Green RISE Africa Fellowships 2026 (Leadership Training & Funding Access)
Entrepreneurs working to combat climate change and poverty in Africa can now apply for the Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026, a leadership and enterprise development program backed by Acumen Academy and the Mastercard Foundation. This fellowship is designed to support youth and women-led green businesses in West Africa by offering leadership training, mentorship, and access to funding pathways.
The Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026 is a 6-month hybrid fellowship program that equips African entrepreneurs with practical leadership skills and business growth strategies to scale climate-focused enterprises. Fellows will also join a global network of social innovators and gain exposure to future funding and accelerator opportunities.
Unlike traditional scholarships that focus on academic education, this fellowship supports real-world business leadership development, helping entrepreneurs build sustainable solutions that create jobs while improving climate resilience.
Degree Level
The Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026 is a non-degree fellowship program. It is intended for entrepreneurs and business founders rather than students seeking undergraduate or postgraduate academic scholarships.
Available Subjects
The fellowship is open to applicants working in climate-related sectors, including:
- Renewable Energy
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Climate Innovation
- Green Jobs
- Environmental Sustainability
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Rural Development
Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- Leadership development training in adaptive leadership, storytelling, and impact strategy
- Hybrid learning experience with virtual sessions and in-person immersions
- Access to Acumen Foundry’s global network of over 2,000 social entrepreneurs
- Mentorship from industry experts and peer collaboration opportunities
- Exposure to project funding opportunities and accelerator pathways
- Business growth tools to strengthen enterprise scalability
Participants can remain employed while joining the fellowship, with an expected commitment of approximately 10 hours per month over six months.
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants from the following West African countries are eligible:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Liberia
- Sierra Leone
- The Gambia
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026, applicants must:
- Be an entrepreneur operating in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, or The Gambia
- Be running a climate-aligned enterprise, such as renewable energy, agriculture, or green employment initiatives
- Focus on creating jobs for young women and rural youth
- Demonstrate strong leadership potential
- Show commitment to social impact and climate resilience
- Be willing to participate in leadership development activities for six months
The selection process is highly competitive and prioritizes founders with scalable enterprises and a strong social mission.
Application Procedure
Applicants can apply for the Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026 by following these steps:
- Visit the official fellowship application portal.
- Complete the online application form with personal and business details.
- Provide information about your enterprise, including its climate impact and job creation goals.
- Submit any required supporting documents or references.
- Review the application carefully before submission.
Applicants are encouraged to highlight their leadership experience, enterprise growth potential, and commitment to empowering underserved communities.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026 is:
11 May 2026
Interested applicants should submit their applications before the deadline to be considered.
