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Application Deadline: May 11th, 2026
The 2026 Acumen Green RISE Africa Fellowship is now accepting applications. This leadership program, lasting six months and offered in a hybrid format, aims to empower entrepreneurs with essential tools, frameworks, and networks for fostering sustainable and climate-aligned enterprises.
What sets this fellowship apart from traditional business programs is its emphasis on moral leadership. This component helps participants cultivate the values, mindset, and decision-making skills necessary for generating long-lasting and inclusive impact. Fellows can continue thriving in their current roles while simultaneously engaging in virtual learning experiences, in-person activities, and collaborative peer engagements.
The program is particularly directed at entrepreneurs committed to creating dignified work opportunities, especially for women and youths in underserved regions.
Eligibility Criteria
This fellowship is an excellent fit for individuals who:
- Are managing or leading a green enterprise
- Focus on generating inclusive economic opportunities
- Are dedicated to tackling climate change and poverty
- Exhibit strong leadership potential and a compelling vision for impact
- Are based in selected East or West African countries
Green RISE West Africa Fellowship
The Green RISE West Africa Fellowship invites entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia who are implementing climate solutions and addressing poverty by creating respectful work and green job opportunities, particularly for young rural women and youth.
East Africa Fellowship
The East Africa track is open to entrepreneurs from nations such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, and Somalia. Its primary aim is to bolster climate-aligned business models, enhance resilience, and broaden impact within communities, with fellows benefiting from in-person experiences held in Kenya and access to both regional and global expertise.
Program Structure
The fellowship is designed to let participants maintain their jobs while engaging in a six-month hybrid program that combines virtual sessions, in-person learning experiences, and self-paced study. Each fellow is expected to dedicate around 10 hours per month to the fellowship activities.
Here’s a brief overview of the program:
- One 3-day virtual Orientation
- One 2-day virtual Workshop
- Two 5-day in-person immersives (with 8 hours of assignments for each immersive, including self-paced study and group discussions) conducted in Nigeria and Kenya
- Three Learning Labs (4 hours each, plus assignments)
- Monthly virtual cohort learning and peer connection sessions, requiring attendance on designated dates
- One-on-one support calls with the program team during the Fellowship
- Self-paced tasks assigned to each fellow (consisting of online lessons, assignments, and reading materials)
This fellowship program stands out as a unique opportunity for social entrepreneurs eager to make impactful contributions to their communities while leading sustainable initiatives. For those interested in applying, remember that the application deadline is set for May 11th, 2026.
For more information, visit the official [Acumen Fellowship page](https://acumen.org/fellowship/) to get details on how to join this transformative experience.
