Deadline: November 20, 2025
The Halcyon Climate Resilience & Food Security in Africa Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications, offering an intensive hybrid support programme for founders working on scalable, impact-driven ventures across the African continent. This fellowship is designed to accelerate solutions focused on climate adaptation, environmental resilience, and food security while supporting entrepreneurs with funding, network access, leadership training, and global visibility.
If you are building a mission-driven for-profit venture that tackles climate or food-system challenges in Africa, this is a highly strategic opportunity to receive funding, mentorship, and international exposure.
About the Halcyon Climate Resilience & Food Security in Africa Fellowship 2026
The fellowship supports founders who are creating innovative, scalable, market-ready solutions that strengthen food security and climate resilience in Africa.
The programme runs in a hybrid model, combining in-person residencies with virtual sessions:
- 1-week in-person residency in Accra, Ghana
- 5 virtual programming days across several months
- 1-week in-person residency in Nairobi, Kenya
Fellows also gain access to world-class advisors, technical experts, investors, and a lifelong membership in Halcyon’s global entrepreneurial community.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Each selected venture receives:
- USD 6,000 equity-free stipend
- USD 10,000 in AWS cloud credits
- Founder-centred workshops covering product development, leadership, and capital strategy
- Expert business advisors and technical mentors
- Access to industry leaders, climate investors, partners, and networks
- Peer learning with other African founders
- Lifetime access to the Halcyon Alumni Community
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be founders or co-founders with decision-making authority
- Be 21 years or older by programme start date
- Lead a for-profit venture aligned with at least one UN SDG
- Have a minimum viable product (MVP) already in operation
- Show evidence of traction (users, LOIs, pilots, revenue, etc.)
- Be based in Africa or directly serving African communities
- Have English language proficiency
- Commit fully to all virtual and in-person programme activities
Founders may apply solo or with one team member.
Programme Timeline / Key Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 31 October 2025 |
| Eligibility Form Deadline | 20 November 2025 |
| Full Application Deadline (by invitation) | 4 December 2025 |
| Final Selection & Notification | January 2026 |
| Virtual Kick-off | 25 March 2026 (approx.) |
| Residency 1 – Accra | 17–24 April 2026 (approx.) |
| Residency 2 – Nairobi | 24–31 July 2026 (approx.) |
Applicants must commit to both physical residencies and all virtual sessions.
Selection Process
- Eligibility Screening
- Invitation-only Application Stage
- Review by Expert Panel & Halcyon Team
- Final Notification & Onboarding
- Programme Launch in March 2026
Selections are based on impact, innovation, scalability, leadership potential, and feasibility of the venture.
Application Requirements
- Online eligibility form
- Full application (if shortlisted)
- Pitch deck or venture overview
- Proof of traction (MVP, demos, revenue, signed agreements, etc.)
- Founder bios
- Commitment confirmation for travel and programme sessions
Why Founders Should Apply
This fellowship is ideal for entrepreneurs who need a mix of:
✅ Funding without equity
✅ Business model and fundraising strategy support
✅ Pan-African and global exposure
✅ Access to climate and food-security investors
✅ Visibility and credibility from a world-class accelerator
It is especially valuable for ventures scaling into multiple African regions or preparing for seed/Series A fundraising.
How to Apply
Applications open 31 October 2025 and begin with the eligibility form, followed by a full application invitation for shortlisted candidates.
Important Notes Before Applying
- Check visa validity for Ghana and Kenya (for residency attendance)
- Review expected deliverables and programme commitments
- Ensure at least one founder is available for travel and full participation
- Confirm no equity or IP claim is required (stipend is equity-free)
- Verify organisational fit with ESG/SDG venture criteria
About Halcyon
Halcyon is a global organisation supporting impact-driven founders through fellowships, incubators, and capital access. Alumni have raised over $500M in funding and operate ventures in 70+ countries.
Application Links (as required)
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