Fellowships for African founders

Explore fellowships with practical support, community and learning opportunities for founders across Africa.

10 curated opportunities

FellowshipOpen

Harambeans Entrepreneur Alliance 2026 | Join a Pan-African

Call For Applications: Harambeans Entrepreneur Alliance 2026 | Join a Pan-African Network of Entrepreneurs

Applications are open for the Harambeans Entrepreneur Alliance 2026 , a competitive opportunity for young African innovators building businesses and social ventures focused on Africa. The Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance brings together African entrepreneurs and innovators to collaborate, share knowledge, access networks and connect with opportunities that can help their ventures grow. The Alliance says its members have collectively raised more than US$2 billion and generated more than 3,000 jobs . Who Can Apply? To be eligible, applicants must: Be of African birth or origin Be currently enrolled in a college or university or be a graduate Be working on an early-stage or more advanced social or business venture Have a venture that is focused on or related to Africa . Applicants do not necessarily need to have an established company. The Alliance considers candidates at different stages of developing their ideas and ventures. What Do Harambeans Get? Becoming a Harambean provides access to a pan-African entrepreneurial ecosystem that includes: Knowledge-transfer sessions Fellowships Founder and investor retreats Entrepreneurial mentorship and connections Access to potential investors an

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline: September 30, 2026
Location: Africa
Funding or benefit: Funding varies

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FellowshipOpen

African Union Enterprise Africa

Call For Applications: African Union Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 for Youth- and Women-Led Small Businesses

Applications are open for Cohort 2 of the African Union Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme , an AUC startup acceleration initiative designed to help promising African MSMEs strengthen their businesses, access markets and expand across the continent. The programme will select 100 fellows from all 55 African Union Member States and aims to support participating businesses in generating new revenue and creating jobs. The previous cohort trained 56 fellows from 30 African countries and generated more than US$1 million in deals and contracts . What the Fellowship Offers Selected fellows will receive: 12 months of structured business training Training across 10 modules tailored to different sectors and business stages Expert mentorship through African Union partners Intellectual property support Access to the African Trade Observatory (ATO) and AfCFTA market intelligence tools Access to continental business events Market-entry support across selected AfCFTA pilot countries B2B matchmaking opportunities for scale-ready businesses. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is open to youth- and women-led small enterprises that: Are registered and operating in an African Union Member

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline: September 30, 2026
Location: Africa
Funding or benefit: Funding varies

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FellowshipOpen

Women at the Front of Digital Space

Call For Applications: Women at the Front of Digital Space Fellowship 2026 (Cohort I)

Applications are now open for the Women at the Front of Digital Space Fellowship 2026 (Cohort I) , a capacity-building programme designed to empower women with practical digital skills, leadership training, mentorship, and career development opportunities. The fellowship aims to increase women’s participation and leadership in the digital ecosystem by equipping participants with the knowledge, networks, and tools needed to thrive in technology and digital innovation. Fellowship Benefits Selected fellows will have access to: Comprehensive digital skills training Leadership and professional development sessions Mentorship from experienced professionals Networking opportunities with women in technology Practical learning and collaborative projects A community of women advancing digital innovation and leadership. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is open to women who are interested in building careers and leadership in the digital space, including: Students Recent graduates Early-career professionals Entrepreneurs Digital creators Technology enthusiasts Women seeking to develop digital and leadership skills. Applicants should review the official application form for the complete eligibilit

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline: Timeline not announced
Location: Africa
Funding or benefit: Funding varies

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FellowshipOpen

African Plant Nutrition Outreach

Call for Applications: African Plant Nutrition Outreach Fellowship Program 2026 (Up To $ 5,000 Grant)

Applications are now open for the 2026 African Plant Nutrition Outreach Fellowship Program, offering USD 5,000grants to support African scientists, extension specialists, and educators working to improve plant nutrient management and soil fertility across the continent. The fellowship supports innovative education, training, and communication initiatives that promote the efficient use of plant nutrients and accelerate the adoption of sustainable soil fertility management practices in African agricultural systems. Fellowship Focus Areas Applicants are encouraged to propose projects aligned with one or more of the following priority areas: 4R Nutrient Stewardship Nutrient and Water Management for Climate-Resilient Agriculture Soil Health, Nutrient Management and Diagnostics Precision Farming Farmer-led On-farm Innovation Projects that demonstrate strong collaboration and partnerships will receive favourable consideration. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Advertisement Be full-time scientists, extension specialists, or educators. Be employed by an African National Agricultural Research and Extension System (NARES), university, non-profit organisation, or private sector institutio

Eligibility: Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Advertisement Be full-time scientists, extension specialists, or educators

Timeline: Timeline not announced
Location: Africa
Funding or benefit: Funding Successful applicants will receive an award of USD 5,000 to support activities such as: Training programmes and workshops Development of

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FellowshipOpen

Commonwealth Startup

Call For Applications: Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026/2027(Fully Funded To Bootcamp In Accra, Ghana And Capstone Week In London, UK )

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, a six-month program designed to help high-potential startups from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries scale their businesses, attract investment and create jobs. Delivered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in partnership with Imperial College London, the fellowship combines immersive in-person experiences with online learning to equip founders with advanced entrepreneurial skills, global networks and practical strategies for business growth. By the end of the programme, participants are expected to strengthen their ability to scale their ventures, pitch confidently to investors and expand their economic impact in their home countries. The fellowship includes a two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, and a week-long Capstone Week in London, United Kingdom. One representative from each selected startup must attend both in-person events. Advertisement Eligibility Criteria To qualify, applicants must: Be at least graduate level. Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible low or middle-income Commonwealth country. Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country. Be fl

Eligibility: Eligibility Criteria To qualify, applicants must: Be at least graduate level

Timeline: Timeline not announced
Location: Africa
Funding or benefit: grant of up to £2,000 to support business or participation-related costs

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FellowshipOpen

CyberSafe × SANS AI Security

Call for Applications: CyberSafe × SANS AI Security Fellowship 2026 for African Women (Fully Funded)

The CyberSafe Foundation, in partnership with SANS Institute, is inviting applications from African women interested in advancing their careers in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence security through the AI Security Fellowship 2026. The fellowship is designed to equip participants with specialised knowledge and practical skills at the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, helping women build stronger careers in the rapidly evolving digital security landscape. What the Fellowship Offers Selected fellows will have access to a fully funded learning and professional development opportunity, including: Advanced training in AI security and cybersecurity Access to SANS learning resources and training Practical, industry-relevant cybersecurity knowledge Professional development and career support Opportunities to connect with cybersecurity professionals and other women in the field Exposure to emerging challenges and opportunities in AI security Who Can Apply? The opportunity is designed for African women in cybersecurity who are interested in developing specialised expertise in AI security and strengthening their professional careers. Applicants should demonstra

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

Timeline: Timeline not announced
Location: Africa
Funding or benefit: Funding varies

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FellowshipOpen

Tracka-Budgit Governance For Women

Call for Applications: Tracka-Budgit Governance For Women Fellowship 2026

Applications are now open for the Governance for Women By Women Fellowship , an initiative by Tracka and BudgIT aimed at equipping women with practical skills in governance, accountability, and civic engagement. The 2–3 month virtual fellowship is designed to empower women to actively participate in public accountability by building their capacity in budget tracking, project monitoring, and civic education. Participants will gain the knowledge and tools needed to promote transparency and improve public service delivery within their communities. Eligibility Applicants must: Be women working with or affiliated with a Civil Society Organization (CSO), media organization, or advocacy group Have an interest in budget tracking, project monitoring, and civic education Be available to participate in a 2–3 month virtual fellowship Focus States The fellowship is open to applicants from: Lagos Kwara Delta Gombe Katsina Enugu Fellowship Benefits Participants will: Strengthen their understanding of governance and public accountability Develop practical skills in budget tracking, project monitoring, and civic engagement Join a network of women championing transparency and inclusive governance Co

Eligibility: Eligibility Applicants must: Be women working with or affiliated with a Civil Society Organization (CSO), media organization, or advocacy group Have an interest in budget tracking, project monitoring, and civic education Be available to participate in

Timeline: Timeline not announced
Location: Africa
Funding or benefit: Funding varies

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Commonwealth Young Leaders

Call for Applications: Commonwealth Young Leaders Fellowship 2026

Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Young Leaders Fellowship 2026 , a three-month leadership programme designed to equip emerging leaders across the Commonwealth with the skills, networks, and practical experience needed to drive sustainable development and create positive change in their communities. Organised by the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) , the fellowship provides participants with immersive learning opportunities, international collaboration, and leadership development to strengthen their impact and expand their influence as changemakers. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Advertisement Be under 35 years of age Be a young leader from a Commonwealth country Demonstrate a passion for creating positive change in their communities Be committed to leadership and sustainable development Benefits Selected fellows will benefit from: A three-month immersive leadership development programme Practical leadership experience International collaboration with young leaders across the Commonwealth Capacity building to advance sustainable development initiatives Access to a global network of youth leaders and professionals Opportunities to strengthen leadership and commun

Eligibility: Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Advertisement Be under 35 years of age Be a young leader from a Commonwealth country Demonstrate a passion for creating positive change in their communities Be committed to leadership and sustainable development B

Timeline: Timeline not announced
Location: Africa
Funding or benefit: Funding varies

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African Fashion FundLab

Call for Applications: African Fashion FundLab Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded Business Development Program for Fashion Entrepreneurs

Applications are now open for the African Fashion FundLab Fellowship 2026, a fully funded business development programme designed to help fashion entrepreneurs in Nigeria build sustainable, investment-ready businesses. The fellowship is specifically designed for established fashion business owners seeking to strengthen their operations, improve financial management, attract investment, and scale their brands through practical, hands-on learning and expert mentorship. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Own a registered fashion business Have operated their business for at least three (3) years Be available to participate in the fellowship in person Why You Should Apply The African Fashion FundLab Fellowship offers fashion entrepreneurs the opportunity to strengthen their businesses through practical learning, expert guidance, and investment readiness support. Participants will leave the programme with the knowledge, tools, and network needed to build profitable and sustainable fashion brands. Advertisement What You’ll Learn Participants will gain practical skills to: Build and scale a sustainable fashion business Develop profitable business models and increase revenue Position the

Eligibility: Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Own a registered fashion business Have operated their business for at least three (3) years Be available to participate in the fellowship in person Why You Should Apply The African Fashion FundLab Fellowship offer

Timeline: Timeline not announced
Location: Africa
Funding or benefit: Funding varies

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FellowshipOpen

African Union Commission Chairperson’s Youth Envoy

Call For Applications: African Union Commission Chairperson’s Youth Envoy (AUCYE) 2026 (Annual Salary of Up to US$96,921)

Applications are now open for the 2026 African Union Commission Chairperson’s Youth Envoy (AUCYE), an opportunity for outstanding young African leaders to serve as the African Union’s chief advocate for youth development, participation, and empowerment across the continent. The African Union is seeking to appoint the 3rd African Union Commission Chairperson’s Youth Envoy for a two-year term (renewable), who will work closely with the AU Commission to amplify the voices of young Africans, influence continental policies, and strengthen youth participation in Africa’s development agenda under Agenda 2063. Why This Matters Young people are central to Africa’s future. The Youth Envoy serves as a bridge between African youth and the African Union, ensuring that young people’s aspirations, ideas, and concerns shape policies, programmes, and decisions that impact the continent. This role provides a unique platform to champion youth development, strengthen partnerships, and drive transformative change across Africa. Advertisement Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will: • Champion African Union youth policies and priorities • Promote meaningful youth participation in AU policy pr

Eligibility: Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Advertisement • Be between 18 and 35 years old throughout the appointment • Hold a Master’s degree with at least seven years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with at least ten years of re

Timeline: Timeline not announced
Location: Africa
Funding or benefit: up to US$96,921.34 (internationally recruited staff) • Opportunity to build partnerships that adva

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