Question 1

Is Project 1 Million truly 100% free for African MSMEs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are zero hidden fees, zero renewal surprise costs, and zero equity taken. ITẸ Foundation covers the infrastructure, deployment, and strategic costs as part of its continental mandate to empower 1,000,000 African businesses.

Question 2

What kinds of businesses qualify for Cohort 1?

Accepted Answer

Any operating African business with a real product or service—including retailers, fashion designers, food and catering operators, artisans, manufacturers, wholesalers, logistics providers, clinics, and professional service firms. You do not need to be a tech startup.

Question 3

I already post on WhatsApp status and Instagram. Do I still need this?

Accepted Answer

Yes. WhatsApp status vanishes in 24 hours, and social algorithms hide your posts from 90% of your audience. A production website works for you 24/7, ranks on Google when local customers search for your service, and routes pre-qualified orders directly to your WhatsApp.

Question 4

How does ITẸ's consumer intelligence actually increase sales?

Accepted Answer

Most businesses fail because they copy generic phrases like 'We offer the best quality'. ITẸ's field research exposes what actual African buyers compare you against (like doing nothing or saving cash) and equips you with distinct positioning that closes orders without haggling.

Question 5

What happens after I submit the registration form?

Accepted Answer

Our intake team reviews your business profile within 72 hours. Accepted founders for Cohort 1 receive an official onboarding confirmation directly on WhatsApp with their deployment schedule and briefing materials.

Question 6

Do I need formal company registration (like CAC) before applying?

Accepted Answer

No. Both formal and informal operating MSMEs can apply for Cohort 1 as long as you sell a genuine, verifiable product or service to real customers in Africa.

Question 7

Which African countries are eligible for Project 1 Million Cohort 1?

Accepted Answer

All 54 African nations are eligible, with active Cohort 1 deployment hubs operating across Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Aba, Enugu), Ghana (Accra), Kenya (Nairobi), South Africa (Johannesburg), Rwanda (Kigali), Egypt (Cairo), and Senegal (Dakar).

Question 8

How can fintechs, telecom networks, or donors partner with Project 1 Million?

Accepted Answer

Pan-African fintechs, cloud providers, telecom carriers, logistics networks, and development institutions can sponsor or power a cohort by emailing our partnership desk at partners@itefoundation.org.