---
title: "GRID 01 Launches in Lagos to Help Startups Expand"
description: "GRID 01 has launched in Lagos to help African startups enter new markets, build B2B ties, and connect with investors, mentors, and corporates."
canonical_url: "https://liners.com/news/grid-01-launches-lagos-startup-expansion-program"
markdown_url: "https://liners.com/news/grid-01-launches-lagos-startup-expansion-program.md"
type: "article"
language: "en"
published_at: "2026-09-03T16:00:57.382Z"
updated_at: "2026-09-03T16:00:57.411Z"
---

# GRID 01 Launches in Lagos to Help Startups Expand

GRID 01 has launched in Lagos to help African startups enter new markets, build B2B ties, and connect with investors, mentors, and corporates.

## Breadcrumbs

- [News](/news)
- [GRID 01 Launches in Lagos to Help Startups Expand](/news/grid-01-launches-lagos-startup-expansion-program)

## Content

## In Short
GRID 01 has launched in Lagos.

The cross-border programme is led by AXON Accelerator and AUB Innovation Park.

It aims to help African founders expand into new markets and meet investors.

## What Happened
GRID 01 kicked off in Lagos on September 1, 2026. The launch brought together startup founders, investors, business leaders, and other ecosystem players.

The programme is a partnership between AXON Accelerator and the Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park, also known as AUB iPark. AXON Accelerator provides local support in Nigeria, including help navigating regulations, customer expectations, and how business is done on the ground.

AUB iPark, the startup platform of the American University of Beirut, is bringing venture-building experience and an international startup network. The partners say they want to reduce a common scaling risk, entering a new market with limited local knowledge, weak distribution relationships, and few early customers.

The initiative plans to support participating founders with market entry strategy, commercialisation, mentorship, and investor introductions. Commercialisation means turning a product into repeatable revenue, not just running pilots.

AXON Accelerator CEO Rabie Jarmakani said Nigeria was chosen as the first market because of its role in Africa’s startup and business landscape. He also said AXON plans to develop an investment fund alongside its accelerator activities.

Maha Zouwayhed, who leads the Zein AUB Innovation Park, described GRID 01 as a platform to connect founders to markets, capital, and strategic corporate relationships. The longer-term aim includes building links to innovation ecosystems outside Africa, including the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.

## Why It Matters
More African startups are looking beyond their home countries earlier. But cross-border expansion often fails due to sales friction, hiring gaps, and weak local partnerships.

A Lagos-first programme could help founders test real B2B demand in Nigeria, learn how to sell to corporates, and meet investors already active in the market. If the planned fund materialises, it may also create a clearer path from mentorship to capital.

## Sources and products

- [Techinafrica](https://www.techinafrica.com/grid-01-makes-lagos-debut-opens-new-growth-path-for-african-startups)

## Related pages

- [Startups & Ecosystem](/news)

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