Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2027 – Apply Now
Applications are opening soon for the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2027, a multi-year programme designed to support young African entrepreneurs building businesses that create jobs and generate sustainable economic opportunities.
The fellowship, run by Anzisha in partnership with the African Leadership Academy and Mastercard Foundation, provides young founders with access to practical business support, coaching, learning opportunities, funding and a pan-African network of entrepreneurs and mentors.
Anzisha says applications for its next cohort will open in October 2026, giving young entrepreneurs across Africa an opportunity to join a growing community of founders working to build and scale sustainable ventures.
What the Fellowship Offers
Selected fellows can benefit from a range of support aimed at strengthening their businesses and leadership capabilities. These include:
- Business coaching and mentorship
- Practical entrepreneurship training
- Access to funding and other financial support
- Peer learning and networking opportunities
- Support to improve business systems and operations
- Opportunities to strengthen job creation and revenue growth
- Visibility through Anzisha’s storytelling and media platforms
The programme focuses on entrepreneurs who are actively building ventures with potential for growth, job creation and positive community impact. Anzisha has supported hundreds of young entrepreneurs across more than 30 African countries and reports that its fellows have collectively created thousands of jobs.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is targeted at young African entrepreneurs who are actively leading and developing their own ventures.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate that they are actively involved in their businesses and have a clear ambition to grow their ventures, create jobs and generate meaningful value for their communities.
Anzisha’s selection process has historically considered factors including the strength and potential of the venture, leadership, job creation, growth prospects and the founder’s ability to communicate the business vision.
Prize Opportunities
The Anzisha fellowship includes opportunities for fellows to compete for major prizes recognising progress in areas such as job creation, revenue growth, systems and delivery, and storytelling.
In previous fellowship cycles, Anzisha awarded four $10,000 grand prizes, bringing the total prize pool to $40,000.
The awards recognise entrepreneurs who demonstrate measurable progress and strong performance in building and growing their ventures.
Why Apply?
Beyond the prize money, the fellowship provides entrepreneurs with long-term access to a community designed to help young African founders strengthen their businesses.
Anzisha describes its approach as supporting entrepreneurship as a career path while helping young founders build sustainable businesses capable of creating employment and attracting investment.
Application Details
Programme: Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2027
Target group: Young African entrepreneurs
Programme focus: Business growth, job creation and leadership
Prize opportunities: Up to $40,000 across four $10,000 grand prizes, based on the fellowship’s established prize structure
Application opening: October 2026
Apply Now
Applications for the next cohort are expected to open in October 2026. Interested entrepreneurs should monitor the official Anzisha website for the application portal, eligibility requirements and the confirmed deadline.
Visit the official Anzisha website
