Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship Opens Applications for 2026
Applications opened today for the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026, a two-year program designed to support and reward the growth of ventures led by young African entrepreneurs.
The fellowship, which has operated for over 15 years, provides benefits including bi-annual cash stipends, short-term educational opportunities, and consultations with technical experts. Fellows will also have the opportunity to pitch their businesses for a share of $40,000 in prize money, distributed across four categories: Job Creation, Revenue Growth, Storytelling, and Integrating Systems and Processes. This funding can be crucial for scaling businesses in emerging markets.
To be eligible, applicants must be between 15 and 22 years old and a national of an African country with a business based in Africa. Crucially, the Anzisha Fellowship prioritizes ventures that are already established and generating revenue or impact – ideas and business plans alone are not considered. Detailed judging criteria focus on demonstrated impact, leadership, and job creation potential; more information on the application process can be found here. The deadline for applications is November 7, 2025.
Successful fellows will join the Anzisha alumni network upon completion of the program, gaining access to ongoing support and resources. The Anzisha Prize, a partner organization, highlights the importance of investing in youth entrepreneurship across the continent; you can learn more about their work on their website. Officials stated they look forward to receiving applications from young African entrepreneurs demonstrating tangible results.
