About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship provides African students and recent graduates with training, resources, financial support and mentorship to develop their entrepreneurial skills and build their own ventures.
The 8-month fellowship programme is designed to help participants develop an entrepreneurial skillset and mindset while pursuing opportunities to create social and financial impact.
The programme welcomes students and recent graduates from different academic disciplines and post-secondary institutions across Africa.
About the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship
The fellowship supports aspiring entrepreneurs at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
Whether participants are already developing a business or are still exploring an entrepreneurial idea, the programme provides access to training, mentorship, resources and other forms of support to help them take the next step.
The programme is fully virtual and can be completed at the participant's own pace throughout the eight-month programme cycle. However, participants are expected to meet assignment deadlines in order to progress through the different programme phases.
Fellowship Benefits
Participants in the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship can access:
Best-in-class entrepreneurship training
Mentorship and networking opportunities
Financial support and opportunities
An inclusive learning environment
Resources to support the development of entrepreneurial ideas and ventures
The programme is designed to help participants strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset and make practical progress on their entrepreneurial journey.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship welcomes students and recent graduates from all academic disciplines and any post-secondary institution in Africa.
Applicants can be at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey. You may apply whether you are:
Already building a business or venture; or
Exploring and developing a new entrepreneurial idea.
What the Programme Looks For
Applicants should be:
Committed to developing their entrepreneurial mindset.
Ready to make effective use of the programme's resources and mentorship.
Willing to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to their entrepreneurial journey.
Participants should be prepared to actively engage with the programme throughout the eight-month cycle and complete required assignments by the relevant deadlines.
Programme Format
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship is delivered fully online.
Participants can complete the programme at their own pace during the eight-month programme cycle, while still meeting the required assignment deadlines for progression through the programme phases.
This virtual format allows eligible students and recent graduates across Africa to participate without relocating for the fellowship.
Language and Accessibility
The programme content is delivered in English.
Mentorship may be offered in English and French, while assignments and pitches must be completed in English.
Applicants who are not fluent in English are still encouraged to apply. The source information indicates that applicants may:
Form a team with someone who can meet the English-language requirements; or
Work with their university or local organisations to access language support and resources.
Key Details
OpportunityJim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on EntrepreneurshipStudy/participant levelStudents and recent graduatesTarget groupAfrican students and recent graduatesAcademic disciplinesAll academic disciplinesInstitution eligibilityAny post-secondary institution in AfricaProgramme duration8 monthsFormatFully virtualTime commitmentAt least 10 hours per weekLanguageEnglishMentorship languagesEnglish and French may be availableApplication deadline1 December 2026GenderMen and women
How to apply