Deadline: January 30, 2026
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 is a major opportunity for innovative EdTech ventures across Africa seeking growth, sustainability, and measurable impact in the education sector. The programme provides equity-free funding, tailored mentorship, and structured business and education-science support to help ventures scale their solutions. The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 is delivered in partnership with leading technology hubs and accelerators across the continent, ensuring ventures receive both local context and global exposure.
About the Opportunity
The Fellowship is an entrepreneurship acceleration initiative designed to support EdTech organisations working to improve learning outcomes through technology or tech-enabled solutions. The programme aims to strengthen business models, deepen evidence of learning impact, and expand market access. Ventures selected for the cohort are supported through a combination of technical training, mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to follow-on funding opportunities.
The Fellowship is implemented through identified hubs and accelerators across Africa, each responsible for running its own cohort. This includes countries such as Ghana, South Africa, Egypt, Benin, Senegal, Ethiopia, Tanzania and others through partner institutions.
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements vary slightly by implementing hub, but the information provided includes the following criteria:
- The organisation must be incorporated in Ghana.
- The organisation must have been in operation for a minimum of three years.
- Applicants must have a technology-based or technology-enabled solution focused on improving educational outcomes.
- Ventures must be at growth stage, meaning the product is developed and in active use.
- The solution must demonstrate potential to reach at least 8,000 learners.
- Teams should be inclusive, diverse, and committed to advancing education.
- Additional hubs, such as the South Africa-based cohort, require two team members to attend in-person sessions in Cape Town and participate in ongoing reporting activities.
Benefits/Award Details
Successful ventures receive a range of benefits, including:
- US$60,000 equity-free funding
- Access to mentors, industry experts, and strategic advisors
- A structured curriculum combining business development and education-science support
- Market access and visibility opportunities
- Access to additional funding pathways
- Ongoing monitoring and reporting support throughout and after the Fellowship
Application Requirements/Documents
While specific document lists vary by hub, applicants typically provide:
- Completed online application form
- Organisational information and operational history
- Product description and evidence of use
- Business metrics and traction records
- Team information and inclusion profile
- Details demonstrating potential impact and scale
Timeline/Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 January 2026
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications through the official online application portal. After submission, ventures undergo a competitive review process before being invited to the next stage.
Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Stage 1: Online application review
- Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates participate in a virtual pitch and interview session
- Stage 3: Final selection and onboarding into the Fellowship
Selected ventures will participate in a structured multi-month acceleration programme, including in-person sessions (where required), monthly reporting, and subsequent quarterly reporting to support evidence building.
Additional Information/Terms
- Some Fellowship hubs focus specifically on inclusion, prioritising ventures serving young women, rural youth, refugees, persons with disabilities, and other underserved groups.
- Reporting requirements may extend up to two years post-programme, depending on the implementing hub.
- Programmatic components and expectations may differ by country-based accelerator.
Host Organisation
The programme is hosted by the Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with various recognised technology hubs and accelerators across Africa. These partners deliver the Fellowship curriculum, mentorship, and evaluation support to selected ventures.
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