Deadline: November 7, 2025
Are you a young African entrepreneur running a growing business or social enterprise? The Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026 is your chance to join a two-year venture-building journey designed to support and reward exceptional young founders across Africa. This fellowship provides access to world-class mentorship, funding, learning opportunities, and a community of peers committed to entrepreneurial excellence.
About the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026
The Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026 is a two-year fellowship programme that recognises and supports very young African entrepreneurs who have already started their ventures. It is not for ideas or business plans, but for operational businesses making a tangible impact.
Over the course of the fellowship, participants receive continuous business and personal growth tracking, funding, expert mentorship, and targeted learning opportunities. Upon completion, fellows become part of the prestigious Anzisha Alumni Network — gaining lifetime access to resources and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026 offers a wide range of benefits designed to help young entrepreneurs scale their ventures successfully.
Key benefits include:
- Bi-annual cash stipends: Regular financial support to help fellows sustain and grow their ventures.
- Business development support: Including short-term educational opportunities, internships, and expert consultations during the second year.
- Access to mentors and a thriving community of like-minded young African innovators.
- A chance to win one of four Grand Prizes worth up to US $40,000 upon successful completion of the programme.
Grand Prize Categories
At the end of the two-year fellowship, outstanding fellows will compete for the following awards:
- Job Creation Prize – awarded to the entrepreneur who creates the highest number of sustainable job opportunities.
- Revenue Growth Prize – for the venture that demonstrates the highest revenue growth since joining the programme.
- Storytelling Prize – recognises fellows who have creatively communicated their business journey and impact through storytelling.
- Systems & Processes Prize – for entrepreneurs who have implemented the most effective business systems and processes learned during the fellowship.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be aged 15–22 years (born between 1 September 2003 and 31 August 2010).
- Be a national of an African country and have a venture that operates in Africa, serving African customers or beneficiaries.
- Have already started a venture that demonstrates tangible results such as revenue, impact, or reach.
- Be one of the founders of the venture — actively involved in leadership and management.
- Dedicate at least 20 hours per week to running the venture and plan to continue after selection.
- The venture can be in any field, including technology, science, agriculture, arts, culture, civil society, or sports.
Selection and Judging Criteria
Applications will be assessed using a holistic evaluation approach focusing on traction, leadership, and growth potential.
Judges will consider:
- The extent to which the venture is established and providing value to customers or beneficiaries.
- Whether the applicant is actively leading and managing the business.
- The impact and measurable results achieved so far.
- Revenue growth or scale of reach, and potential for future expansion.
- The quality and number of jobs created, and plans to increase employment opportunities.
- Demonstrated commitment — including leadership involvement, time dedication, and vision for post-fellowship continuation.
Application Process
The application process for the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026 is simple but competitive. Applicants are encouraged to submit early and ensure all eligibility documents are in order.
- Application Deadline: 7 November 2025
- Application Mode: Online submission via Submittable.
- Supporting Documents: Proof of age, nationality, venture registration or proof of operations, and evidence of results (customers, beneficiaries, or revenue).
Why Apply for the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026?
This fellowship stands out because it celebrates action, not just ideas. It’s an incredible opportunity for young Africans who are already building change through enterprise. Participants will gain:
- Financial support to grow their ventures.
- Tailored coaching and expert guidance.
- Opportunities to connect with investors and global mentors.
- Long-term access to the Anzisha alumni network.
For any young founder aiming to scale sustainably and gain continental recognition, the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026 offers a once-in-a-lifetime platform to elevate your business.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Show measurable progress: Highlight customers, revenue, or impact metrics.
- Tell your story: Prepare to share your entrepreneurial journey with creativity — it could win you the Storytelling Prize.
- Demonstrate leadership: Show clear evidence that you are leading the venture.
- Highlight systems and structure: Explain how you organise and run operations efficiently.
- Prepare your documents early: Include ID, venture proof, financial or operational data, and team details.
- Plan for the long term: Demonstrate how the fellowship will help you scale beyond the two-year programme.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 7 November 2025
- Fellowship Duration: 2 Years (2026–2028)
- Location: Across Africa (ventures must be Africa-based)
How to Apply
Ready to take your venture to the next level? Apply for the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026 today.
👉 Read More About the Programme
If you need help drafting, refining, or reviewing your application or proposal, contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
