solutions in climate, sustainability and climate adaptation are ancouraged to apply
  • Early-stage (validated ideas, minimal traction).
  • Growth-stage (MVP or prototype, existing customers, early revenue).
  • Scaling-stage (expanding regionally, forming insurer partnerships).

Yes, startups must be legally incorporated and operating in African markets or looking to expand into Africa to qualify for the program.

BimaLab 2025 is designed for startups operating in African markets or those looking to expand into Africa.

While the program is focused on insurtech, we encourage applications from fintech, agritech, climate-tech, and embedded finance startups that integrate insurance as a core component of their solutions, particularly for climate resilience and adaptation.

Yes! Startups at different funding stages can apply, including those that have secured seed or early-stage investment.

Yes, but we strongly encourage having a co-founder or team in place, as scaling an insurtech solution requires diverse skill sets.

You can apply via our official application portal at this link. The application involves filling out a form detailing your business, traction, and team and attaching your updated pitch deck.

Be prepared to share:

  • Your business model and how it addresses insurance challenges.
  • Market traction (customers, revenue, partnerships).
  • Team composition and expertise.
  • Current funding status and future plans.
  • Management structure

Applications close on 7th March, 2025. We recommend applying early to avoid last-minute issues.

Our selection team will review applications on a rolling basis. Shortlisted startups will be invited for an interview before final selection.

BimaLab 2025 will select 35 African startups across different maturity levels (early, growth, and scaling stages).

Startups in BimaLab 2025 benefit from:

  • Mentorship & Expert Guidance – Connect with leading insurtech founders, investors, and industry experts.
  • Regulatory Support – Engage with insurance regulators to navigate compliance and licensing.
  • Investor Access – Get introduced to VCs, angel investors, and corporate venture funds.
  • Networking & Partnerships – Form strategic alliances with insurers, fintechs, and regional tech hubs.

BimaLab 2025 does not directly provide funding, but startups will get investment readiness support and access to wide pool of investors.

The program is primarily virtual, with periodic in-person networking events, investor meetups, and demo days in select African cities. Relocation is not required.

Selected startups must:

  • Actively engage in program activities (workshops, mentorship, investor engagements).
  • Provide progress updates and participate in industry networking.
  • Commit to scaling their solution in Africa’s insurance sector.
  • Demonstrate continued growth in number of end customers reached (especially uninsured segments)

Graduates join the BimaLab Alumni Network, gaining continued access to:

  • Investor & corporate connections.
  • Advanced training opportunities.
  • Regulatory support, updates & policy discussions.
  • Ongoing professional mentorship
  • Bespoke product support

No, BimaLab 2025 is an equity-free accelerator.

Yes! We encourage startups to refine their solutions and reapply for future cohorts.

For inquiries, reach out to info@bimalab.org

Follow us on:

  • Twitter: FSDAfrica
  • LinkedIn: FSD Africa
  • Website: www.bimalab.org

Ready to apply? Click here to start your application.

Still have a question? Feel free to ask

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Testimonials

Hear from our startups and partners about their experiences with BimaLab Africa and how our support has driven their success in building impactful insurtech solutions.

“BimaLab has been a fantastic journey. It helped us refine our solution, simplify our approach, and get ready to scale. Thanks to BimaLab, BimaKwik is sharper, stronger, and set for growth!”

Dorice Malle
CEO, Bimakwik

“Coming from cybersecurity, we lacked insurance exposure. BimaLab bridged that gap, connecting us with insurers, regulators, and mentors who helped us build real use cases and key partnerships.”

Amine Belarbi
CEO, Cypherleak

“BimaLab is more than a program—it’s an ecosystem. Gain technical expertise, world-class mentorship, funding connections, and a network transforming insurance across Africa. Apply now!”

Elias Omondi
Principal, Innovaton for Resilience FSD Africa

“BimaLab opened doors we never imagined. Winning BimaLab Ethiopia led to our first insurance partnership. This program connects you to investors, regulators, and industry leaders—don’t miss out!”

Nasrallah Hassan
Co-founder, Hulucares

“BimaLab is changing how regulators see innovation. It’s introducing AI and new tech to make markets more efficient. A win-win for innovators and regulators—be part of the change!”

Ken Dhala Msiska
Examiner, Pensions and Insurance Supervision, The Reserve Bank of Malawi

“Before BimaLab, we focused on products, not customer pain points. The program shifted our mindset, providing expert mentorship and key partnerships. If you’re serious about scaling, this is the place to be!”

Gift Lavata
CEO, Microinsurance

“BimaLab gave us the tools to pivot, grow, and engage regulators through sandboxes. If you’re building insurtech solutions, this program will help you lay strong foundations and scale. Apply today!”

Watson Vuya
Group CEO, ESUS farm

“BimaLab is transforming collaboration between regulators and innovators. It’s breaking barriers to ensure regulation fuels—not hinders—innovation. This is the future of insurtech in Africa!”

Kutemba Chinyemba
Insurance Inspector, Pensions and Insurance Authority, Zambia
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Join BimaLab – Innovate, Scale, Transform!

Are you building a game-changing insurtech solution? BimaLab is your gateway to expert mentorship, regulatory access, funding connections, and a powerful network shaping the future of insurance in Africa.

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