Breet, a cryptocurrency payment infrastructure platform, has launched a $10,000 equity-free grant programme for African fintech, crypto, stablecoin, and payments builders ahead of Africa Technology Expo (ATE) 2026 in Lagos.
The initiative arrives at a critical moment for African founders. After years of abundant venture funding and aggressive expansion, capital has become more selective. Investors are increasingly prioritising sustainable unit economics, compliance readiness, stronger governance, and products solving measurable customer problems.
That shift has left many growth-stage companies in a difficult middle ground: too advanced for idea-stage support, but not yet large enough to command significant institutional funding.
Breet’s new programme appears designed to address that gap.
Rather than offering capital alone, the grant combines three layers of support: equity-free funding, infrastructure access, and market visibility. Selected companies will have the opportunity to pitch before investors, enterprise executives, and ecosystem stakeholders during Africa Technology Expo, scheduled for June 26–27, 2026, at the National Theatre, Lagos.
“Founders today need more than funding. They need infrastructure that works, faster routes to market, and access to the right commercial networks. That is the thinking behind this grant,” said the COO of Breet
The company says a major component of the initiative is access to Breet’s API, allowing businesses to embed crypto and payment functionality directly into their products. For founders building in cross-border commerce, remittances, treasury management, merchant tools, or digital finance, infrastructure partnerships can often be more valuable than cash grants.
Breet says it has processed over 5 million transactions and converted billions in fiat, positioning the company as a leading infrastructure layer for seamless crypto-to-fiat payments across Africa. It offers businesses a unified integration point for crypto wallets, payments, automated conversions, and same-day bank settlement.
Eligibility
Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:
- Building in fintech, crypto, stablecoins, or payments
- Product already launched or in active market use
- Clear growth potential and commercial use case
- Readiness to integrate Breet’s API
- Availability to pitch at Africa Technology Expo 2026
The grant comes at a time when founders across Africa are navigating tighter funding conditions and stronger demands for sustainable business models.
Africa Technology Expo, now in its third edition, is expected to host more than 7,000 participants from over 15 countries, including investors, senior executives, policymakers, and corporate leaders.
For selected businesses, the Expo will serve as a launch platform for visibility, partnerships, and growth conversations beyond the grant itself.
