Deadline: December 1, 2025
The Big Bets Fellowship: Africa 2026 is a fully funded leadership and systems-change fellowship designed by the Rockefeller Foundation to empower African innovators who are driving bold, transformative solutions across the continent. This prestigious programme supports leaders working on high-impact ideas that have the potential to reshape policies, markets, ecosystems and entire sectors. The Big Bets Fellowship: Africa 2026 equips participants with deep strategic guidance, leadership tools, and access to influential networks needed to accelerate their “big bet” ideas.
Introduction
The Big Bets Fellowship: Africa 2026 offers a unique platform for African leaders tackling some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. This programme is crafted to support individuals working on systemic approaches rather than small, isolated projects. Through training, ecosystem support, strategic mentorship and global visibility, the fellowship helps participants refine, scale and amplify their impact. Fully funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, it is an excellent opportunity for visionaries ready to elevate transformative solutions that can shift systems across Africa.
About the Opportunity
The fellowship focuses on bold, systems-level solutions led by African changemakers. It supports leaders across sectors such as food systems, policy innovation, data, AI, technology, markets, trade, and enabling ecosystems. The programme spans 20 weeks, combining virtual learning with an in-person convening at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center.
Participants receive high-level leadership development, systems-thinking training, access to top mentors, and visibility through the Foundation’s global platforms. The aim is to strengthen and amplify projects with the potential to shift how systems function at scale.
Eligibility
To apply, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Have 5–15 years of relevant work experience within the field related to their project.
- Be proficient in English (reading, writing and communication).
- Be legally able to participate under the laws of their country.
- Hold the intellectual property rights or necessary permissions for the idea or project they intend to develop in the fellowship.
- Demonstrate strong engagement within African contexts — working, leading or innovating within African systems.
Ideal applicants are system thinkers, coalition builders and innovators who can collaborate effectively while driving forward transformative ideas.
Benefits / Award Details
The Big Bets Fellowship: Africa 2026 is fully funded and offers:
- USD $5,000 stipend to support participation.
- All travel expenses covered for the in-person convening at Bellagio.
- High-level mentorship and leadership development.
- Weekly virtual training sessions with global experts.
- A powerful network of changemakers across Africa and beyond.
- Global visibility and opportunities to amplify projects during the programme’s final showcase.
- Support in strengthening policy-level strategies, system-wide models and large-scale impact frameworks.
Note: Visa applications for travel are the responsibility of participants.
Application Requirements / Documents
Applicants must complete the eligibility and pre-application questionnaire, followed by a full application (if shortlisted). Required information typically includes:
- Personal and professional background
- Description of your “big bet” idea
- Evidence of feasibility, influence and potential for systems-level impact
- Work experience details
- Confirmation of IP rights
- Statement of motivation and leadership vision
Timeline / Key Dates
- Applications Open: 10 November 2025
- Eligibility & Pre-Application Deadline: 1 December 2025
- Full Application Deadline: Late January 2026
- Interviews: January 2026
- Fellows Announced: Late February 2026
- Onboarding Call: Week of 4 May 2026
- Weekly Virtual Sessions: May – August 2026
- In-Person Convening (Bellagio Center): Week of 23 August 2026
- Final Amplification Moment: Fall 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants must complete the online eligibility questionnaire and submit the pre-application form. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit the full application.
Selection Process
Selection is based on:
- Strength and clarity of the systems-level “big bet” idea
- Track record and professional experience
- Leadership capacity and collaborative potential
- Alignment with Africa-focused transformative change
- Feasibility and potential for long-term impact
Shortlisted applicants undergo interviews before the final selection.
Additional Information / Terms
- The fellowship does not provide long-term project implementation funding.
- It focuses instead on leadership development, strategic guidance and visibility.
- Participants must commit time for weekly virtual sessions and in-person convenings.
- Some sessions may require collaboration with cohort members, ecosystem partners or mentors.
Host Organisation
The Rockefeller Foundation — a global philanthropy committed to expanding opportunity and strengthening resilience through innovation and partnerships. The Foundation’s fellowships support visionary leaders addressing the world’s toughest challenges through bold, strategic, and scalable solutions.
