About this opportunity
Anzisha has opened the application window for its 2027 Fellowship intake, and the window is short. Applications begin on 29 September 2026 and close on 10 November 2026, with no charge at any stage. The programme is aimed squarely at founders who have already started building, not at people carrying an idea they have not yet tested.
The Fellowship is a multi-year journey that blends structured digital learning, personalised coaching and real world application. Fellows work through an interactive learning platform, apply the lessons directly inside their own businesses and receive continuous guidance from experienced coaches. Milestone based cash stipends are tied to business progress, targeted financial support builds investor ready systems and materials, and fellows take part in immersive shadowing experiences with high performing entrepreneurs.
Prizes worth $40,000 USD sit at the end of the second year, when fellows pitch their ventures and demonstrate their growth across four award categories: Job Creation, Revenue Growth, Storytelling and Systems of Delivery. Alongside the individual venture, fellows join a peer community of nearly 300 very young entrepreneurs from across the continent, which the provider points to as the route into cross border learning and expansion. Anzisha reports more than 8,000 jobs created, over 300 fellows supported, 36 African countries represented and more than $1.5 million in stipends distributed.
Evaluation runs from November 2026 through March 2027, and the 2027 fellows are announced in May 2027. The intake is described as highly selective, seeking founders who have already shown initiative, courage and commitment by building an operating venture. An application guide sets out the requirements, documents and images needed for a strong submission, and it is available in English, Arabic, French and Portuguese.
What you receive
- Share of a prize pool worth $40,000 USD at the end of year two, across Job Creation, Revenue Growth, Storytelling and Systems of Delivery
- Milestone based cash stipends tied to demonstrated business progress
- Finance readiness support that builds strong systems and investor ready materials for funding and partnerships
- Experiential learning through immersive shadowing with high performing entrepreneurs
- Hybrid education combining self paced digital courses on an interactive learning platform with live, high impact sessions and coaching
- Access to a peer community of nearly 300 very young entrepreneurs across Africa, with cross border collaboration and expansion opportunities
Who can apply
- Aged 15 to 22 with a valid National ID or passport
- A citizen of an African country
- Already started a business, invention or social project, in any field or industry
- A founding member and the founder leading the venture applied with
- Working on the venture for 20 or more hours per week
- The business must operate in Africa and serve African customers or beneficiaries
Who should not apply
- People applying with only an idea and no started venture
- Applicants who are not a founding member of the business they apply with
- Businesses that do not operate in Africa or serve African customers or beneficiaries
Documents to prepare
- A valid National ID or passport for the applicant
- Evidence of real venture activity, such as customers, sales or beneficiaries
- The additional documents and images listed in the Anzisha application guide, which is free to request from the provider
- Formal business registration is not required, but the venture must already be operating
How to apply
- Read the eligibility checklist on the Anzisha fellowship page and confirm you meet every point before you start
- Request the application guide from Anzisha to see the full list of requirements, documents and images needed
- Open the Anzisha application portal and complete the form for the 2027 intake
- Show real activity in your venture, such as customers, sales or beneficiaries, since idea stage applications are not accepted
- Submit before 10 November 2026, the day applications close
Selection process
- Applications are evaluated between November 2026 and March 2027
- Anzisha describes the intake as highly selective, looking for founders who have already shown initiative, courage and commitment
- The 2027 fellows are announced in May 2027
- At the end of the second year fellows pitch their ventures and compete for a share of the prize pool on demonstrated growth
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
Questions applicants ask
Can I apply with just an idea?
No. The Fellowship is for entrepreneurs who have already started their business and can show customers, revenue or beneficiaries.
Does my business need to be based in Africa?
Yes. The venture must operate in Africa and serve African customers or beneficiaries.
Do I need a registered business to apply?
No. Formal registration is not required, but the business or project must already be started and show real activity.
What kinds of businesses are eligible?
Any field or industry. Businesses, inventions and social projects are all welcome.
Is there a cost to apply?
No. The application process is free of charge, with no fees required.
What happens after I apply?
Applications are evaluated between November 2026 and March 2027, and the fellows are announced in May 2027.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
