Anzisha Fellowship 2027 for Young Entrepreneurs

Applications are open for the Anzisha Fellowship 2027, a multi year entrepreneurship programme supporting some of Africa’s youngest business founders and social entrepreneurs. The fellowship is designed for young African entrepreneurs who are already building real ventures and want to strengthen their businesses, accelerate growth and increase their ability to create jobs.

The programme is run by Anzisha, an initiative founded by African Leadership Academy in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. Since its establishment, Anzisha has focused on supporting young African entrepreneurs through practical learning, coaching, financial support and access to a network of peers, mentors and partners.

The 2027 fellowship is open to young entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 22 who are citizens of an African country. Applicants must already have started a business or project, be a founding member of the venture and demonstrate real activity. An idea or business plan alone is not sufficient. The venture must operate in Africa and serve African customers or beneficiaries.

About the Fellowship

The Anzisha Fellowship is designed around the idea that young entrepreneurs can begin creating economic value and employment while they are still very young. Rather than supporting only business ideas, the fellowship focuses on founders who have already taken action and can demonstrate customers, revenue, beneficiaries or other evidence of real activity.

Selected fellows join a multi year programme intended to strengthen both the entrepreneur and the venture. The programme combines practical learning, financial support, exposure to experienced entrepreneurs and opportunities to develop the systems required to grow a sustainable business.

Anzisha accepts ventures across different fields and industries. Eligible businesses, inventions and social projects can come from a wide range of sectors, meaning applicants do not need to operate in one specific industry.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship offers opportunities and support valued at US$40,000 in prizes.

• Milestone based cash stipends linked to business progress

• Finance readiness support to strengthen financial systems and investor ready materials

• Experiential learning through shadowing high performing entrepreneurs

• Exposure to practical decision making, operations and leadership

• Self paced educational courses

• Live learning sessions focused on practical business development

• Coaching and guidance to help translate learning into business results

• Access to a wider community of young African entrepreneurs

• Opportunities to strengthen business growth and job creation

The US$40,000 figure refers to the value of prizes available through the fellowship and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed cash payment of US$40,000 to every fellow.

Programme Areas

The Anzisha Fellowship is open to businesses, inventions and social projects across different fields and industries.

Potential areas can include:

• Business and entrepreneurship

• Science and technology

• Social enterprise

• Civil society

• Arts and culture

• Sports

• Community focused ventures

• Other businesses or projects creating value for African customers or beneficiaries

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 15 and 22 years old

• Be a citizen of an African country

• Have a valid identification document or passport

• Be a founding member of the business or project being submitted

• Have already started the business or project

• Operate the business in Africa

• Serve African customers or beneficiaries

• Be able to demonstrate real business or project activity

• Spend at least 20 hours per week working on the venture

Required Application Information

The official Anzisha application page provides an application guide containing the eligibility requirements, documents and images needed for the application. The guide is available in English, Arabic, French and Portuguese.

Applicants should therefore prepare:

• Personal identification information

• Evidence of citizenship and age

• Information about the business or project

• Evidence that the venture has already started

• Information demonstrating customers, sales or beneficiaries

• Details showing the applicant is a founding member

• Information about the applicant’s role in operating the venture

• Supporting documents and images requested in the official application guide

Applicants should consult the official application guide before submitting their application because the required supporting materials are specified there.

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements for the Anzisha Fellowship 2027.
2. Confirm that you are between 15 and 22 years old and are a citizen of an African country.
3. Ensure that you have already started a business, invention or social project.
4. Confirm that the venture operates in Africa and serves African customers or beneficiaries.
5. Gather evidence demonstrating real activity, such as customers, sales or beneficiaries.
6. Review the official Anzisha application guide and prepare the required documents and images.
7. Complete the online application through the official Anzisha application platform.
8. Submit the application before November 10, 2026.
9. Keep a copy of your submitted application and supporting information for your records.