Data Entry Academy, a Lagos-based education technology startup, has emerged as the overall winner of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Get Ready 4 timbuktoo EdTech accelerator, earning a $10,000 cash prize after outperforming more than 1,400 applicants from across Africa.
The Nigerian startup, founded by Chioma Ifeanyi-Eze, claimed the top position during the accelerator’s final pitch event held on July 1 in Dakar, Senegal. The competition attracted 1,429 applications from innovators developing technology-driven solutions aimed at improving education across the continent.
The achievement further highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in Africa’s innovation ecosystem, with Brandspur Brand News reporting that another Nigerian startup, Varsity Scape, also secured a place among the programme’s leading participants by finishing sixth in the top 10.
Data Entry Academy advanced ahead of finalists from Egypt and Senegal after presenting its education-focused solution before judges at the concluding event. The accelerator was designed to identify and support promising edtech ventures capable of addressing learning challenges through scalable digital innovation.
The Get Ready 4 timbuktoo EdTech accelerator forms part of the UNDP’s broader timbuktoo initiative, which seeks to strengthen Africa’s startup ecosystem by providing entrepreneurs with funding opportunities, mentorship and access to networks that can help scale their businesses across the continent.
The latest recognition is expected to boost Data Entry Academy’s visibility within Africa’s education technology sector while providing additional resources to expand its platform and deepen its impact on digital skills development and learning outcomes.
