Looking to take your climate-focused enterprise to the next level? The Acumen Academy is now accepting applications for the Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026. This fully funded leadership program supports entrepreneurs across East and West Africa who are building solutions at the intersection of climate action and poverty reduction.
Designed for emerging leaders driving inclusive green growth, the fellowship offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your leadership, scale your enterprise, and join a global community of changemakers. Applications open on 11 May 2026, with the program starting in July 2026.
About the Opportunity
The Green RISE Africa Fellowship (Resilient Impact through Sustainable Entrepreneurship) is a six-month hybrid leadership program that equips entrepreneurs with the tools, frameworks, and networks needed to grow sustainable, climate-aligned businesses.
Unlike traditional business programs, this fellowship focuses on moral leadership—helping participants develop the values, mindset, and decision-making skills required to create long-term, inclusive impact. Fellows remain in their current roles while engaging in virtual learning, in-person immersives, and peer collaboration.
The program is designed to support entrepreneurs who are not only building businesses, but also creating dignified work opportunities, particularly for women and youth in underserved communities.
East vs West Africa Fellowship
The fellowship is delivered through two regional tracks, each tailored to specific contexts while maintaining a shared mission of building an inclusive green economy.
West Africa Fellowship
This track focuses on entrepreneurs working to expand green job opportunities for young rural women and youth across West Africa. It emphasizes building enterprises rooted in dignity, equity, and sustainable growth.
Participants engage in immersive learning experiences, including in-person sessions in Nigeria, while connecting with a diverse network of peers tackling similar challenges across the region.
East Africa Fellowship
The East Africa track is open to entrepreneurs in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, and Somalia.
It focuses on strengthening climate-aligned business models, improving resilience, and scaling impact across communities. Fellows participate in in-person immersives in Kenya and benefit from access to regional and global expertise.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Africa is at the forefront of both climate vulnerability and climate innovation. Entrepreneurs across the continent are developing solutions in renewable energy, agriculture, waste management, and more—but often face barriers in scaling their impact.
The Green RISE Africa Fellowship addresses this gap by combining leadership development with practical enterprise support. It helps participants navigate complex challenges, engage stakeholders effectively, and build systems that prioritize both environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
By fostering a strong community of leaders, the program also creates opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and long-term partnerships that extend far beyond the fellowship itself.
What You’ll Gain
Participants benefit from a comprehensive and fully funded experience, including:
- A structured 6-month leadership development program
- Access to Acumen’s global alumni network, The Foundry (2,000+ members)
- Training in key areas such as adaptive leadership, storytelling, and inclusive business strategies
- Participation in virtual sessions and in-person immersives
- Personalized mentorship and peer learning opportunities
- Continued engagement in a climate-focused community of practice after the program
In addition, fellows may gain access to future funding and growth opportunities to further scale their enterprises.
Program Structure
The fellowship is designed to be flexible, requiring approximately 10 hours per month.
It includes:
- A 3-day virtual orientation
- A 2-day virtual workshop
- Two 5-day in-person immersives
- Monthly cohort sessions and learning labs
- Self-paced assignments and one-on-one support
This structure allows participants to immediately apply what they learn to their own enterprises.
Eligibility
This opportunity is ideal for individuals who:
- Are building or leading a green enterprise
- Focus on creating inclusive economic opportunities
- Are committed to addressing climate change and poverty
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a strong vision for impact
- Are based in eligible East or West African countries
Application Process and Timeline
To apply, candidates must:
- Review the Applicant Toolkit
- Submit an online application (opens 11 May 2026)
- Participate in a Selection Conference (4–6 June 2026) if shortlisted
- Begin the fellowship in July 2026
If you are ready to grow your enterprise and contribute to Africa’s green future, visit the official website to apply:
Explore More Opportunities for Youth
Want to discover more fellowships, scholarships, internships, and global programs like this one? Visit Opportunities for Youth to explore more opportunities.
